Fire ignites south of Tahoe

MARKLEEVILLE, CALIF. — Fire crews were battling a fast-moving wildfire that broke out Sunday afternoon in Alpine County south of Lake Tahoe, forcing the evacuation of campgrounds and resorts in the area.

Fire information officer Mark Struble said Sunday night that the 100-acre blaze was making runs in heavy timber and was threatening the Sorenson’s and Hope Valley resorts. An evacuation center was set up at a local school.

The fire broke out close to the Burnside Mine near the intersection of highways 88 and 89 in Hope Valley.

Fire officials called in air tankers and helicopters as part of an all-out response. No lightning was reported Sunday, and a fire investigator was en route to the scene.