South Lake Tahoe Emerald Fire LIVE updates — follow for breaking news
Saturday, 6:05 p.m. — Karen Kuentz, with U.S. Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit, released an Emerald Fire update at 5:27 p.m. It stated: “Crews were able to walk the perimeter today and determine that the fire is 176 acres. Containment is still at 80 percent. Highway 89 remains closed between Fallen Leaf Road and Bayview Campground, and evacuation areas (Spring Creek, Cathedral, West shore of Fallen Leaf Lake, Cascade Properties, and Cascade Lake) remain the same, due to weakened and burning trees, power line issues, rolling debris, and highway hazards.”
A CAL FIRE news release sent by email at 6:07 p.m. said the fire is 90 percent contained. It added, “Unified command has been established with the USFS, and CAL FIRE. Heavy precipitation is occurring over the fire area and wind is impacting firefighting operations. Forward progress of the fire has been stopped. The removal of hazardous trees from Highway 89 and around residences is ongoing. Debris continues to impact the roadway due to the high winds and torrential rains. Fire suppression repair continues on the fire where safe. Liberty Utilities is working to restore power to the area. ”
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Saturday morning update, Oct. 15 — Brice Bennett, Public Information Officer with CAL FIRE Amador El Dorado Unit, said “No change this morning. Crews briefing now to get the hazardous tree assessment going.”
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According to Brice Bennett, Public Information Officer with CAL FIRE Amador El Dorado Unit, a wildfire was reported at 1:33 a.m. Friday. The blaze, at last report, was 210 acres and 80 percent contained.
“Unified command has been established with the USFS, Lake Valley Fire, and CAL FIRE,” a press release said Friday morning. “Fire is burning in the Cascade Lake/ Emerald Bay region of South Lake Tahoe. Very strong winds ahead of the incoming storm system are fanning the fire in different directions resulting in dangerous rates of spread. Currently beginning to rain over the fire.”
A later news release noted: “Unified command has been established with the USFS, and CAL FIRE. Heavy precipitation is occurring over the fire area and wind is impacting firefighting operations. Forward progress of the fire has been stopped, however there are a large number of hazardous trees along Highway 89 and around homes. Crews will be working when safe to remove those hazards before Highway 89 is re-opened.”
Evacuations are mandatory for Spring Creek, Cathedral, West shore of Fallen Leaf Lake, Cascade Properties, Cascade Lake. Those evacuated should go to South Lake Tahoe Recreation Center for shelter.
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