Incident Information: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/…/catnf-bear-fire-tahoe…
Location: South of Sierra Brooks off Bear Valley Rd., Tahoe National Forest
Personnel: 476
Start Date: 9/2/2024 @ 2:00 PM
Cause: Undetermined
Size: 3,323 acres
Percent contained: 83%
Thanks to successful containment efforts, Tahoe National Forest resumed command of the Bear Fire as of 7 a.m. today, Sept. 11.
Focus remains on mop up and repair operations in areas impacted by fire suppression in the southeast region of Smithneck Road and the 506 Road. These activities include mitigating long-term environmental impacts and facilitating the restoration of the affected landscape. Crews continue to build containment and mop up into the fire footprint to expand the buffer zone. Sections of the operation area have transitioned to patrol status, indicating significant progress in containment.
A change in weather is expected for Wednesday afternoon, with a cold front bringing gusty south to southwest winds with gusts up to 30-35mph. Cooler conditions are expected, with temperatures dropping 10-12 degrees below seasonal averages with near freezing temperatures in the valley and drainage areas. The Sierra Valley area remains out of the red flag warning zone, but crews are prepared for windy conditions on the fire line.
Several evacuation zones have been downgraded to normal status. An evacuation order remains within the fire perimeter, and the area is inaccessible to the public. Forest closures and evacuation orders remain in place to safeguard both the public and fire crew members. Any unauthorized entry into these restricted areas is strictly forbidden.
WEATHER:
Wind speeds are expected to increase as a cold front arrives Wednesday afternoon. Gusty winds of 30-35 mph are expected today, with temperatures dropping 10-12 degrees below the season average in valley and drainage areas.
EVACUATIONS:
Sierra County: Evacuation order and warnings remain in effect. For an interactive map of evacuations, visit: https://protect.genasys.com/search.
FOREST CLOSURE:
A forest closure has been issued. For more information visit the Tahoe National Forest website at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/tahoe/alerts-notices.
Information provided by US Forest Service-Tahoe National Forest