The 16,812-acre American Fire is burning in an old-growth timber stand with no recorded fire history. The terrain is steep, hazardous, dry and full of fuels.

The U.S. Forest Service has implemented a second emergency closure order for the Tahoe National Forest. The first closure had been rescinded. The new closure area is larger than the actual fire perimeter to allow for firefighter and public safety and the preparation of contingency lines designed to stop the fire’s progress. A map and detailed description of the closed area is online.

The fire has destroyed four outbuildings.

The fire is 60 percent contained, with full containment projected for Sept. 1.

— Lake Tahoe News staff report