Logging on Tamarack burn begins as small Wolf Creek Fire is extinguished

Even as a small fire in the Sierra southeast of Markleeville is being lassoed, the U.S. Forest Service is beginning work on forest restoration projects around Markleevillage and Turtle Rock Park.

The last few puffs of smoke appeared over the ridge above the Wolf Creek Fire around 5:30 p.m. Thursday as firefighters built a line around half of its perimeter.

Set by lightning, the 32.5-acre fire was discovered burning 10 miles southeast of Markleeville on Tuesday night.

The fire forced the evacuation of Wolf Creek Campground on Wednesday, but appeared well on its way to being extinguished by Friday morning.

Alpine County was devastated by the Tamarack Fire, which also started by a lightning strike, in July 2021. The big difference between then and now was a substantial amount of moisture from last winter and more from Hurricane Hilary last month. Fire restrictions in the Bridgeport and Carson ranger districts were lifted on Aug. 23 after only 16 days.

This week, equipment will be moving into the region around Markleeville to start the felling and yarding operations, bringing many of the burned trees from the Tamarack Fire to logging decks near the roadway.

This will increase vehicular traffic on Hot Springs and Pleasant Valley roads associated with these projects, however there will be no hauling of logs and operations will be conducted during normal business hours.

The U.S. Forest Service has advised their contractors to drive slowly and carefully through the neighborhoods to minimize impacts to the residents.

These projects are scheduled to be complete by Oct. 15.

Wood from these projects will be made available to the public for firewood once the log decks are complete. U.S. Forest Service fuelwood permits will be required and can be obtained from the Alpine County Chamber of Commerce in Markleeville or at the Carson Ranger District Office in Carson City.