A two-week old wildfire exploded in size Friday night, prompting evacuations in Alpine County.
The Tamarack Fire leaped to approximately 10 square miles overnight with 0% containment, the U.S. Forest Service's Humboldt-Toiyabe unit reported. Timber, brush and mixed conifer are fueling the blaze which was originally caused by lightning on July 4.
#TamarackFIre 6,660 acres and 0% contained. Fire is active on all flanks and exhibiting high rates of spread. Highway 89, 88 and 4 are closed in the fire area. https://t.co/YrSLWiw1pD pic.twitter.com/KrUn0LEeo0
— YubaNet Fire News (@YubaNetFire) July 17, 2021
The communities of Markleeville, Grover Hot Springs and campground area, Shay Creek, Markleevillage and East Fork Resort are under mandatory evacuation orders.
Markleeville this morning #TamarackFire Alpine Co CA, there is some property loss on upper Pleasant Valley Rd. pic.twitter.com/WG5pBQDARz
— craig philpott (@CphilpottCraig) July 17, 2021
Taking necessary precaution, some houses in Markleeville have been covered in pink fire retardant.
Pink painted homes #TamarackFire Markleeville this morning Alpine Co CA pic.twitter.com/67aewMnwUR
— craig philpott (@CphilpottCraig) July 17, 2021
Firefighters are currently at the scene, using suppression and aviation resources to get a handle on containment.






