A fast-moving wildfire in the Tahoe National Forest prompted evacuations in Sierra County on Sunday afternoon, authorities said.
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According to the U.S. Forest Service, the Bear Fire was first reported just after 2 p.m. at a location of the forest off Bear Valley Road south of Loyalton and about 25 miles north of Truckee.
It consumed about 40 acres in its first hour but as of 5 p.m. was officially listed as 197 acres large, though the Forest Service reported that visual estimates showed the fire being as large as 250 acres. Smoke from the fire was visible for miles, including at least one report of it being seen from as far as Reno.
The Sierra County Sheriff’s Office has issued an evacuation order for the western portion of the community of Sierra Brooks: “There is an immediate threat to life. This is a lawful order to leave now. The area is lawfully closed to public access and residents are ordered to leave immediately.”
This is a developing report. Check back later for updates.
