More evacuations ordered after California wildfires erupt on the highway

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A fire in the Lake Tahoe, California, area has jumped onto a highway, forcing additional evacuations and the cancellation of an intense bike race, the Associated Press reports.

The Tamarack fire, just south of the Lake Tahoe River, was contained to zero percent as of Sunday afternoon, according to the Humboldt Tuyape National Forest. Officials from the National Forest said 517 people were working to contain the fire.

The fire now covers 18,000 acres. It is just the latest conflagration to ravage the West in what is increasingly seen as a year-long issue of climate change.

Wildfires have continued to grow steadily since lighting first ignited the wildfire on July 4, prompting officials to close part of the Pacific Crest Trail between California State Route 88 and California State Route 4 on Sunday.

Officials also noted that thunderstorms that were forecast Sunday afternoon could cause “irregular winds” near the bushfires.

“The Tamarack fire, due to high winds, extremely dry fuel and low relative humidity, showed rapid spread rates and an increase in fire behavior throughout the day,” officials noted on Saturday.

According to the Associated Press, the fire was heading toward the Alpine County Airport after jumping onto a highway. The news agency quoted officials as saying that three buildings had already been destroyed by the fire.

Officials from the Humboldt Tuyapa National Forest said mandatory evacuations have been added to Sierra Pines and above and below Manzanita, Crystal Springs, Alpine Village, Diamond Valley Road and Hong-A-Lil T.

Additionally, a notice on the Death Ride website for the intense 103-mile bike event said the event has been cancelled. The Associated Press reported that organizers had asked riders to leave the area. The event was canceled last year due to COVID-19 and this year’s event marked its 40th anniversary.

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