Royal Fire in Tahoe National Forest: 54 Acres Burned, Evacuations Warned

TL/DR –

Firefighters are tackling a 54-acre fire in the Tahoe National Forest, Placer County, reportedly started by an escaped campfire. The fire, which started around 4 p.m., is in remote terrain and is spreading rapidly, with no containment. An evacuation warning has been issued for a number of homes and recreation areas, and a section of Soda Springs Road has been closed.

Firefighters Battle 54-Acre Fire In Placer County

Firefighters are currently battling a 54-acre wildfire, reportedly ignited by an escaped campfire in the Tahoe National Forest. The fire, discovered by hikers on Sunday evening, is being referred to as the Royal Incident.

According to Tahoe National Forest officials, the fire began as a 5-10 acre blaze around 5:45 p.m. in the Royal Gorge area, with a moderate-to-rapid rate of spread. Less than an hour later, it was estimated to have grown to 100 acres.

However, at around 8:30 p.m., after better mapping, the forest service and Cal Fire revised the size of the fire to 54 acres. The fire, burning in difficult and remote terrain, is currently not contained.

Cal Fire reported that the fire started from an escaped campfire shortly after 4 p.m., while the forest service stated the cause is still under investigation.

Officials are advising residents not to report the fire, which is visible from Interstate 80. The Placer County Sheriff’s Office announced that it is closely monitoring the situation and will provide regular updates.

An evacuation warning has been issued for five residences on Soda Springs Road, and recreation areas are also being evacuated.

Soda Springs Road is currently closed from over a mile south of the intersection with Serene Road to Forest Service Road 6001-35.

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