Wildfire in Tahoe National Forest: Crews Contend with 100-Acre Blaze Visible from I-80

Firefighters are actively engaged in containing a rapidly spreading wildfire that ignited from an escaped campfire discovered by hikers in the Tahoe National Forest on Sunday evening. Initially reported as a 5-10 acre blaze in the Royal Gorge area around 5:45 p.m., the fire quickly intensified to 100 acres within an hour, fueled by challenging terrain and moderate-to-rapid rates of spread.

Efforts to combat the blaze involve both ground crews and aerial resources, though the fire’s remote location in difficult terrain poses significant challenges to containment. According to Cal Fire, the fire’s origin was attributed to an escaped campfire, highlighting the critical importance of fire safety practices in wilderness areas.

The inferno is visible from Interstate 80, prompting officials to discourage the public from stopping to observe or report the fire to prevent traffic disruptions and ensure emergency access. Monitoring closely, the Placer County Sheriff’s Office has issued evacuation warnings for five residences along Soda Springs Road. As a precautionary measure, Soda Springs Road has been closed from over a mile south of its intersection with Serene Road to Forest Service Road 6001-35, aimed at facilitating firefighting operations and ensuring public safety.

Updates on the fire’s status and containment efforts are expected as authorities continue to assess and respond to the evolving situation in Tahoe National Forest.