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A fire in the Lake Tahoe, Calif., Area blew onto a freeway and forced additional evacuations and the cancellation of an intensive cycling race, the Associated Press reported.
The Tamarack fire, just south of the Lake Tahoe River, was zero percent contained on Sunday afternoon, according to at the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest. National Forest officials said 517 people were working to contain the blaze.
The fire now covers 18,000 acres. This is just the latest fire to devastate the West in what is increasingly seen as a year-long problem linked to climate change.
The wildfire has been steadily escalating since lighting started the blaze on July 4, prompting authorities to also close part of the Pacific Crest Trail between California State Route 88 and California State Route 4 Sunday.
Officials also noted that thunderstorms forecast for Sunday afternoon could cause “erratic winds” near the wildfire.
“Forced by gusty winds, extremely dry fuels and low relative humidity, the Tamarack fire exhibited rapid spread rates and increased fire behavior throughout the day,” officials said. Noted the Saturday.
According to the Associated Press, the fire spread to the Alpine County airport after blowing a freeway. Officials say three structures have already been destroyed by the fire, the press service reported.
Officials from the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest said mandatory evacuations have been added at Sierra Pines, Upper and Lower Manzanita, Crystal Springs, Alpine Village, Diamond Valley Road and Hung-a-lel-ti.
Additionally, a notice on the Death Ride 103 mile intensive cycling event website indicated that its event had been canceled. Organizers have asked the runners to leave the zone, the AP noted. The event was canceled last year due to COVID-19 and this year’s event would have marked its 40th anniversary.
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