2021 Fire/Smoke Impact Reports

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Stan NF:

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InciWeb:

Current Activity: Forced by gusty winds, critically dry and low relative humidity the Tamarack Fire exhibited rapid rates of spread and an increase in fire behavior throughout the day. The fire is estimated to have grown to 21,000 acres today and is still 0% contained. The fire continues to burn in a northwesterly direction, west of Markleeville towards the Highway 89 corridor. The increase in fire activity forced an evacuation of Alpine Village and Woodfords this morning. The fire crossed the East Fork of the Carson River near the East Fork Resort and moved into lighter fuels which aided in the fire’s growth to the north during the afternoon hours.This evening, firefighters will continue to actively suppress the fire where they can safely do so utilizing a variety of tactics, natural barriers and targets of opportunity. The fire continues to impact the community of Markleeville and the surrounding areas. It has been confirmed by Alpine County, that 2 structures were destroyed by the fire last night.

Evacuations: Mandatory evacuations are in place for the following areas: Grover Hot Springs, Shay Creek, MarkleeVillage, Markleeville, Carson River Resort, & Poor Boy Road area, Wolf Creek Campground, Silver Creek Campground, ADDITIONALLY Sierra Pines , Upper and Lower Manzanita, Crystal Springs, Alpine Village, Diamond Valley Road and Hung-a-lel-ti are now under mandatory evacuations. "The Mesa" is under a voluntary evacuation (as of 3:00pm) but conditions are changing fast.

Closures: Highway 89 is closed at the intersection of Highway 4 and 89. Highway 4 is currently open west of the Highway 89 and Highway 4 junction. Please slow down and drive with caution in the area as fire crews and equipment will continue to arrive throughout the evening. Please refer to https://roads.dot.ca.gov/ for closure specifics.

Smoke: Due to an increase in fire activity and the growth the Tamarack Fire exhibited today, the Carson Valley and surrounding areas will continue to be heavily impacted by smoke and moderate ash fall throughout the evening and into the morning hours. Individuals with compromised respiratory systems are encouraged to limit outdoor exposure if possible.

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CalFire:

Current Conditions:

9847 acres and 12% contained.

The fire continues to burning in a remote area with limited access. Steep and inaccessible terrain are continuing to make containment difficult. Weather conditions are going to continue to gradually warm throughout the weekend. North East winds 10-15 mph will develop overnight with localized gusts 20-25 mph in the most exposed locations. Monsoonal moisture will begin spreading into the area Sunday bring scattered thunderstorms late Sunday night through Monday.

Evacuations:
Evacuation Order for High Lakes., , Storrie, Rock Creek to Tobin

Evacuation Warnings: For the Communities of: Pulga, Philbrook, Snaglake, Chambers Creek, Rodgers Flat, Belden, and High Lakes area.

Assistance for Residents, call (530) 283-6300 Plumas County

Assistance for animals (including large animals/ livestock), call (530) 283-3673 or (530) 283-6300.

Road Closures:
Camp Creek Road

National Forest Closures
The Lassen National Forest (LNF) implemented Forest Order 06-21-04 as of July 16 (Dixie Fire Closure Order) to protect public health and safety through September 16. For additional information, visit the LNF Website: www.fs.usda.gov/lassen

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https://fire.airnow.gov/

Zoom into the California region on above link.

smoke_71821.jpg

Per the above due to the prevailing south to southwest to west winds across the southern range, although there was not smoke, the whole atmosphere is variably hazy as air is from the polluted San Joaquin Valley or SoCal urban areas that has built up a stagnant air mass over several weeks. Years ago this was often the situation about Sequoia NF due to pollution from Bakersfield areas but is getting worse each summer across the range. On our Rock Creek Mono Pass trip I didn't see a single good clear air day. And that shows at crest areas early and late when the sun altitude is low as warm light is pathetically weak until the sun rises above low elevation pollution.

On the east side, anywhere north of McGee Creek is increasingly smoky and hazy. At Mono Lake one cannot see across the lake.

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Inyo NF:

Incident Start Date: July 12, 2021
Cause: Lightning
Acreage: 2,961
Containment: 96%
Hand Crews: 8 Engines: 28 Helicopters: 2 Dozers: 3 Water Tenders: 8
Total Personnel: 456

Firefighters have completed tying in the fireline around the entire perimeter of the fire. Containment grew yesterday and last night to 96%. Fire within the interior continues to burn inside the containment lines in interior islands. Today, crews will continue improving the containment line and increasing the depth of mop up. Last night was the final night shift that will be staffed. Significant demobilization of resources will begin today.

Yesterday produced some steady rainfall over the fire area. A stronger wave of heavy rain with significant lightning is expected today, bringing the possibility of substantial outflow winds of 40-50mph. While new fire starts are still possible, the increased moisture should lessen the risk for new starts making large runs.

The Big Springs and Bald Mountain Springs Campgrounds remain closed while the fire is still active and heavy equipment is still in the area. Roads in the immediate vicinity are also closed to the public: North of the Owens River Rd. (2S07), east of Highway 395, west of Forest Rd. 1S17, and south of Highway 120. (See Forest Closure Order: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/article/7656/61180/)

Fire Restrictions remain in effect for the Inyo National Forest and Bishop Bureau of Land Management (BLM). Campfires are allowed only in developed campgrounds and recreation sites. A portable stove or lantern using gas, jellied petroleum or pressurized liquid fuel may be used with a valid wilderness or California Campfire Permit in dispersed areas. Smoking is only allowed within an enclosed vehicle, building, a developed recreation site, or in an area at least three feet in diameter cleared of flammable material.

InciWeb at: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7656/
Forest Facebook https://www.facebook.com/inyonf
Twitter pages: https://twitter.com/Inyo_NF

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Humbolt-Toiyabe NF:

The Tamarack Fire, burning in Alpine County in eastern California has led Forest officials on the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest to close a portion of the Pacific Crest Trail. The fire is burning northeast of the trail near Raymond Peak (around mile 1060) in the Pleasant Valley Creek area.

The Pacific Crest Trail is closed between California State Route 88 and California State Route 4 (Ebbetts Pass). For reroute details, please visit the Pacific Crest Trail website at: https://bit.ly/3wNPoYD.

Failure to comply with closure may result in criminal and/or civil penalties, including up to $5,000 in fines and/or six months in jail. In addition, anyone found responsible for starting a wildfire can be held civilly and criminally liable.

The Pacific Crest Trail spans 2,650 miles from Mexico to Canada and has attracted thousands of hikers. It is divided into five regions: Southern California, Central California, Northern California, Oregon, and Washington.

Fire Information:
Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7674/
Facebook: @HumboldtToiyabeNF #TamarackFire
Twitter: @HumboldtToiyabe #TamarackFire
Fire Information Number: 1-775-446-5438
For Forest closure information, please visit: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/htnf/alerts-notices.

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Stanislaus NF:

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Lassen NF:

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Humboldt-Toiyabe NF:

Carson Ranger District (Monday, July 19, 2021 at 8 a.m.)
• Acres: 23,078
• Location: Markleeville, California
• Start Date: July 4, 2021
• Cause: Lightning
• Containment: 0%
• Personnel: 796

Current Activity: The fire is estimated at 23,078 acres with no containment reported. An infrared flight scheduled to fly the fire overnight was canceled due to smoke and weather conditions.

Differences in reported acreage are due to estimates by crews on the ground. As soon as conditions allow, a mapping flight will be conducted to provide more accurate information about the size and location of the fire.

Firefighters plan to continue point protection efforts around structures in all areas currently being impacted by fire. Crews will continue securing established line around Markleeville by mopping up hot spots. Last night, a firing operation was completed along a containment line established from Highway 89 to Diamond Valley Road. Crews will continue to improve and mop up this line today. Firefighters are working to limit fire spread north towards Highway 88 and Carson Canyon. Today, as resources become available, they will begin line construction at Highway 89 moving to the southwest.

A damage assessment team has been ordered and will begin working in the fire area to determine exactly how many structures have been destroyed or damaged.

Evacuations: Markleeville, Grover Hot Springs and campground area, Shay Creek, Marklee Village, Alpine Village, Woodfords, East Fork Resort and the community of Hung A Lel Ti are under evacuation.

Closures: Highway 89 is closed at the intersection of Highway 4 and 89. Highway 4 is open west of the Highway 89 and Highway 4 junction. Please slow down and drive with caution in the area as fire crews continue to work. Refer to https://roads.dot.ca.gov/ for closure specifics.

The Pacific Crest Trail is closed between Carson Pass (Highway 88) and Ebbetts Pass (Highway 4).

Weather and Smoke: There is a 60 percent chance of wetting rain today, with a possibility of flooding in drainages and debris flows on steep terrain in the fire area. Even if the area receives rain, the fire could remain active. Carson Valley and surrounding areas could be impacted by smoke and ash fall. Individuals with compromised respiratory systems are encouraged to limit outdoor exposure, if possible.

Fire Information:
• Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7674/
• Facebook: @HumboldtToiyabeNF #TamarackFire
• Twitter: @HumboldtToiyabe #TamarackFire
• Fire Information Number: 775-446-5438

Incident Management Team: Rocky Mountain Team 1 (IC-Dallas), a Type 1 organization, has been ordered for the Tamarack Fire due to the increasing complexity of the incident. Team 1 will be in-briefed today and will assume command of the fire from Great Basin Team 3 (IC-Bollier) on Tuesday.

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Inyo NF:

The Dixie and Tamarack Fires (along with Bootleg in S Oregon) continue to be the biggest smoke producers in the region. Unhealthy air quality is being reported around Lake Almanor as well as the Carson City-Carson Valley areas. Local air quality: http://fire.airnow.gov.