The American Fire is spreading at a much slower rate. It has grown to 12,950 acres and remains at 45 percent containment.

This fire is burning in the area of the 2008 Westville Fire north of the Foresthill Divide Road into the Whisky Hill area. However, it is also burning in steep and hazardous terrain as well as timber fuels that have not burned in several decades, according to officials. Consumption of heavy fuels continues to contribute to the heavy smoke in the surrounding areas.

An emergency closure order is in place for portions of the Tahoe National Forest within and adjacent to the American Fire.

The cause of the fire that started Aug. 10 remains unknown.

— Lake Tahoe News staff report