Talbot Fire gains containment as French Meadows recreation areas remain evacuated
By Richard Ramos
A wildfire burning in rugged terrain west of Lake Tahoe reached 15% containment Thursday as firefighters made overnight progress, though recreation areas remain evacuated and an evacuation warning is still in effect.
The Talbot Fire was mapped at 75.2 acres, according to the U.S. Forest Service. It is burning in heavy timber in the Tahoe National Forest, about 4 miles northeast of French Meadows Reservoir.
Fire behavior moderated overnight, allowing crews to gain better access and hold portions of the fire along its left and right flanks. Significant air and ground resources remain assigned to the fire as crews work toward full containment.
All campgrounds and recreation areas in the French Meadows area have been evacuated because of the fire and the heavy presence of firefighting resources. Forest Service officials are urging the public to stay out of the area.
An evacuation warning also remains in effect for portions of Tahoe National Forest along French Meadows Road, including the Cedars community. You can view a live evacuation map here.
The latest mapping is well below the roughly 200-acre estimate reported Wednesday night. Earlier Thursday, Cal Fire estimated the fire at about 75 acres with no containment.
The Talbot Fire is burning on federal land and is being managed by the U.S. Forest Service, with Cal Fire air and ground resources assisting. Its cause remains under investigation.
