Evacuation orders lifted in Emerald Fire area, Highway 89 remains closed

3:15 p.m. update from Liberty Utilities: At this time, Liberty Utilities has restored power to most of their South Lake Tahoe customers who were affected by the Emerald Fire. Crews continue to coordinate with emergency responders to re-energize power lines deemed safe to do so given forecasted weather and fire danger.

While power has been restored in most of the evacuated areas, multiple downed power poles and lines in the Spring Creek area still pose a danger and service to that area may not be restored until as late as Tuesday, 10/18, depending up officials' assessment of conditions.

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The following areas are now accessible -

• Cathedral Rd
• Springs Creek Tract
• Camp Shelly
• Camp Concord
• Mt Tallac Rd

The following areas will be open to residents only -

• Cascade Properties
• Cascade Lake

Fire crews, law enforcement, Caltrans and Liberty Utilities continue to work in the area. Residents are advised to take extra caution while driving in these areas.

Highway 89 remains closed while Cal Trans removes debris from the roadway, and evaluates and removes any trees that may pose a hazard to the roadway.