Firefighters trying to tame a raging wildfire that has destroyed some 200 homes near Lake Tahoe, Calif., suffered a setback Tuesday when the blaze jumped a fireline near a densely populated area, forcing a new round of evacuations, authorities said.
Firefighters were working to protect a development outside South Lake Tahoe when the blaze jumped their fireline, prompting the evacuation of the entire subdivision. It was unclear how many homes were subject to the order.
"It's a fairly populated area," said U.S. Forest Service spokesman Tim Evans.
"That certainly is not good news for our firefighting efforts here."
Authorities also issued a voluntary evacuation order for a pricey waterfront subdivision on the lake, Evans said.
The danger to homes diminished overnight as firefighters gained a badly needed advantage on the inferno. But it was still burning throughout the day along rugged, uninhabited slopes and authorities had cautioned strong winds forecast to arrive Wednesday could fan the flames. Home owners have a online information portal at http://www.laketahoehomeshow.com for resource information.
