Bear Fire burns rapidly in Tahoe National Forest in Sierra County

A fast-moving wildfire in the Tahoe National Forest prompted evacuations in Sierra County on Sunday afternoon, authorities said.

According to the U.S. Forest Service, the Bear Fire was first reported just after 2 p.m. at a location of the forest off Bear Valley Road south of Loyalton and about 25 miles north of Truckee.

It consumed about 40 acres in its first hour, and at 5 p.m. was officially listed at 197 acres. By 6 p.m., the Forest Service reported that visual estimates showed the fire to have grown to 800 acres.

The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, while not involved in the primary response is monitoring the Bear Fire, and as of 7 p.m. Monday listed it as approaching 1,200 acres.

Based on Cal Fire mapping, the burn scar is growing northeast from the origin point.

Smoke from the fire was visible for miles, including at least one report of it being seen from as far as Reno.

The Sierra County Sheriff’s Office has issued evacuation orders for areas west, north and northeast of the community of Sierra Brooks. Evacuation warnings — meant to urge residents to be ready to leave — have been issued in areas further out from the fire footprint but in its general path, along State Route 49 and along most of Sierra County’s northern border with Plumas County, extending east almost to the Nevada border.

This is a developing report. Check back later for updates.