Lightning Caused Fire On Eastern Sierra Nevada Slope

Forest Service Image

Walker, CA — There is a vegetation fire being managed for ecological benefit on the eastern slope of the Sierra Nevada, and it visible from near Highway 395.

The Tamarack Fire, estimated to be five acres, is burning at an elevation of 8,300 feet in the Carson Iceberg Wilderness’s Silver King and Tamarack Creek drainage area. It is in very steep and rugged backcountry terrain outside the community of Walker.

Kevin Wilmot, Cason District Ranger, says, “Due to the extremely wet winter and spring, this is an ideal time for us to manage this high elevation wilderness fire. Lightning fires are a natural occurrence and play a vital role in shaping this fire-dependent ecosystem.”

By allowing it to burn out naturally it removes fuels. Fire personnel are monitoring the fire from the Little Antelope Pack Station, and helicopter fights will be considered as the situation evolves. The fire was located at around noon on Sunday.