Tahoe fire closes roads and campgrounds

Some roads and campgrounds in the Lake Tahoe area were closed today by a major wildfire that has consumed an estimated 225 structures and about 3,100 acres.

With strong afternoon winds predicted for today, firefighters battling the blaze were cautioned about a possible flare-up.

As of this morning, California Highway 89 was closed from its junction with U.S. Highway 50 in South Lake Tahoe to Emerald Bay, Caltrans said today on its website.

Reportedly, a portion of California Highway 50 also was affected, although Caltrans said it was open. For road updates, call (800) 427-7623 or visit www.dot.ca.gov/hq/roadinfo.

Because of road closures, the Eagle Point and Vikingsholm campgrounds in Emerald Bay State Park, south of Tahoe City, was closed. Campers were being moved to D.L. Bliss and Sugar Pine Point campgrounds, which remained open.

Area travelers may encounter heavy smoke and limited visibility, said Sheryl Watson, a spokeswoman for California State Parks.

Emerald Bay campers who cancel their reservations by calling ReserveAmerica, at (800) 695-2269, will get full refunds, Watson said. For more information, visit www.parks.ca.gov and search parks under the keyword “Tahoe.”

On national lands, in the Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit, Fallen Leaf campground on Fallen Leaf Lake, south of Lake Tahoe, was evacuated, said Todd Chaponot, a spokesman for the U.S. Forest Service.

On the lake’s west end, Camp Richardson was under voluntary evacuation, he added.

For updates, visit the interagency website, www.inciweb.org/forest/17 (Angora Wildland Fire), or call (530) 543-2600 and choose No. 6 on the recorded menu.