Tamarack Fire not only one in area being fought by firefighters

The Summit Fire is one of several lightning ignited fires associated with recent thunderstorms in the central Sierra Nevada. The fire is burning in the Mokelumne Wilderness on the Eldorado National Forest in remote, steep terrain. An aggressive full suppression strategy is being used due to extreme drought conditions, and the extensive values at risk in the area.

It started on July 20 at about noon and has burned 16 acres. One hundred personnel are assigned to the fire that is burning three miles south of Kirkwood.

Crews have established an anchor point at the bottom of the drainage and are constructing handline on both flanks of the fire. Forward progression has slowed on the upper portion of the fire due to a change of fuels where vegetation is more sparse and intermixed with granite. Extensive air support is being used to to drop water and to shuttle crews and supplies.

The Beckwourth Complex - The Beckwourth Complex about 60 miles north of Lake Tahoe and south of Honey Lake is now 96 percent contained at 105,670 acres. Crews are making good progress finding and extinguishing areas of remaining heat that are within 100-300 feet from the containment line. US395 is open and some evacuation orders have been lifted. Lightning started the fire on July 3. 686 personnel remain assigned to the fire.

Just to the west of the Beckwourth Complex is the Dixie Fire in Butte County. It is now 91,268 acres and is 15 percent contained. The Dixie Fire remained active overnight with active surface fire, uphill runs and tree torching with long range spotting. The fire is going to continue to move Northeast with the potential for 2 to 3 miles of new growth. Fire is well established in the Chips burn scar. It started on July 13 and the cause is under investigation.

The Henry Fire - On June 24, 2021, a lightning storm ignited a fire in the Carson-Iceberg Wilderness northeast of Spicer Reservoir and southwest of Highland Lakes at the 7500 ft. elevation. Fire managers are utilizing a confine/contain strategy using ridges, creeks, trails, and natural barriers to confine and contain the fire and use suppression tactics as needed for spot fires. The terrain is steep with brush, patches of conifer trees and granite outcroppings. It is 1,316 acres in size and is 52 percent contained.

There are multiple fires burning in Yosemite National Park Wilderness. On Monday June 28, 2021, thunderstorms developed over Yosemite National Park, igniting 21 fires in the wilderness. Fire managers have been assessing each fire for appropriate response.