Prescribed fire above Caples Creek continues to send smoke into Lake Tahoe Basin

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Smoke coming into the Lake Tahoe Basin and Carson Valley has been a concern to residents but it appears it is now all coming from prescribed burns above Caples Creek, north of SR88.

Fire management staff are continuing to burn along the northern ridge above Caples Creek as part of a multi-year 8,800 acre prescribed fire within the Caples Ecological Restoration Project. More smoke is expected over the next several days and will generally be heavier in the morning after the air cools and settles at night, according to the USFS Eldorado National Forest where the burns are taking place.

Crews are currently using hand ignition and burning toward the west to create blackline approximately 300 feet wide that will be used to control prescribed fire within the center of the Caples Creek watershed. The goal of the current burn operation is to reach the end of the ridge and tie into a dozer line that extends to the 10N30 road before the wind event that is predicted for Tuesday evening.

Pile burning along the ridge began September 30 in wet conditions with snow and rain. These piles were created from hand thinning that was done over the last several years. Since last Monday, approximately 100 acres of burning has been accomplished.

There are currently 6 fire crews assigned to the Caples Prescribed Fire - the Iron Mountain Hand Crew from the Eldorado National Forest, the Los Padres Hot Shots, and additional crews from the Modoc, Shasta-Trinity, Stanislaus and Plumas National Forests. Five engines from the Eldorado National Forest are assisting with the prescribed fire, with three of the engines available to respond to other fires if needed.

Due to the active prescribed fire operations in progress, hiking on the Caples Creek Trail is not recommended, and a formal trail closure is being considered.

Besides the Lake Tahoe Basin and Carson Valley, smoke can also be detected in communities throughout the western Sierra slope of El Dorado County and may also be present in Reno with the prevailing southwest winds. Smoke sensitive individuals are encouraged to reduce their exposure by avoiding smoky areas, closing windows, or staying indoors.

Other prescribed fires were taking place south of Auburn in the Tahoe National Forest burn smoke wasn't reaching Lake Tahoe as of Monday evening. The prescribed burn near Sly Park is no longer smoking and not contributing to the smoke in Lake Tahoe.