More Than 1,400 Battling for American Fire Containment

Friday coverage: More Resources Dedicated to American Fire, Areas Closed

Latest U.S. Forest Service Incident Report

Update: 9:55 p.m. - Fire now more than 12,000 acres, containment slips 

The American Fire is burning in heavy fuels on extreme slopes about eight miles from the community of Foresthill, and has grown to 12,115 acres. More than 1,400 personnel are working the incident from the air and ground.

The fire is burning in the Westville Fire area generally located on the north of the Foreshill Divide Road into the Whisky Hill area. The Westville Fire occurred in 2008.

An emergency closure order is in place for portions of National Forest System lands within and adjacent to the American Fire. A map and description of the closed area can be obtained at Tahoe National Forest offices as well as online at http://www.fs.usda.gov/tahoe. Portions of the Foresthill Divide road are closed.

Heavy fuels are creating large amounts of smoke, which is a significant issue for the Sierra Foothills, Tahoe area, and Sacramento Valley. Several counties have issued air quality warnings, and those planning to visit area campgrounds and other recreation sites may experience intermittent heavy smoke. Smoky conditions may last for several days.

The American Fire as seen from Sugar Pine Reservoir. Photo by Westfall / US Forest Service

Changing weather patterns are likely to affect fire behavior and smoke dispersal patterns.

Fire officials established an incident base known as a spike camp in the Greek Store area off of Mosquito Ridge Road to enable easier access to the southeast end of the fire.

A 10,000 gallon water tank and a 10,000 gallon mobile retardant plant to aid with helicopter suppression operations has been established at the Blue Canyon Airport just south of Interstate 80.

No populated areas are threatened, including the Foresthill community, and full suppression efforts remain in progress. Firefighter and public safety remain the highest priority.

Update: 12:00 p.m. - Crews Gaining Ground on American Fire

The American Fire has grown to 11,950 acres, and is 45 percent contained, according to the U.S. Forest Service. It is burning in heavy fuels on extreme slopes about eight miles from the community of Foresthill.

The fire is burning in the Westville Fire area generally located on the north of the Foreshill Divide Road into the Whisky Hill area. The Westville Fire occurred in 2008.

An emergency closure order is in place for portions of National Forest System lands within and adjacent to the American Fire. A map and description of the closed area can be obtained at Tahoe National Forest offices as well as online at http://www.fs.usda.gov/tahoe. Portions of the Foresthill Divide road are closed.

Heavy fuels are creating large amounts of smoke, which is a significant issue for the Sierra Foothills, Tahoe area, and Sacramento Valley. Several counties have issued air quality warnings, and those planning to visit area campgrounds and other recreation sites may experience intermittent heavy smoke.

Smoky conditions may last for several days. Changing weather patterns are likely to affect fire behavior and smoke dispersal patterns.

Fire officials established an incident base known as a spike camp in the Greek Store area off of Mosquito Ridge Road to enable easier access to the southeast end of the fire.

A 10,000 gallon water tank and a 10,000 gallon mobile retardant plant to aid with helicopter suppression operations has been established at the Blue Canyon Airport just south of Interstate 80.

No populated areas are threatened, including the Foresthill community, and full suppression efforts remain in progress. Firefighter and public safety remain the highest priority.

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