Washington Fire Close To Containment

Markleeville, CA — The cost of the two-week old lightning sparked fire in Alpine County has reached a scorching $12 million.

Fire officials reports the containment is 94% with the acreage staying at 17,790 thanks to a flood of rainfall over the past 48 hours. Fire crews will continue working on the fire line, while mopping up hot spots along the perimeter.  Operation of the fire will change from a Type 2 to a smaller 3-incident management team on Sunday, July 5 at 6 a.m.

If traveling in the area this Fourth of July weekend, fire officials remind motorists to use caution in the fire burn area. Highway 4 Ebbetts Pass and Highway 89 Monitor Pass remain open.  However, there are plenty of fire crews working and equipment along those highways so fire officials are urging motorists to slow down and watch out for personnel. The Forest Service closure is still in effect and law enforcement will be patrolling the fire area the entire holiday weekend.

Current resources on scene include 429 firefighters, 10 hand crews, 12 engines, 2 water tenders and 4 helicopters. The fire started June 19 and burned just three miles south of Markleeville threatening the community.