evacuations

New fire starts in Douglas County near Foothill

UPDATE 7:25PM: Voluntary evacuations have been lifted for residents around the fire. Mottsville remains closed, but should be cleared soon according to Douglas County officials.

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Nev. - A new fire has started in Douglas County in the Foothill area at the base of Kingsbury Grade. Voluntary evacuations have been put in place for the Apple Creek, Foothill, Mottsville and surrounding areas, all who have been asked to remain alert and stay vigilant.

Three fires burning from Doyle to Walker; all fed by high winds

UPDATE 8:15PM: The Mountain View Fire is currently burning around the community of Walker. Due to the fast moving nature of the fire, an Evacuation Order has been issued for the Walker, Coleville and Topaz areas, and US 395 is still closed from Bridgeport to the Nevada state line. There is 0 percent containment and 5,000 acres burned according to Inci-web. Liberty Utilities has de-energized the communities of Walker and Coleville up to Topaz at the state line for safety precautions. Liberty is working with all emergency agencies and will safely restore power when possible.

Fork Fire 1,752 acres and 61% contained

The Fork Fire burning west of Lake Tahoe, north of Pollock Pines continues to be 1,752 acres in size but is now 61 percent contained. The Southwest Area Incident Management Team 4 has been in command of the Fork Fire since September 11 and will be handing that duty over to another team on Thursday, September 24.

The containment lines are to the north, east and south sides of the Fork Fire and fire continues to burn in the steep Rubicon drainage area.

351 personnel are assigned to the fire at this time.

USFS beaches and other day-use facilities around Lake Tahoe reopen Saturday

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - National Forest trails, trailheads, beaches and other day-use areas in the Lake Tahoe Basin will re-open for day-use only beginning Saturday, Sep. 19, 2020. Camping and overnight stays will not be permitted, and campgrounds will remain closed. Resorts will reopen for day-use only. Emergency Fire Restrictions will remain in effect through Nov. 30. I’ve attached the Forest Orders for your awareness.

The prohibition of the use of any ignition source on all National Forest System lands (campfires, gas stoves, etc.) throughout California remains in place.

FAQs from the US Forest Service on closures

The USFS regional emergency closures have created a lot of questions from forest recreational users. Here are the frequently asked questions (FAQ) provided by the Forest Service:

Q) Is there an imminent threat of fire, are we in immediate danger?

Fork Fire: Estimated at 2,200 acres and 7% containment

The Fork Fire continues to burn west of Lake Tahoe in the Rubicon River drainage and near the King Fire burn scar.

An infrared (IR) flight was not available again last night and the estimated 2,200 burned acreage is National Guard data from a drone and firefighter observations on the ground. The fire is seven percent contained.

Fire updates: Fork, North, Slink, Creek

There are over 40 major fires currently burning in California, filling skies with heavy smoke from the ocean to the Sierra up and down the state. While there are no fires in the Lake Tahoe Basin, there are a few close enough to be responsible for sending smoke into the region. The closest is the Fork Fire east of Lake Tahoe about 13 miles northeast of Pollock Pines. To the south is the Slink Fire and northwest is the large North Complex.

Fork Fire

Statistics on the Fork Fire have not been updated all day. As of 11:00 a.m. Wednesday the estimated size was 2,500 acres.

All National Forests in California now closed temporarily

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Due to dangerous fire conditions, the USDA Forest Service Pacific Southwest Regional Forester Randy Moore has just announced that ALL National Forests in California will close Wednesday, September 9, 2020, at 5:00 p.m. until further notice. This order includes the California and Nevada sides of the Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit. On Monday, eight National Forests were closed and now an additional ten from the state have been added to the list.

Explosion of North Complex Fire: Triples in size to over 150,000 acres

UPDATE 2:30PM 9/9/20: The North Complex Fire more than tripled in size since Tuesday and is now 150,140 acres with 38 percent containment.

Creek Fire grows to over 143,000 acres

The Creek Fire burning south of Yosemite near Shaver Lake has grown to 143,929 acres. The fire, which started Friday night, continues to grow under extreme conditions causing crowning and wind driven runs and long range spotting. There is no containment at this time.

Smoke from the Creek Fire has filled the Lake Tahoe Basin for the past three days.

Fire burning west of Lake Tahoe near Loon Lake

UPDATE 10:30AM 9/9: The Fork Fire is now measured at 2,500 acres. It continues to burn in the Crystal Basin/Gerle Creek area, 15 miles northeast of Pollock Pines.

UPDATE 7:30PM: The Fork Fire in the Pacific Ranger District is 15 miles northeast of Pollock Pines. It is now 500 acres with 0 percent containment and is spreading toward the 2014 King Fire burn scar in the Rubicon drainage on the Georgetown Ranger District.

Forests, campgrounds and day-use areas to close in California and Lake Tahoe Basin

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - All campgrounds and day use areas on U.S. Forest Service land in California and the Lake Tahoe Basin must close at 5:00 p.m. Monday, September 7 due to the unprecedented and dangerous fire conditions and extreme heat, significant wind events, dry conditions, and firefighting resources that are stretched to the limit.

The USDA Forest Service Pacific Southwest Region has announced the following temporary closures and fire restrictions to provide for public safety and reduce the potential for human caused fire starts:

Creek Fire grows to over 73,000 acres, no containment

MONDAY UPDATE 9:30AM: New figures for the fire were updated this morning. The Creek Fire is now at 78,790 acres with no containment. Almost 1,000 firefighters are working at the fire scene which is under gusty wind and high heat warnings Monday.

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Heavy smoke from the Creek Fire over South Lake Tahoe Saturday

SUNDAY UPDATE 11:00 a.m.: Eight hundred personnel are currently fighting the Creek Fire which has grown to 45,500 acres.

The Creek Fire a fast-moving fire burning on both Districts of the Forest. The fire which started near the communities of Big Creek and Huntington Lake, moved very quickly prompting several evacuations. Early Saturday afternoon the fire crossed the San Joaquin River and made a run into the Mammoth Pool area. Prompting some members of the public to shelter in place near Wagner’s Store and Campground.

US395 reopens and Slink Fire evacuations lifted

Wednesday evening update: The Slink Fire behavior today was moderate, though the south end saw small, terrain driven runs. The fire is 14,200 acres and 10 percent contained.

Statewide town hall to address wildfire assistance and insurance resources

Event Date: 
September 4, 2020 - 1:30pm

Join Cal OES Director, Mark Ghilarducci, CA Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara and United Policyholders Executive Director, Amy Bach for a Statewide Virtual Town Hall on wildfires assistance and insurance resources available to renters and homeowners.

With many communities experiencing evacuations, loss of homes and the continued threat of COVID-19, it is imperative for you to have up to date information on services and resources.

Friday, September 4th at 1:30PM
Join Via ZOOM: https://tinyurl.com/CDIwildfire
FACEBOOK LIVE: Facebook.com/insurancecagov

Slink Fire burning southwest of Topaz Lake grows to over 2,200 acres

Smoke from the fires burning north of Lake Tahoe continue to fill the area Sunday morning. The Sheep Fire near Honey Lake is 29,517 acres and 38 percent contained, the Loyalton Fire is at 98 percent containment and 47,029 acres. The North Complex burning in Lassen and Plumas forests is 61,093 acres and 37 percent contained.

Smoke from Loyalton Fire can be seen from Lake Tahoe

8:30 p.m. SUNDAY UPDATE: The Loyalton Fire which originated east of the town of Loyalton and southwest of Mount Ina Coolbrith is now estimated at 29,828 acres and 0 percent contained. It is north and east adjacent to the areas of Beckwourth Pass and Hallelujah Junction.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Blaze shuts down US395 in both directions near Hallelujah Junction

Evacuations are underway after a three fires broke out north of Hallelujah Junction near US395 Sunday afternoon. The highway is currently closed in both directions from the junction with SR70 to Contantia Road.

Numbers Fire at 18,000 acres, 5% contained; Investigation into cause

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Nev. - There is a multi-agency investigation into the cause of the Numbers Fire burning ten miles southeast of Gardnerville. Anyone who happened to be traveling on Highway 395 between Ridgeview and Holbrook Junction on July 6 between 6:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. is being asked to help.

If you can assist in the investigation, please email 2020firetips@gmail.com. All information will be kept confidential.

Tuesday: Numbers Fire south of Gardnerville now at 18,000 acres and 0% containment

UPDATE 7:335 p.m.: Douglas County officials say the Numbers Fire has now reached 18,000 acres and is 0% contained. The recommended evacuations for the Bodie Flats and Pineview areas have been lifted. Only residents are allowed to these areas. Please drive safely, watch for emergency vehicles, and be ready for possible future instructions in an ever-changing situation.

Multiple local, state, and federal agencies continue to work on containing the fire using dozers, hand crews, and aircraft.

Road closures lifting as firefighters make ground on 3,000 acre Poeville Fire north of Reno

Firefighters continued fire suppression operations Sunday on the Poeville Fire burning on the east side of Peavine Mountain northwest of Reno.

The fire actively burned Saturday night in brush and grass and as of Sunday afternoon was 30 percent contained and has burned 3,000 acres. At least eight structures burned, according to Truckee Meadows Fire.

Most road closures and evacuations have been lifted, according to the Washoe County Sheriff's Office. All roads are back open except for Heindel Road and Meyers Avenue as of 5:00 p.m. Sunday.

Lake Wind Advisory in effect for Lake Tahoe; Red Flag Warning for Western Nevada

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - There is a Lake Wind Advisory in effect for Lake Tahoe, Fallen Leaf Lake until 8:00 p.m. Sunday, June 28. Expect winds from the west 15-25 mph with gusts up to 45 mph. Waves on Lake Tahoe will be 2-4 feet. Strongest winds and roughest conditions expected Saturday afternoon and evening, and then again on Sunday.

Small boats, kayaks, and paddleboards will be prone to capsizing and should remain off lake waters until conditions improve.

Tahoe Network of Fire Adapted Communities Weekly Tip #9: Up your preparedness game

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. - The Tahoe Network of Fire Adapted Communities is presenting their ninth "Tip of the Week," an ongoing series for the public since they are unable to perform their normal community outreach services. All tips are ways people can prepare for wildfire while staying at home. They will be providing a total of ten tips.

This Week's Tip: Up Your Preparedness Game With Online Tools

Aging gas lines at root of recent pipe breaks in South Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Construction crews hit two different gas lines this week near the Y in South Lake Tahoe, causing a break in the line and evacuations.

On Monday, a contractor's crew hit a gas line on Julie Lane, followed by another crew in the area of D and Dedi Streets breaking a line on Tuesday.

Another gas line break in South Lake Tahoe, evacuation order lifted

Update: All residents were allowed back into their homes approximately 30 minutes after being evacuated. Crews have fixed the broken two-inch gas line. Both South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue and Lake Valley Fire responded with Tahoe Douglas Fire taking city calls.

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Emergency crews and the gas company are headed to the area of D Street, Dedi and Margaret streets at the Y in South Lake Tahoe for a gas line break Tuesday morning.

Evacuations are being ordered. Stay out of the area. D Street, Dedi Street and C Streets will all be blocked to access.

Broken gas line prompts some evacuations in South Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - A contractor working on Julie Lane broke a gas line Monday morning. South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue responded and cleared the area, evacuating five homes.

Southwest Gas is replacing the main and it will take about three hours.

All residents have been allowed back into their homes.

El Dorado County fire prompts evacuations near Cool

8:45 p.m. Update: The #CountryFire off Highway 193 and Penobscot Road east of Cool in El Dorado County is now 85 acres and 25 percent contained. Evacuation and road closures are still in place.

EL DORADO COUNTY, Calif. - A fire burning east of the town of Cool in El Dorado County has burned 75 acres and is 10 percent contained. It is burning off Highway 193 and Penobscot Road and some areas have mandatory evacuations in place.

At 2:50 p.m. Code Red messages have gone out for evacuation notices for the following locations:

Douglas County fire near Topaz Ranch Estates prompts evacuations

9:30 p.m. Update: Evacuations have been lifted for residents east of Canyon Drive but the evacuation center remains open. Firefighters will continue to fight the Canyon Fire through the evening.

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DOUGLAS COUNTY, Nev. - Voluntary evacuations have been put into place for homes east of Canyon Drive in the Topaz Ranch Estates area. A fire, now known as the Canyon Fire, started just before 2:00 p.m. Wednesday and is now estimated to be at 800 acres in size according to the Sierra Front Interagency Dispatch Center.

Highway 50 reopens as crews address gas leak in South Lake Tahoe

Update 4:30pm: Highway 50 has reopened.

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - A crew working on the new Highway 50 project struck a gas line Tuesday at 2:44 p.m., prompting evacuations of businesses at 2717 Lake Tahoe Blvd.

South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue has two engines and a battalion chief at the scene, and as of 3:30 p.m. they are waiting for Liberty Utilities to arrive to shut off the power. According to SLTFR Battalion Chief Karl Koeppen, there is a large electrical box adjacent to the gas line and they wanted power clamped off before addressing the gas issue.

Fire fighting in Lake Tahoe: We're not alone with mutual aid and pre-positioning

The following is the third in a series of stories on being a community that is prepared for wildfire.
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Fire knows no boundaries, no city, county, or state lines, so why should those fighting the fires be limited by an unseen line? Fire chiefs across the country manage their fire departments based on need and available staff, but what happens when their resources aren't enough to fight a fire in their own backyard?

South Lake Tahoe bomb scare result of national hoax

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Businesses and institutions across the country received emailed bomb threats Thursday, each demanding payment of bitcoin or risk the use of an explosive device at their location. Many of these emailed threats prompted evacuations and response by multiple bomb squads including South Lake Tahoe and El Dorado County.

US 395 and SR 108 open near Boot Fire; Forest closed to public

Firefighers now have a containment line around three percent of the Boot Fire as 6,873 acres have burned. Fire activity moderated yesterday with little fire growth occurring. More than 570 firefighters and numerous helicopters are making headway.

Zero containment on Boot Fire; US 395 remains closed in area

1:00 p.m. update 9/8/18 - Firefighters now have a containment line around three percent of the boot fire which has now grown to 6,873 acres. US 395 nd SR 108 are now open. For a complete update: http://southtahoenow.com/story/09/08/2018/us-395-and-sr-108-open-near-boot-fire-forest-closed-public
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US 395 remains closed as Boot Fire grows to 6706 acres

12:45 p.m. update 9/6/18: The Sierra Front Wildfire Cooperators have updated the acreage burned in the Boot Fire to 6,706 acres and there is a three-percent containment line.

US 395 from Walker to Bridgeport remains closed as does CA SR 108. There is a detour available through Holbrook Junction.

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Firefighters have a three-percent containment line around the Boot Fire which has now burned 4,620 acres in an area along US 395 nine miles SW of Walker and 15 miles NW of Bridgeport.

Fire update for the Sierra Nevada

As of Wednesday afternoon, 4,142 acres are burning between the North Fire, Sliger Fire and Boot Fire.

Boot Fire now at 4,620 acres with evacuations and road closures, including US 395

9:30 p.m. update: The Boot Fire has grown to 4,620 acres with 0 percent containment. Evacuations and road closures continue to grow.

El Dorado County fire prompts evacuations near Georgetown

8:00 p.m. update: The Sliger Fire is now 75 acres with 20 percent containment. There are no new evacuations at this time.
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Over 200 homes have been evacuated this evening after a fire broke out at Sliger Mine Road and Hida Way, northwest of Georgetown.

The fire, called the Sliger Fire, broke out at 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday, September 4 and is burning at a moderate rate of spread in timber south of the middle fork of the American River near the Placer County-El Dorado County border. Full air and ground resource response fighting this fire.

Letter: Fire and police chiefs urge support of 911 funding in California

There is no greater responsibility in all of government than public safety and the public’s lifeline is the 9-1-1 system.

Every single day, people rely on 9-1-1 to connect with police, fire and EMS responders. For shooting events, wildfires, and even last year’s Oroville Dam incident, 9-1-1 call centers are regularly overwhelmed with calls from the public
requiring assistance. Unfortunately, an increasing reliance on cell phones and reduced “landline” usage is threatening the future of 9-1-1 services.

Update: Smoke continues to come to Lake Tahoe from fires in the west

A number of fires across northern and eastern California continue to bring hazy conditions and degraded air quality to northeast California, the Sierra, and western Nevada. According to the National Weather Service in Reno, areas at greatest risk for unhealthy to very unhealthy air quality are from Sonora Pass to South Lake Tahoe and Carson City.

Current status of fires burning in Northern California and Nevada

Smoke from fires west of Lake Tahoe is expected to come into the basin again today, but Sunday morning is clear. Here is an update on most fires in Northern California and Western Nevada.

Fire upates for NorCal and Northern Nevada fires

An update for recent fires in El Dorado County, Yosemite, Pyramid Lake and Redding, Calif.

The Ferguson Fire near the western border of Yosemite is now in its 22nd day. It has consumed 73,560 acres and is now 41 percent contained. Yosemite National Park announces Yosemite Valley, Wawona Road, the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias, the Merced Grove of Giant Sequoias, Hetch Hetchy, and other areas will remain closed to all visitors through Sunday, August 5, 2018 due to continued unhealthy smoke impacts and ongoing firefighting operations.

El Dorado County fires prompt evacuations

8:00 p.m. update: Omega Fire is 10 percent contained, reported at 80 acres with 1 destroyed residence and two damaged residences. The evacuation center has been relocated to Northside Elementary School, 860 Cave Valley Road, Cool, Calif.

The Bumper Fire is 80 percent contained and it has burned 67 acres according to CalFire.

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Three fires started in El Dorado County Wednesday, prompting law enforcement to evacuate residents from several streets in the areas as firefighters fought the fire from both the ground and the air.

Ferguson, Carr, Perry and Whaleback Fires still burning

The Perry Fire burning between Reno and Pyramid Lake has now burned 25,600 acres and is now 15 percent contained. It started Friday evening and the cause is unknown at this time.

Flash flood watch for Lake Tahoe, Reno, Carson Valley and Mono County

Smoke from the Ferguson Fire near Yosemite continues to move into the Lake Tahoe Basin. On Sunday, that smoke will be joined by clouds and a 50 percent chance of scattered showers and thunderstorms starting after 12:00 p.m. and going into the evening.

On Saturday, hail and rain was very scattered, with people in the Kingsbury Grade and Heavenly Valley area seeing several minutes of a hail storm accompanied by heavy rain, with areas west of Ski Run Boulevard not seeing a drop of rain.

Smoke continues to fill Lake Tahoe Basin: Chance of rain in forecast

The Feguson fire burning west of Yosemite continues to send smoke into the Lake Tahoe Basin. Since starting on July 13, the fire has consumed 22,892 acres and containment remains at 7 percent. It is burning in steep, hard to access terrain.

Several areas around Highway 140 reamin under mandatory evacuations and evacuation advisories.

2,711 personnel, including firefighters from South Lake Tahoe, are currently engaged on the fire which includes 203 engines, 39 water tenders, 16 helicopters, 58 handcrews, and 41 dozers.

Smoke from the fire is expected for at least the next two days.

Widespread haze from Yosemite fire to be in Lake Tahoe basin another day

The Ferguson Fire burning west of Yosemite has been the cause of widespread haze in the Lake Tahoe basin, with more expected on Wednesday.

So far, 12,525 acres have burned and the fire is five percent contained. There are road closures and evacuations in the area. Air quality could be degraded at times mainly south of Lake Tahoe, but make sure to check in the Airnow.gov for the latest air quality for your district.

James Fire between Genoa and Carson City burns 260 acres, at 30% containment

9:14 p.m. update: The James Loop Fire was reported at 12:45 p.m. at the James Canyon Development near Carson City, Nevada. Tonight, the fire was mapped at 260 acres and is currently 30 percent contained. The fire was caused by heavy equipment working on a new home under construction The fire burned 163 acres of private and 107 acres of Bureau of Indian Affairs lands, but threatened lands
managed by the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest. The East Fork Fire Protection District was in unified command with the U.S. Forest Service.

Smith Valley fire at 1,500 acres, power out to Walker/Coleville area

10:42 p.m. update: Power restored to all customers at 10:19 pm.

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Multiple agencies have responded to a fire burning in Smith Valley, Nevada that has grown to 1,500 acres as of Sunday evening. It is burning in the area of Highway 208 and the Wellington Cut-Off.

There are approximately 300 firefighters, 25 engines, three helicopters, eight fixed wing and four hand crews on scene fighting fire.

Fire prompts voluntary evacuations in Carson City

UPDATE 11:09PM: A voluntary evacuation order was placed Tuesday night for the Carson Colony area off of Curry Street in South Carson City. The Voltaire Canyon area is also voluntary evacuation. Plans are in the works to open a shelter for those displaced.
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UPDATE 10:54PM: Carson City Sheriff Ken Furlong said Tuesday night's fire at Voltaire Canyon was started by campers who were burning excrement and toilet paper.

There were two campers detained and were cooperative, said Furlong. There were up to eight individuals who were camping in the area who were taken off the hill.

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