Kyburz Fire 75% contained; Hwy. 50 reopening

Updated 8:37pm:

Highway 50 is expected to reopen Saturday night at 9:30 to unrestricted traffic.

The Kyburz Fire is 75 percent contained and remains at 200 acres.

PG&E re-energized the power lines this evening.

Boating may resume at Ice House Reservoir.

Two small fires at Blue Lakes and at Cody Lake are being handled by crews originally assigned to the Kyburz Fire.

The Lowell Fire is a new fire that started Saturday afternoon near Colfax, Alta and Gold Run north of Interstate 80. The National Weather Service is predicting that the smoke will reach Truckee tonight.

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Officials anticipate the Kyburz Fire burning in the American River canyon will be fully contained by July 30.

The wildland fire that started July 23, reportedly when a vehicle’s axle hit the pavement and sparked, continues to burn on both sides of Highway 50.

There has been no change in acres burned — 200 — or containment — 30 percent.

More than 600 people are working the fire, which is burning in steep terrain.

Highway 50 is open with restrictions.

Sand Flat campground east to Strawberry has a voluntary evacuation order.

— Lake Tahoe News staff report