Tamarack Fire now 59% contained, mapped at 68,327 acres

SR 89 and SR 4 reopen Wednesday

Firefighters are working on more containment of the Tamarack Fire, which reached 59 percent today. So far, 68,327 acres have burned. 1,321 personnel remain on the fire which started by a lightning strike July 4.

Crews are working on all ends of the fire to make sure there is no more heat
Division K, which is the northern and eastern sides of the fire has a solid containment line. They are mopping up in areas along US395.

Four hotshot crews are in Division Q and it is a rugged area where fire didn’t burn as much. They are doing some firing by hand to bring the fire out of timber into the grass. There is still a lot of work that needs to be done around Leviathan Mine.

Division T had five hotshot crews in there today along with air tankers dropping retardant. Fire officials said a lot of good work was done in the division today.

Division A has a lot of rugged, steep terrain. They are finding limited heat but are hiking in to monitor.

Divison F around Burnside Lake and Charity Creek is contained. Crews will remain in there to continue and secure area.

Some precipitation fell over the fire area on Monday, but not enough to douse all areas. Temperatures dropped with an increase of humidity, so that helped. A continued chance of rain and thunderstorms continue for the area through Friday, though they will most likely be spotty.

SR-89 and SR-4 will be reopening tomorrow, Wednesday, July 28, 2021 at 7:00 a.m. to THRU-TRAFFIC ONLY. There will be no access to the United States Forest Service (USFS) lands according to the California Highway Patrol. Be advised there is still firefighting work being done in many areas. Use caution and reduce speeds on roadways as firefighting vehicles will also be sharing the roads.

Additionally, utility companies will be working to restore services and repair destroyed equipment. These repairs may require road closures up to two hours and without notice. These repairs are scheduled for Saturday, Sunday and Monday (July 31, August 1 & 2), between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m.