Fork Fire now 24% contained; still at 1752 acres in size

The Fork Fire west of Lake Tahoe and about 15 miles from Pollock Pines has not gained in size for that last few days and it still measures at 1,752 acres. Firefighters were able to gain more containment Tuesday and there is now a line around 24 percent of the fire. There are 316 personnel assigned to the Fork Fire.

Dense smoke from fires burning to the south of El Dorado County covered the Fork Fire, as well as Lake Tahoe, on Tuesday with more of the same expected on Wednesday.

During their nightly briefing, USFS fire and forest officials told the public that while they are making ground there is always potential it can grow until there is full containment. The stubborn canyons of the Rubicon drainage area continue to give firefighters trouble.

The meteorologist working on the fire said there was not much change weather-wise Tuesday and he expects more of the same Wednesday. Change is expected Thursday and Friday with gusty winds. They are looking at quiet weather after that.

All national forests are currently closed around Lake Tahoe and California, including the fire area. No forest service roads or trails are open.

The Fork Fire started on September 8 in the Crystal Basin near Gerle Creek under critical fire weather conditions. Driven by east winds gusting 30-50 miles per hour, the fire grew rapidly to the west. It is burning in the Rubicon River drainage and the 2014 King Fire burn scar. The Rubicon canyon is in an extremely steep and remote area which makes firefighting difficult. This area of the King Fire had burned at high severity with nearly 100% tree mortality, leaving large snag patches of fire killed trees. The standing snags are a significant safety hazard, especially in strong winds. There is also a high concentration of dead and down trees creating a heavy fuel load, as well as dense post-fire regrowth of 4-6 foot tall brush.