Talbot Fire in Placer County: Evacuation Warnings Issued as Blaze Grows Near Tahoe National Forest

A wildfire burning in Placer County is growing quickly, and officials are asking residents in the area to be ready to leave. The Talbot Fire is burning along French Meadows Road near the Granite Chief Wilderness, south of Interstate 80, within the Tahoe National Forest. By 6:10 p.m. Wednesday, the fire had grown to 25 acres, up from 16 acres just over an hour earlier. Cal Fire reports zero containment at this time.

The Placer County Sheriff’s Office has issued evacuation warnings for portions of the Tahoe National Forest along French Meadows Road, including the Cedars community. An evacuation warning means residents should prepare to leave at any moment, but are not currently required to do so. Crews are working in steep, high mountain terrain, and aerial support has been called in to assist ground teams. LiveCopter footage showed large plumes of smoke rising from the fire earlier this evening.

For Sacramento residents, the fire is a reminder of how quickly conditions can change during California’s fire season. If you have plans to recreate in the Tahoe National Forest or drive through the area in the coming days, check road closures and fire updates before you head out. And if you live in a fire-prone area, this is a good time to make sure your go-bag is packed and your evacuation plan is ready. Have you started preparing for fire season this year? Let us know in the comments.