Bear Fire burning in Tahoe National Forest

UPDATE 9.3 at 9 PM: The Bear Fire has grown to 2,000 acres. The combination of warming temperatures, dry fuel conditions, and strong winds intensified the fire's behavior today. Fire crews are working tirelessly to establish containment lines, while aviation resources are actively engaged in delivering retardant and water drops. Winds tonight are expected to remain steady from the west at around 10 mph. Due to the increased fire activity, the Sierra County Sheriff’s Office has expanded evacuation warnings to include zones SIE-E058 and SIE-E059. For detailed evacuation zone information, please visit https://protect.genasys.com/search.

For information on the fire, visit HERE.

UPDATE 9.3 at 9 AM: The fire has been measured at 1,391 acres and is 0% contained. Fire activity moderated overnight due to cooler temperatures and decreased winds. Yesterday and overnight, crews were able to establish anchor points where fuels and terrain would allow and began to lay a combination of hand and dozer lines. Today, firefighters will continue to engage in both direct and indirect line and hose lay to suppress and contain the fire as quickly as possible. Due to steep and rocky terrain and limited road access, crews are still working on gaining access to some areas of the fire. In addition to full suppression efforts, significant structure defense resources are working to triage and defend structures in and around Sierra Brooks. Primary and contingency lines will be constructed as necessary to protect the community.

Incident control objects are to keep the fire north of Lewis Mill, south of the community of Sierra Brooks, east of Antelope Valley and west of Bald Mountain Range.

Currently, 286 structures and 536 residences are under mandatory evacuation orders. 760 residences are without power.

September 2 - The Bear Fire in Sierra County grew quickly Monday after starting about 2 p.m. As of 7 p.m., the fire has consumed 1,183 acres north of Truckee. Mandatory evacuations are in place as the fire is being fought from the air and ground.

The fire is burning in the Tahoe National Forest off Bear Valley Road, south of the town of Loyalton.

The cause is undetermined at this time.

For more information on the fire, visit https://www.fire.ca.gov/incidents/2024/9/2/bear-fire/.