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Bear fire rages in Tahoe National Forest in Sierra County

Vaseline September 3, 2024

A rapidly spreading wildfire in the Tahoe National Forest prompted evacuations in Sierra County Monday afternoon, authorities said.

On Tuesday morning, the fire brigade took advantage of the better weather.

According to the U.S. Forest Service, the Bear Fire was first reported around 2 p.m. at a location in the woods on Bear Valley Road, south of Loyalton and about 25 miles north of Truckee.

It burned about 40 acres in the first hour, and by 5 p.m. it was officially recorded as 197 acres. By 6 p.m., the Forest Service reported that visual estimates indicated the fire had grown to 800 acres.

An update from the Forest Service Tuesday morning indicated that the fire had reached 1,391 acres and was still at zero percent containment. Officials said cooler weather and less wind overnight had allowed crews to set up lines that they hoped would help suppress and contain the flames in steep, rocky terrain.

Although Cal Fire was not involved in the primary response, it was monitoring the Bear Fire. Based on the agency’s maps, the fire scar is growing northeast from its point of origin.

The smoke from the fire could be seen for miles, and one source said the fire was even spotted in Reno.

The Sierra County Sheriff’s Office has issued evacuation orders for areas west, north and northeast of the community of Sierra Brooks. Evacuation warnings — intended to urge residents to prepare to leave — have been issued in areas farther from the fire’s footprint but in its general path, along Highway 49 and along much of Sierra County’s northern border with Plumas County, which extends nearly to the Nevada border.

This is a work in progress report. Check back for updates.

Originally published: September 2, 2024 at 5:48 pm