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.

With assistance of the California Army National Guard, 207 people were safely evacuated and assessed for medical needs. Some were sent to hospitals with burn. The fire burned actively overnight. Crews will be challenged today by steep rugged terrain, heavy fuel loading and high temperatures.

Evacuations and Road Closures. Mandatory Evacuations in place for the communities of Big Creek, Huntington Lake and Cascadel Woods. Hwy 168 is closed 2.7 miles east of Prather below the four lanes. Visitors are advised that there is no access to the Shaver Lake area.

According to the National Weather Service in Reno, the fire has already displayed a stout pyrocumulonimbus this morning, and lightning sensors also detected cloud-to-ground strikes due to the fire. Ash/debris fall has been reported miles away as well. Many in South Lake Tahoe have experienced the ash.

8:00 p.m. UPDATE: The Creek Fire is now at 36,000 acres. It started last night and is burning on the Sierra National Forest and is located near the San Joaquin River and the communities of Big Creek and Huntington Lake. The Fire has crossed to the north side of San Joaquin River and is impacting areas near Mammoth Pool. Evacuations and closures remain in effect.

The cause is under investigation.

Fire crews, engines, dozers and aircraft are at scene. Crews are challenged today by steep rugged terrain, heavy fuel loading and high temperatures.

For the safety of fire crews, and the public who are leaving the area weekend visitors are asked to make alternate plans. Shaver Lake is closed.

According to the Madera County Sheriff's Office, at least 10 people were injured and others remained in danger Saturday night among the 1,000 people trapped near Mammoth Pool Reservoir. They said operations are underway to rescue approximately 150 people who were sheltering-in-place at the Mammoth Pool Boat Launch.

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SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The Creek Fire burning near Shaver Lake in the Sierra National Forest is responsible for the smoke over South Lake Tahoe Saturday afternoon. The fire, which started Friday night is east of the town of Clovis, south of Yosemite, and currently measured at 5,000 acres.

The National Weather Service in Reno said there will be several hours of heavy smoke over the lake tonight and air quality will worsen.

Some people reported ash on their vehicles in South Lake Tahoe Saturday morning and that would have been from the Slink fire burning south of Topaz Lake. The Slink Fire is 18,665 Acres and 15 percent contained at this time.

The Air Quality Index shows South Lake Tahoe at 95 at 5:00 p.m. and is in the moderate range. This could worsen in the next three hours. Take precautions if in the sensitive group.