Over 39,000 acres burned in Tamarack Fire, no containment at this time

9:00PM UPDATE: The Tamarack Fire has now burned through 39,045 acres and is 0 percent contained. There has been extreme fire behavior in the form of crowning, spotting and surface runs along active perimeter of the fire. Fire is burning in mixed conifer, heavy mountain brush/grass, sage and juniper.

There are currently 796 personnel working on the fire.

The fire has reached the East Fork Fire burn scar.

Efforts to use aircraft today get a more accurate acreage and location for the fire perimeter were unsuccessful due heavy smoke and afternoon thunderstorms that brought a small amount of rain to the area along with lightning. Wind from the thunderstorms increased fire activity, moving the fire to the northeast toward the California-Nevada state line and the US-395 corridor. Crews are working to prevent the fire from impacting US-395 and the surrounding area.

An evacuation was ordered for the Mesa Vista area as well as evacuations ordered earlier today as reported for the Blue Lakes Rd and campground areas, and Tamarack Lake area, as a precaution in the event the fire behavior becomes erratic in those areas.

Fire is anticipated to continue to be extreme to very active as warmer and dry weather conditions return. Fuels are critically dry and fire indexes at record levels. Fire spread to the northeast is anticipated

A Type 1 Incident Management Team (IMT) is on site and will be assuming command of the fire tomorrow morning.

3:00PM UPDATE: The Alpine County Sheriff’s Office has ordered the mandatory evacuation of the Mesa Vista area effective 2:53 PM on July 19, 2021. They are asking all residents and visitors to safely leave the area.

Mandatory Evacuation: Markleeville, Grover Hot Springs and campground area, Shay Creek, Marklee Village, Alpine Village, Woodfords, East Fork Resort and Hung A Lel Ti, Blue Lakes Rd., Upper & Lower Blue Lakes and Mesa Vista.

1:48PM UPDATE: If you have been evacuated, go to the Mad Dog Cafe in Woodfords at 2:00 p.m. on Monday. Sheriff's deputies will escort you to your property so you can retrieve items such as medication and clothing, then be escorted out.

1:00PM UPDATE: The fire now has two directions, one heading toward Burnside Lake, the other to Monitor Pass. Precautionary evacuation orders have been issued for Blue Lakes Road, including the Blue Lakes Campgrounds, Tamarack Lake and Deer Valley areas due to an expected shift in wind later today. Search and Rescue and sheriff's personnel will be on foot and ATVs to search for hikers, campers and residents in the area to advise them to leave.

Mandatory in Crystal Springs, may add the Mesa to that area when the "backburn" takes place Monday.

Four dozer lines are around neighborhoods in the Markleeville and Woodfords areas. 15-20 engines are in the Woodfords area as of 1:00 p.m. and firefighters are trying to keep the fire out of Woodfords Canyon.

During a meeting with evacuees, fire officials said seven buildings have burned but there are no official numbers at this time.

An evacuation shelter set up at Douglas Co. Community and Senior Center, 1329 Waterloo Ln., Gardnerville.

ALPINE COUNTY, Calif. - Overnight, a firing operation was completed along a containment line established from Highway 89 to Diamond Valley Road. Today, Firefighters plan to continue point protection efforts around structures in all areas currently being impacted by fire and continue to improve and mop up the line.

Smoke and weather conditions prevented the infrared mapping of the Tamarack Fire from the air on Sunday, so the 23,078 acres burned is an estimate. The USFS Humboldt-Toiyabe fire officials say differences in reported acreage are due to estimates by crews on the ground and have been between 18,000 and 26,000 acres. As soon as conditions allow, the mapping flight will be conducted to provide more accurate information about the size and location of the fire.

Firefighters are working to limit fire spread north towards Highway 88 and Carson Canyon. Today, as resources become available, they will begin line construction at Highway 89 moving to the southwest.

A damage assessment team has been ordered and will begin working in the fire area to determine exactly how many structures have been destroyed or damaged.

Evacuations: Markleeville, Grover Hot Springs and campground area, Shay Creek, Marklee Village, Alpine Village, Woodfords, East Fork Resort and the community of Hung A Lel Ti.

Closures: Highway 89 is closed at the intersection of Highway 4 and 89. Highway 4 is open west of the Highway 89 and Highway 4 junction. Please slow down and drive with caution in the area as fire crews continue to work. Refer to https://roads.dot.ca.gov/ for closure specifics.

The Pacific Crest Trail is closed between Carson Pass (Highway 88) and Ebbetts Pass (Highway 4). Please find locations away from the fire area for your recreation opportunities

Weather and Smoke: There is a 60 percent chance of wetting rain today, with a possibility of flooding in drainages and debris flows on steep terrain in the fire area. Even if the area receives rain, the fire could remain active. Carson Valley and surrounding areas could be impacted by smoke and ash fall. Individuals with compromised respiratory systems are encouraged to limit outdoor exposure, if possible.