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Tamarack wildfire: Mandatory evacuation in Markleeville as sheriff warns against fake FB posts

Alpine County Sheriff's Office has urged residents to be ready to evacuate their homes as the roaring fire moves at a swift pace

ALPINE COUNTY, CALIFORNIA: A major evacuation operation is underway in Markleeville, Alpine County, due to a 'scary' wildfire. The US Forest Service said the Tamarack fire started on July 4 from lightning and is estimated have burnt 500 acres and there is no containment information currently. Alpine County Sheriff's Office has urged residents to be ready to evacuate their homes as the roaring fire moves at a swift pace. 

A mandatory evacuation warning has been issued to people in Markleeville, Grover Hot Springs Park and Campground, Shay Creek, Markleeville Village, and East Fork Resort. People who are evacuating their homes are advised to go to Alpine County School in Paynesville. According to reports, multiple structures in the area have been gripped by the wildfire and burned. According to Humboldt Toiyabe National Forest, the fire is showing no signs of slowing down and is showing high rates of spread. 

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Markleeville and the surrounding areas are laced with thick vegetation which increases the chance of this tragedy causing more damage than imagined. Firefighting teams have been using retardants to coat nearby vegetation in an attempt to stop the flames from spreading further.

The California Highway Patrol (CHP) says SR-89 northbound is shut down at US-395 and eastbound traffic is being diverted at SR-4 and SR-89. California 108 and Sonora Pass remain open and there is no estimated time available for when they would reopen California 89, according to Caltrans. 

People across the country, as well as the areas that are affected by fire, have taken to Twitter, some to relay the damage that is unfolding in front of their eyes and some to convey their thoughts and provide words of hope. "You guys, my mom’s house might burn down tonight from a forest fire in Markleeville. Please keep her in your thoughts and prayers if you’re into that. This year has been so heavy and now she might lose everything," tweeted a daughter worried seeking prayers for her mother and the house she lives in. "Looking scary in the eastern Sierra tonight. Send some positive thoughts to Markleeville and Grover Hot Springs… such a special place," wrote another. "The #TamarackFire is burning hot and bright enough that the Hawkins Peak @AlertWildfire camera hasn't even shifted to night vision mode yet," read another tweet which was shared along with an unsettling photo of the raging fire.