Tamarack Fire gains acreage overnight; air quality worsens throughout Carson City region
UPDATE 2:22PM: Alpine County Sheriff's have removed mandatory evacuations for the area of Mesa Vista, according to Tamarack Fire Information.
Residents must have proof of residence to bypass the road closure. SR 88 will remain closed to non-residents. Additional evacuations are possible due to fire activity, said the Alpine County news release.
Additionally, Highway 88 is closed from the Nevada state line to Pickets Junction. SR 89 is closed from the junction of Highway 88 to Highway 395. SR 4 is closed from the junction of SR 89 to Ebbett’s Pass.
UPDATE 9:08AM: According to Tamarack Fire Information, the Alpine County Sheriff is providing escorts for residents located in the Tamarack Fire evacuation area. Escorts will take place from 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, July 24. If you are interested in an escort to your residence, proceed to the NV/CA state line located on Foothill Road.
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The U.S. Forest Service reported early Saturday morning that the Tamarack Fire, which crossed the state line into Nevada and Douglas County on Wednesday and jumped US 395 Thursday near Holbrook Junction, has grown to 65,152 acres with 4 percent containment.
Additionally, a special weather statement has been issued by the National Weather Service for the areas affected by the Tamarack, Dixie, Fly, and Bootleg fires. According to the report, some of the worst air conditions caused by wildfire smoke include Carson City, Carson Valley, and Washoe Valley.
According to the Air Quality Index, Carson City and Dayton are reported 109 AQI, or unhealthy for sensitive groups as of 7 a.m. on Saturday. Minden and Gardnerville are both reported to have 200 AQI, or unhealthy.
Reno is reported to have 272 AQI, or very unhealthy. Both north and South Lake Tahoe are reported to have 100 AQI, or moderate air quality.
Poor air quality conditions are expected to stay consistent over the next few days as fires are being fought in California, Nevada, and Oregon.
The number of personnel working on the fire has also increased to 1,425 responders. This information is current as of Saturday at approximately 4:45 a.m.
Governor Sisolak issued a state of emergency in Douglas County Friday afternoon, while Douglas County officials did the same earlier in the day.
For regular updates on fire statistics, road closures, and evacuation information, go to the Tamarack Fire information Facebook page here, or on Twitter here.