A wildfire that has already scorched 200 acres broke out overnight in the area of Camp Richardson, near Cascade Lake and Emerald Bay in South Lake Tahoe. As the Associated Press reports, the fire was first reported at 1:30 a.m. Friday, and evacuation orders are now in effect for about 500 homes in the areas of Spring Creek, Cathedral, the west shore of Fallen Leaf Lake, Cascade Properties, and Cascade Lake.
Also, Highway 89 is currently closed from Camp Richardson to Meeks Bay.
Cal Fire says that in addition to the mandatory evacuation orders, "Voluntary evacuations have been issued for an additional 500 residences." Evacuees are being asked to head north on 89 toward Tahoe City, and the South Lake Tahoe Recreation Center has been established as an evacuation center.
The El Dorado County Sheriff's Office is asking for people to avoid the area.
We'll update you as more information arrives.
