Wildland fire burning south of Markleeville

A fire south of Markleeville is burning out of control June 20. Photo/Provided

Updated 10:20pm:

A wildland fire is burning near Markleeville, having consumed more than 350 acres.

A large plume of smoke could be seen from Genoa and other parts of the Carson Valley on Saturday afternoon.

Known as the Washington Fire, it is burning about eight miles south for Markleeville in the Silver Creek Drainage. It started June 19 about 7pm on U.S. Forest Service land. Highway 4 is closed from the intersection of highways 4 and 89 to the summit area.

A red flag warning has been issued over the fire until 10pm June 21 because of gusty winds up to 40 mph and low relative humidity.

Authorities said, “Steep rocky terrain, lack of vehicle access, and heavy timber with numerous downfalls are hampering firefighting progress. Access to the fire is primarily long distance hiking overland or deployment of personnel via helicopter.”

At this time no structures are threatened.

— Lake Tahoe News staff report