Single Publication

Size: 215 acres

Containment: 15%

Start Date & Time: July 7, 2024, 1609 PDT

Cause: Unknown / Under Investigation

Location: 5 miles south of Soda Springs, Calif. Royal Gorge, North Fork of the American River

Suppression Strategy: Full Suppression

CURRENT SITUATION

The Royal Fire has not grown overnight and has held within its footprint for over 24 hours. Yesterday, ground crews had success with handline construction. Containment was achieved along sections of the left and right flanks of the fire. The incident continues to be supported by significant aviation assets. The fire is located in steep and rugged terrain that is difficult to access by ground. Yesterday, several crews were flown by helicopter into the incident and have hiked to remote locations to engage in containment measures.   

Hot and dry conditions persist over the fire area this week. 15-25 mph gusty south-westerly winds are expected this afternoon. Fire behavior overnight was active with backing, flanking and single tree torching. 

There are 396 individual personnel assigned to the Royal Fire with resources including 7 Type 1 helicopters including 3 of which are night-capable water-droppers, 1 Type 2 helicopter, 1 air attack, 1 Type 1 24-hour hoist-capable rescue helicopter, 24 crews, 16 engines, 5 dozers, 7 water tenders and several support staff (overhead). 

CLOSURES

Tahoe National Forest has issued Forest Order 17-24-11

The Royal Fire Closure Area boundary begins at the intersection of Serene Road and Soda Springs Road (County Road 6001). The boundary follows the Soda Springs Road south and then west and south to the junction of Mosquito Ridge Road (Forest Road 96). The boundary then continues northwest for approximately 5 miles until it reaches the western terminus of the Long Valley Trail (Forest Trail 14E29). The boundary then travels along the Long Valley Trail east to the intersection of Long Valley and Palisades Creek Trail (Forest Trail 14E14) and then continues north along the Palisades Creek Trail to the intersection with Kidd Lakes Road (County Road 9146). The boundary then travels southeast from the Palisades Creek Trailhead for approximately 3 miles back to the starting point at Serene Road and Soda Springs Road.

EVACUATIONS

• Placer County Sheriff’s Office has not issued any additional evacuation orders or warnings.

• An evacuation warning remains for the community of the Cedars.

RESOURCES

The County of Placer encourages resident and visitors to sign up for Tahoe Alerts. Tahoe Alerts is a one-stop resource for the various emergency alert systems available in different regions around Lake Tahoe, encompassing Placer, El Dorado, Nevada, Douglas, Alpine, and Washoe counties, as well as Truckee, Carson City and South Lake Tahoe.

INCIDENT HISTORY

The Royal Fire was reported July 7, 2024 at 4:09 p.m. in the area of Royal Gorge on the North Fork of the American River on the Tahoe National Forest. The fire is located in steep, rugged terrain that is difficult to access. Tahoe National Forest immediately responded to the incident with aggressive aerial resources. Ground crews continue to reinforce incident objectives to suppress and contain the fire as quickly as possible.

The U.S. Forest Service-Tahoe National Forest is in unified command with Placer County Sheriff's Office, CAL FIRE NEU /Placer County Fire and Placer County Government Office of Emergency Services on the Royal Fire incident.