Talbot, Tahoe National Forest

Talbot, Tahoe National Forest. The fire is smoldering in an area with difficult access and steep terrain.

August 17, 2026 at 9:06 AM Final update

The Sacramento Regional Type 3 Incident Management Team will transition command of the Talbot Fire back the Tahoe National Forest at 9:00 a.m. this morning. Due to the cooperative fire-suppression efforts by both ground and air resources from a variety of agencies over the past week, the Talbot Fire has been held to 93 acres with no structures damaged or destroyed. The Tahoe National Forest has lifted all the closure orders for the Talbot Fire.

Firefighters have been conducting mop-up operations to extinguish smoldering material that could threaten containment. These hot spots are being extinguished as they are discovered along the perimeter while other specialty crews have been identifying and removing hazard trees that pose a risk to firefighter safety. Crews and resources are being released back to their home agencies or reassigned to other incidents.

With full containment on the horizon and the threat of escape minimized, a majority of the fire has transitioned to a patrol status. Remaining crews will continue to patrol and monitor the fire while suppression repair efforts are underway to rehabilitate disturbed areas.

With all Forest Closure Orders being lifted, residents and visitors are reminded to be aware that firefighters and equipment will still be in the area completing remaining fire suppression and patrolling efforts. Please use caution when entering areas affected by fire.

Weather: Clear skies and near normal temperatures are forecasted for the next several days. Highs are expected to be in the mid to low 80s with humidity briefly increasing today and lowering again Tuesday. No precipitation is expected in the coming days.

Forest Closures & Restrictions:

Effective at 12:01 AM. August 17, all of the closure orders for the Talbot Fire on the Tahoe National Forest have been lifted. Stage 2 fire restrictions remain in effect within the Tahoe National Forest.

August 16, 2026 at 8:25 AM

The total acreage of the Talbot Fire has been changed from 133 acres to 93 acres following additional field verification. Yesterday, a qualified field observer walked the perimeter and measured the actual burned area, including only the main fire and spot fires. The previous acreage estimate included some unburned fuels between the burned areas.

Firefighters have made significant progress over the past several days in mopping-up and securing the Talbot Fire. Crews have been diligent in their efforts to extinguish any remaining hot spots that could threaten containment lines. Hazard trees are also being removed in places that threaten firefighter and public safety. Today firefighters will continue to strengthen containment lines by ensuring there are no smoldering hot spots threatening the line up to 300 feet interior.

As containment has increased and the incident threat has subsided, crews and resources are starting to be released back to their agencies to be prepared for other emerging incidents. The Sacramento Regional Type 3 Incident Management Team is working closely with the Tahoe National Forest to transition command of the incident back to the Forest soon.

August 15, 2026 at 8:09 AM

The Sacramento Regional Type 3 Incident Management Team continues to maintain command of the Talbot Fire which is burning on the Tahoe National Forest and located off French Meadows Road approximately 4 miles northeast of French Meadows Reservoir and 14 miles southwest of Truckee, California. The fire is burning in heavy timber across extremely steep and rugged terrain in an area along the Granite Chief Wilderness.

Coordinated fire suppression efforts between various agencies from both the air and ground have assisted in making great progress in suppressing the Talbot Fire. Firefighters have been working around the clock for the past several days to build control lines around the entire fire. Forward progression of the fire has been stopped and all the initial spot fires have been contained. Crews have been starting mop-up operations which involves using handtools and hoselines to seek out and eliminate any hot spots and smoldering areas that could threaten the containment lines. Crews are also working to remove hazard trees for both firefighter and public safety. Today firefighters will continue to strengthen and hold containment lines to ensure there is no threat of escape.

Weather: Dry and sunny conditions are forecasted to continue through the weekend with slightly higher humidity levels. Temperatures are expected to warm into Sunday and the start of the week. Wind gusts of 15-20 mph are expected in the afternoons.

August 14, 2026 at 8:18 AM

As of 7:00 a.m. this morning, the Sacramento Regional Type 3 Incident Management Team assumed command of the Talbot Fire. The fire continues to pose a threat to structures and private timberlands while also burning near the Granite Chief Wilderness.

Over the past day, both air and ground resources have been working tirelessly in full suppression strategies to contain the fire as quickly as possible. Crews have made significant progress in preventing further fire spread. Firefighters have been working to surround the fire’s perimeter with hoselines and handline, while dozers have assisted in creating control lines to prevent further growth. Several helicopters have been coordinating with firefighters on the ground to attack hot spots and areas of high heat. Today, firefighters will continue to mop up areas to increase containment, while ensuring the fire stays within its current footprint.

Weather: A low-pressure system over Northern California is lending to unseasonably cool temperatures and higher humidities which has been moderating fire behavior. Gusty winds are still forecasted which could create the potential for increased fire behavior and fire spread.

Forest Closures & Restrictions: Tahoe National Forest has issued the Talbot Fire Area, Road, Recreation Site and Trail Closure. Recreation areas, trails and roads in the fire area are closed. The Western States Trail is closed from Forest Road 96-62 to the Granite Chief Wilderness boundary. The Pacific Crest Trail (Forest Service Trail No. 2000) between the PCT trailhead on Placer County 9001 Road at the north and Barker Pass Trailhead at the south. View full location description and closure area map here: https://www.fs.usda.gov/r05/tahoe/alerts/talbot-fire-area-road-recreation-site-and-trail-closure.

August 13, 2026 at 3:02 PM TNF Update:

The Talbot Fire burning on Tahoe National Forest is located off French Meadows Road approximately 4 miles northeast of French Meadows Reservoir and 14 miles southeast of Truckee, Calif. The incident was reported Thursday, Aug. 12 and is burning in heavy timber across extremely steep, rugged terrain. The fire was last mapped at 75.2 acres and is 15% contained.

Fire behavior moderated overnight allowing crews to gain access and make meaningful progress. Firefighters were able to successfully hold portions of the fire along the left and right flanks.

Significant air and ground resources are continuing to engage in full suppression strategies to contain the fire as quickly as possible.

All campgrounds and recreation areas in the French Meadows area have been evacuated for public safety and due to significant presence of fire suppression resources. Members of the public are advised to stay out of the area.

Placer County Sheriff’s Office issued an evacuation warning for portions of Tahoe National Forest along French Meadows Road including the community of Cedars. County evacuation information can be viewed here.

Public and firefighter safety remains the highest priority on the incident.  The cause of the fire is under investigation.

August 13, 2026 at 7:50 AM

Day operations on the Talbot fire continue with difficult access to the incident due to very steep terrain.

August 12, 2026 at 11:56 PM

Intel 12 has mapped the fire at 75.2 acres.

August 12, 2026 at 10:58 PM

Intel 12 is arriving over the fire for a new perimeter mapping.

August 12, 2026 at 10:27 PM

The fire remains active, winds out of the SSE aligning with the drainage. Dry lightning has occurred over the area throughout the afternoon and evening.

Strike teams are arriving at the Talbot fire to support resources at scene, including dozers from McKeller Logging that were on a project near French Meadows. Additional resources on order and air support resumes tomorrow morning.

August 12, 2026 at 3:43 PM

New start on the Tahoe National Forest near the Talbot Campground off French Meadows Road on the Middle Fork of the American River. Full wildland dispatch on order.