A wildfire tearing through the Tahoe National Forest has put residents of a posh Lake Tahoe cabin community on notice as flames burned across 75 acres for a second straight day.
The Talbot Fire broke out Tuesday afternoon in Placer County and remains under investigation, according to CAL FIRE.
The blaze, which is burning near the Cedars community, is being battled by the Tahoe National Forest’s US Forest Service.
An evacuation warning remains in effect for Talbot Fire Zone 1, meaning residents who may need extra time to get out — including those with pets or livestock — have been urged to leave now.
The fire was initially reported at 16 acres Tuesday before officials said it had grown to about 150 acres that evening.
By Thursday morning, more accurate mapping put the fire at 75 acres.
Among the communities affected is Tahoe Cedars, a historic residential neighborhood on Lake Tahoe’s west shore in Tahoma known for its collection of cabins and mountain homes.
The community is a posh slice of Tahoe real estate, with some modern lakefront and luxury properties in nearby exclusive pockets fetching more than $4 million, although the neighborhood itself is a mix of upscale homes and traditional mid-century Tahoe cabins.
Night-flying aircraft were assigned to the fire Tuesday night as crews worked to contain the flames.
The fire was not threatening the town of Truckee as of Wednesday night, police said, though smoke was expected to affect the surrounding area.
Authorities continue to monitor the blaze as evacuation warnings remain in place.
In the viral moment that sparked national attention, the Talbot Fire’s rapid growth and its proximity to wealthy Lake Tahoe homeowners highlighted the ongoing wildfire threat facing California’s most exclusive mountain communities.
The blaze erupted Tuesday afternoon near French Meadows Reservoir in Placer County, quickly triggering emergency response from both CAL FIRE and the US Forest Service.
Fire officials initially struggled to pinpoint the fire’s size, reporting 16 acres at first, then 150 acres by evening, before revised mapping settled on 75 acres by Thursday morning.
Evacuation warnings specifically targeted residents with pets, livestock, or mobility challenges who would need extra time to flee the approaching flames.
Firefighters will continue battling the Talbot Fire as crews monitor for potential spread toward additional Lake Tahoe communities.