Talbot Fire Closes French Meadows Area

Update: A representative associated with Talbot Fire management has shared the following statement about the length of the closure order: “The National Forest will typically forecast out a date for these Fire Forest Closures based on the uncertainty of the length of the incident. As the incident winds down, the Tahoe National Forest will be looking to update this closure and its expiration date.”

FRENCH MEADOWS — Tahoe National Forest closed the recreation areas, trails, and roads around French Meadows Reservoir on Friday as the Talbot Fire stood at 75 acres and 15 percent containment. The closed area sits in remote Placer County on the Middle Fork of the American River, east of Foresthill and west of Lake Tahoe. Forest Order 17-26-21, signed by Acting Forest Supervisor Matt Lane, took effect at 9 AM and runs through December 31. The Sacramento Regional Type 3 Incident Management Team assumed command of the fire at 7 AM, two hours before the closure began.

The order covers portions of the American River and Truckee Ranger Districts. It closes the Western States Trail from Forest Road 96-62 to the Granite Chief Wilderness boundary, and the Pacific Crest Trail between the trailhead on Placer County 9001 Road and Barker Pass Trailhead. Violations are punishable by a fine of up to $5,000 for an individual or $10,000 for an organization, up to six months in prison, or both. Stage 2 fire restrictions, which limit campfires, smoking, and engine use across the forest, also took effect Friday as previously planned.

The fire was reported August 12 at 3:26 PM off French Meadows Road, about four miles northeast of French Meadows Reservoir, and is burning in heavy timber across extremely steep, rugged terrain. The cause is under investigation. “The fire continues to pose a threat to structures and private timberlands while also burning near the Granite Chief Wilderness,” the incident management team said in a Friday morning update.

A low-pressure system has brought unseasonably cool temperatures and higher humidity, moderating fire behavior, according to the update. Crews are building hose lines and handline around the perimeter, dozers are cutting control lines, and helicopters are working areas of high heat. The 376 personnel assigned to the fire planned to spend Friday mopping up to increase containment while keeping the fire inside its current footprint. Gusty winds remain in the forecast and could increase fire behavior and spread, the team said.

An evacuation warning the Placer County Sheriff’s Office issued Wednesday evening remained in effect Friday for portions of the forest along French Meadows Road, including the Cedars community. The Forest Service evacuated the campgrounds and recreation areas around French Meadows on Thursday. Fire information is available at 530-830-3461 between 8 AM and 8 PM.