Rain Helps Slow Washington Fire

Markleeville, CA – The Washington Fire in Alpine County is now 45% contained and up to 17,786 acres.

The incident command team reports that some precipitation fell on the northeast section, which helped firefighters over the weekend. In addition, the area saw lower temperatures and higher humidity yesterday. Hotshot firefighters have been focusing on the eastern edge of the fire constructing a containment line in steep and rocky terrain. Highway 4 Ebbetts Pass is now back open, but Highway 89 Monitor Pass remains closed.

The cost to battle the fire has now exceeded $7.6 million. 1,111 firefighters are on scene.