Royal, Tahoe National Forest

Royal, North Fork of American River in the area of Royal Gorge, 12 miles southwest of Truckee, Tahoe National Forest in Placer County. Brush and timber.

July 16, 2024 at 8:46 AM

This will be the final incident update for the Royal Fire

Due to successful suppression efforts, resources are focused on mop up and suppression repair for the Royal Fire. Efforts were slowed over the weekend due to significant dry lightning and thunderstorms over the fire area. Resources were pulled from suppression repair activities during the lightning events for safety. 

Over the weekend the Tahoe National Forest received 158 lightning strikes. 4 new lightning-caused fires were detected on the forest. Royal Fire initial attack resources were able to respond to the new starts. All new starts have been successfully contained and are currently being mopped up and/or patrolled. Royal Fire incident commanders have maintained initial attack resources to assist with any new starts in the fire area or any needed surge capacity for the fire. A significant number of resources plan to demobilize from the incident today and tomorrow.

Tahoe National Forest’s closure order for the fire area will remain active for public safety. The public is advised to stay out of recently burned areas. Fire-weakened trees are easily downed in the wind, potentially causing injury or death. Ash pits and burned stump holes in a fire area often cannot be seen from the surface and have the potential for severe burns and injury.

Containment on the Royal Fire is expected to improve. Fire resources will continue suppression repair long after incident commanders determine the fire fully contained and controlled. Fire resources plan to patrol the fire, likely through fall 2024 or until the fire area receives significant precipitation to where reignition is no longer a concern. 

SUPPRESSION REPAIR

Suppression repair efforts continue throughout the Royal Fire area. Suppression repair efforts repair damage caused directly from fire suppression activities. Fire personnel work alongside forest resource advisors throughout the suppression repair process. Repair activities include grading of roads used extensively during suppression activities, the construction of waterbreaks, dozer lines and handlines to control erosion, restoration of drainage, clearing of debris and mulching disturbed soil to prevent damage to water quality.

July 15, 2024 at 7:44 PM

Minimal fire behavior with no growth over several days. Final report unless a significant change occurs.

July 15, 2024 at 7:16 AM

Containment of the fire is up to 79% this morning. Firefighters are continuing mop-up and cold trailing.

July 14, 2024 at 7:42 AM No increased activity overnight, the fire remains 68% contained.

July 13, 2024 at 7:40 PM

Interior pockets of fuel continue to consume.

July 13, 2024 at 10:56 AM

No fire growth overnight. Anticipated full containment date is Monday, July 15.

July 12, 2024 at 8:02 PM

Firefighters continue to make progress in the very steep terrain. Containment is now at 62%.

July 12, 2024 at 11:12 AM

Firefighters continue to hold and improve control lines and mop up as necessary to maintain containment. Fire activity has remained moderate the past few days and the fire’s footprint has not grown in 48 hours. High pressure and extreme heat are expected to continue over the fire through the weekend. Low humidity and fuel moistures provide the opportunity for growth. This weekend, dry lightning is forecasted over the fire area which may test holding features and constructed fire lines. Increased fire behavior is possible if increased wind or rollout moves fire across holding lines. Tahoe National Forest is maintaining initial attack resources on scene due to expected lightning activity and possible outflow winds that may threaten containment efforts.

Suppression repair needs continue to be identified. The goal of suppression repair is to return damaged areas to a stable condition that reflects pre-fire conditions. Firefighters will work alongside forest resource advisors throughout the suppression repair process.

Due to successful suppression efforts, Placer County Sheriff’s Office has lifted evacuation warnings for The Cedars. The Forest Service closure order remains for the Royal Fire perimeter and surrounding area for public and firefighter safety. Yesterday, July 11, Tahoe National Forest transitioned out of unified command with Placer County Sheriff’s Office, CALFIRE/Placer County Fire and Placer County Office of Emergency Services on the Royal Fire incident. Tahoe National Forest would like to thank all agencies for the support and resource assistance.

There are approximately 360 individual personnel assigned to the Royal Fire. Firefighting resources include 4 Type 1 helicopters, 1 Type 2 helicopter, 1 air attack, 1 Type 1 24-hour hoist-capable rescue helicopter, 10 crews, 9 engines, 5 dozers, 9 water tenders and 1 excavator.

July 12, 2024 at 8:01 AM

Planned Actions: Continue attempts at direct line construction through the next operational period. Secure fire edge.

July 11, 2024 at 9:17 PM

Ground crews continue to reinforce incident objectives to suppress and contain the fire as quickly as possible. Placer County Sheriff’s Office has lifted evacuation warnings.

On July 11, 2024, Tahoe National Forest transitioned out of unified command with Placer County Sheriff’s Office, CALFIRE/Placer County Fire and Placer County Office of Emergency Services on the Royal Fire incident. Tahoe National Forest would like to thank all agencies for the support and resource assistance.

July 11, 2024 at 8:35 AM

The Royal Fire continues to hold within its footprint. Yesterday, crews were successful with constructing a combination of hand and dozer line all the way around the fire. The incident continues to be supported by aviation resources.

Today, crews will continue to improve handline and begin cold trailing (feeling for hotspots) where appropriate. Resources are beginning to plan suppression repair needs. Hot and dry conditions continue over the fire area through Friday. Gusty west-southwesterly winds, 15-25 mph, are expected in the afternoon. Fire behavior is moderate with minimal smoke output.

There are approximately 361 individual personnel assigned to the Royal Fire. Firefighting resources include 5 Type 1 helicopters including 1 of which is night-capable water-droppers, 1 Type 2 helicopter, 1 air attack, 1 Type 1 24-hour hoist-capable rescue helicopter, 11 crews, 6 engines, 5 dozers, 4 water tenders and 1 excavator. 

July 11, 2024 at 7:57 AM

Moderate fire behavior reported. Evacuation Warnings are in effect. Cultural resources are threatened. Fire is in Unified Command with Tahoe N.F. and CAL FIRE Nevada-Yuba-Placer Unit.

July 10, 2024 at 6:15 PM

Crews have made good progress and successfully constructed a combination of dozer line and handline all the way around the fire perimeter. Fire behavior has been moderate with minimal smoke output.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

Evacuation warnings remain for the community of The Cedars. No additional evacuation warnings or orders have been issued today.

July 10, 2024 at 8:22 AM

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).  

July 9, 2024 at 8:02 PM

Active fire behavior with flanking, single tree torching and backing. Structures threatened. Evacuation warnings in the area. Road and trail closures in effect.

Planned actions: Continue attempts at direct line construction through the next operational period.

July 9, 2024 at 12:34 PM

The Mt Lincoln camera of UNR’s Seismo Lab provides a good view of the very steep terrain.

July 9, 2024 at 10:01 AM

TNF update:

The Royal Fire did not experience significant growth overnight. Reported acreage is due to more accurate mapping by FIRIS. There has been little progress on containment due to extremely steep and difficult to access terrain. The fire is currently boxed in with retardant. Significant aerial resources continue to monitor and attack the incident. Ground crews continue to work on building handline and dozer line around the fire.

The fire is active with crews reporting short-range spotting, tree crowning and short uphill runs. High pressure and extreme heat is expected over the fire area for the next several days. Low humidity and dry fuels are contributing to resistance of containment measures.

The Tahoe National Forest has issued a closure for the fire footprint and surrounding fire area for the safety of the public and firefighter personnel.

Current resources assigned to the Royal Fire include: 1 Type 2 helicopter, 6 Type 1 helicopters including 2 Type 1 night-flying water dropper, 2 night-flying capable UAS (drones), 1 Type 3 hoist-capable helicopter, 24 crews, 16 engines, 5 dozers and several support staff (overhead).  

CLOSURES

Tahoe National Forest has issued a fire area closure order.

• 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. 

July 9, 2024 at 9:00 AM

Air Attack 17 is over the fire, minimal fire activity was reported overnight.

July 9, 2024 at 6:36 AM

The fire was mapped overnight at 200 acres.

July 8, 2024 at 8:44 PM Air Attack 230 is off the fire, Helicopter CH will return to Truckee.

July 8, 2024 at 7:13 PM

Air Attack is reporting the Royal Fire at 154 due to more accurate mapping. The fire has continued to hold within its footprint throughout the day. Tankers have boxed the fire in with retardant. Three Type 1 helicopters have been performing water drops throughout the day. Crews have gained access to the incident and constructed handline across the head.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

July 8, 2024 at 6:59 PM

Active fire behavior with short-range spotting was observed today. Evacuation Warnings are in effect along with area and trail closures. Cultural resources threatened. Fire is in Unified Command with USFS Tahoe N.F. and CAL FIRE Nevada-Yuba-Placer Unit.

July 8, 2024 at 5:51 PM

Placer County Health and Human Services and the Placer County Air Pollution Control District are issuing a joint air quality advisory through Friday, July 12, 2024, to notify the public of poor air quality conditions due to smoke from the Royal Fire burning in Placer County.

Smoke is expected to affect the Lake Tahoe area during the day. As winds shift overnight and into the morning hours, smoke may move toward the west slope, worsening air quality in the western portion of Placer County.

July 8, 2024 at 5:15 PM

Good progress on line construction, both dozer and handlines. Fire activity is moderate at this time.

July 8, 2024 at 2:58 PM Air

Attack 17 is on the way to the Royal Fire, relieving Air Attack 230.

July 8, 2024 at 12:47 PM

Heat is building in the right shoulder of the fire, helicopters are working the area. Engine strike team has formed up at the ICP to work the area.

July 8, 2024 at 11:53 AM

With increasing temperatures, fire activity is picking up again. There has been no change in evacuations, an evacuation warning has been issued by PCSO for The Cedars area. Soda Springs Road remain closed, except for residents, from Serene Rd to the Foresthill Rd. Smoke from the Royal Fire is impacting the I-80 corridor and portions of Nevada and Placer Counties. There is no other active fire in the area at this time.

July 8, 2024 at 10:26 AM

TNF update:

Tahoe National Forest and Placer County Sheriff’s Office are currently in unified command in response to a 168-acre fire located in the Royal Gorge of the North Fork of the American River.  

The Royal Fire was reported the evening of July 7, 2024. The fire is currently 0% contained with over 300 personnel responding. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.  

The Royal Gorge is an extremely steep and rocky landscape, with an abundance of vegetation, making foot travel difficult. Several ground and aerial resources are responding to the incident.

Evacuation warnings have been issued by Placer County Sheriff’s Office for the community of The Cedars. Future evacuation warnings and orders can be found on the Ready Placer Dashboard.  

Placer County Sheriff’s Office previously reported 13 hikers unaccounted for in the area. The hikers were found safe this morning, July 8, 2024.  

July 8, 2024 at 9:38 AM

Tankers 88 and 89 have lifted from Grass Valley, en route to the fire.

July 8, 2024 at 9:03 AM

With three helicopters assigned, Royal Air Attack is ordering four additional rotors. One Large Air Tanker also requested.

July 8, 2024 at 8:30 AM

Royal Air Attack requesting two Type 1 helicopters to the fire, in addition to the order placed last night for tankers.

July 8, 2024 at 8:15 AM

Air Attack 17 has lifted from Grass Valley, en route to the fire.

July 8, 2024 at 8:00 AM

Placer County’s helicopter has located a group of hikers believed to be the missing group. Search and Rescue crews will be inserted to hike out with them.

July 8, 2024 at 7:30 AM

Per Placer County Sheriff: We’ve identified 13 missing hikers within the fire zone. They range in age from 16-20. The group is believed to be together. Placer County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue is out working to locate them. Our helicopter will also be up searching.

July 8, 2024 at 6:43 AM

The fire is showing activity already with the sun barely hitting the drainage. Active fire behavior with short-range spotting was observed overnight. Evacuation Warnings are in effect along with area and trail closures.

July 8, 2024 at 6:11 AM

Overnight mapping by FIRIS shows the new perimeter at 169 acres.

July 7, 2024 at 10:19 PM

Taskforce groups are arriving at staging. Soda Springs Road is closed to traffic, except residents, beyond Ice Lakes to the Forest Hill Divide.

July 7, 2024 at 8:55 PM

Air Attack is leaving the fire, cut off time is here. One Chinook is en route from Truckee Airport to the fire.

July 7, 2024 at 8:27 PM

Significant augmentation of resources being planned for the fire. Long travel times and difficult access for ground resources remain an issue. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

July 7, 2024 at 7:54 PM

Additional dozer dispatched to the fire.

July 7, 2024 at 7:40 PM

Soda Springs Road will be closed to all traffic except for people to leave the area.

July 7, 2024 at 7:35 PM

Evacuation warning for the area east of the fire has been issued by Placer County. Air Attack 230 has relieved Air Attack 17.

July 7, 2024 at 7:34 PM Intel 12 FIRIS mapping puts the fire at 54.5 acres with several spots to the east.

July 7, 2024 at 7:29 PM Fire behavior includes short-range and medium-rate spotting. Still burning at a rapid rate of spread.

July 7, 2024 at 6:57 PM

One Charlie (engine) strike team, several Golf (crews) strike teams requested immediate need for the fire. Reportedly, the fire was caused by an abandoned campfire (unconfirmed as of now.)

July 7, 2024 at 6:52 PM

Air Attack is ordered two additional Type 1 aircraft. The relief air attack will be AA 230, no fill on the lead plane for the VLATs yet.

July 7, 2024 at 6:40 PM

Ground resources are still en route to the fire.

July 7, 2024 at 6:25 PM

Per the IC, fire is estimated at 100 acres. Bumping the ridge in approximately 10 minutes, burning at a high rate of spread. High potential for spotting.

July 7, 2024 at 6:21 PM

Royal Air Attack requesting a relief Air Attack at 7:30 pm, one additional Type 1 (VLAT) and one lead plane.

July 7, 2024 at 6:02 PM

The Royal fire is estimated at 5-10 acres, exhibiting rapid rate of spread.

July 7, 2024 at 5:49 PM

Royal IC requesting PCSO assist with evacuating hikers and campers in the area.

July 7, 2024 at 5:40 PM

VLAT over the Royal incident, the location of the fire makes for difficult ground access. Campers in the area on the south side of the river are being asked to leave.

July 7, 2024 at 5:29 PM

Beckwourth Hotshot crew deploying to the Royal incident.

July 7, 2024 at 5:20 PM

Tankers are on a load and return to the Royal incident. TNF Helicopter 514 is on scene with their crew as well.

July 7, 2024 at 4:49 PM

Air Attack 17 has lifted from Grass Valley to the Royal incident with tankers in tow. Nothing visible on the AlertCalifornia cameras so far.

July 7, 2024 at 4:34 PM

Reported vegetation fire at Royal Gorge, units dispatched.