TAHOE NATIONAL FOREST, California – Firefighters are currently battling a wildfire that’s grown beyond 150 acres in Royal Gorge in Tahoe National Forest, while 13 hikers remain missing in the area. According to the Tahoe National Forest branch of the U.S. Forest Service, the fire had grown to 168 acres in less than a day by 7:52am on Monday, July 8.
A Facebook post from the organization first reported the wildfire around 5:45pm local time on Sunday, July 7. At the time, it was sitting around 5-10 acres in size. By 8:27pm, the fire had grown to 54 acres, while an evacuation warning was issued to five homes on Soda Springs Road by the Placer County Sheriff’s Office just around an hour prior.
At 6:30am on Monday, the Sheriff’s Office released a notice of 13 missing hikers in the wildfire area. The group, which is believed to be all together, ranges in age from 16-20. Search and Rescue teams, including a helicopter, are currently searching for the missing individuals.
“We’ve identified 13 missing hikers within the fire zone. They range in age from 16-20. The group is believed to all be together. Placer County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue is out working to locate them. Our helicopter will also be up searching.“
As of 7:52am on Monday, the wildfire had grown to 168 acres at 0% containment. Hand crews, dozers, engines, and air attack crews are in the area. The cause is still under investigation at this time.
UPDATE: 13 Missing Hikers Have Been Found
According to the Placer County Sheriff’s Office, all 13 hikers were found in the morning of July 8 and are all okay.
“Our helicopter, Falcon 30, located a group of 13 hikers who were unaccounted for throughout the night. Their vehicles were located by deputies and fire officials doing checks near the Royal fire on the evening it broke out (7/7/24). Deputies were able to get in touch with family members who confirmed the group planned to hike and camp along Palisades Creek trail, which is made up of steep and difficult terrain. The group, which ranges in age from 16-20, was located approximately two miles away from the fire. They set up camp along the trail overnight. They are all okay.“