Washington Fire Grows To 17,622 Acres, 29 Percent Contained

The Washington Fire, which is burning south of Lake Tahoe in Alpine County, has burned 17,622 acres and is 29 percent contained, authorities say.

State Highway 4 remains closed just north of Silver Creek campground. In addition, State Highway 89 is closed at the Carson River Resort, about two miles east of Markleeville and at the junction of State Highway 395 near Topaz Lake, according to the fire incident webpage.

The town of Markleeville and the Grover Springs Hot Springs Campground is no longer under an evacuation advisory. The public is encouraged to use caution when driving in these areas as fire apparatus are utilizing these roads to travel to and from the fire.

The Pacific Crest trail is open in all directions.

Cal Fire announced Saturday it is increasing its staffing because of strong winds and dry lightning that is occurring throughout northern California.

Currently 3,300 firefighters are battling four large wildfires, according to a Cal Fire statement.

In addition, a Red Flag Warning has been issued for much of northeast California, including the Northern Sierra and Tahoe Basin. Cal Fire urges people to be cautious outdoors to prevent starting wildfires. Those in the Red Flag Warning area must take extra precautions. You can read about those precautions at www.ReadyforWildfire.org.