Large Fire Burns In Alpine County

Alpine County, CA — A large vegetation fire near Markleeville has prompted the closure of Highway 4 Ebbetts Pass and a portion of Highway 89 Monitor Pass.

All visitors and campers in the area have been evacuated, as have five homes, and 15 historic cabins. There is no evacuation center set up at this time.

The so-called Washington Fire is approximately 10 miles south of Markleeville in the Silver Creek Drainage. It has burned 1,300 acres and there is no containment. 325 firefighters are on scene. There are 16 engines, five helicopters and three air tankers. The U.S. Forest Service is leading the response.

The fire has a rapid rate of spread due to high winds and the drought conditions. A larger type II incident management team will take over later today. Protecting the community of Markleeville is the biggest concern firefighters have at this time.