Red flag warning for Tahoe on Thursday

Updated 9:50am:

A red flag warning has been issued for the greater Lake Tahoe area, including western Nevada, until 11 tonight.

These warnings mean weather conditions are ripe for a fire occurring – high winds and low humidity. Winds are expected to be out of the southwest at 15 to 25 mph, with gusts up to 35 mph, 45 mph in wind prone areas and 65 mph on ridges.

Lake Tahoe and Pyramid Lake will have winds much sooner in the day than usual, according to the National Weather Service in Reno. By 8am gusts of 30 mph are possible on both lakes. A lake wind advisory is in effect for Lake Tahoe today from 8am-11pm. Waves could be 2-4 feet.

Smoke from the Rim Fire burning near Yosemite could continue to blow toward the basin.

The fire is now at 237,341 acres and is 80 percent contained.

Jerry Snyder with the U.S. Forest Service told the Associated Press that investigators have ruled out an illegal marijuana grow as being the cause.

AP on Thursday morning has stated the USFS is reporting the cause of the Rim Fire is a hunter’s illegal campfire.

Officials say to date it has cost $81 million to fight the Rim Fire. Full containment is expected Sept. 20.

— Lake Tahoe News staff report