MARKLEEVILLE, Calif. — Editor's Note: The Tuesday updates for the Tamarack Fire can be found HERE.
The lightning-caused Tamarack Fire burning roughly 30 miles south of South Lake Tahoe in Markleeville, Calif., still has no containment as of Monday night.
According to the United States Forest Service, the fire has grown to 39,045 acres. However, the forest service said efforts to a more accurate acreage and location for the fire perimeter were hindered by smoke and afternoon thunderstorms.
Thunderstorm winds boosted fire activity, moving the fire to the northeast toward the California-Nevada state line and the US-395 corridor. Crews are trying to keep the fire from impact the US-395 and the surrounding area.
Monday afternoon, the Alpine County Sheriff's Office issued an evacuation order for the Mesa Vista area.
Accounts to follow:
- Alpine County Sheriff
- U.S. Forest Service - Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest
- Caltrans District 10
- Tamarack Fire, operated by Alpine County
Mandatory evacuations
The following locations and their surrounding areas are under a mandatory evacuation, according to the United State's Forest Service:
- Mesa Vista area
- 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
- Blue Lakes Road
Evacuation Warnings
Evacuation Center
- Douglas County Community Senior Center in Gardnerville, Nevada
Road Closures
- Highway 89 is closed at the intersection of Highway 4 and 89
- Pacific Crest Trail is closed between Carson Pass (Highway 88) and Ebbetts Pass (Highway 4).
- SR-88 at the Nevada/California state line to SR-89 at Pickett’s Junction
Wildfire Map
WILDFIRE PREPS
According to Cal Fire, 2020 was one of the most severe fire seasons on record as 9,917 wildfires burned 4.2 million acres. Over 9,000 structures were destroyed, and 31 people (civilians and firefighters) were killed.
California also experienced its first "Gigafire" because of the August Complex Fire, burning over 1 million acres by itself. Four of California's top five largest wildfires in state history happened in 2020.
If you live in a wildfire-prone zone, Cal Fire suggests creating a defensible space around your home. Defensible space is an area around a building in which vegetation and other debris are completely cleared. At least 100 feet is recommended.
The Department of Homeland Security suggests assembling an emergency kit that has important documents, N95 respirator masks, supplies to grab with you if you’re forced to leave at a moment’s notice. The agency also suggests signing up for local warning system notifications and know your community’s evacuation plans best to prepare yourself and your family in cases of wildfires.
Some counties use Nixle alerts to update residents on severe weather, wildfires, and other news. To sign up, visit www.nixle.com or text your zip code to 888777 to start receiving alerts.
PG&E customers can also subscribe to alerts via text, email, or phone call. If you're a PG&E customer, visit the Profile & Alerts section of your account to register.
WATCH MORE FROM ABC10: Family loses home in Tamarack Fire