A wildfire suspected to have been caused by lightning broke out near the town of Washington in Nevada County on Wednesday, prompting immediate evacuation orders for approximately 200 residents. 

As of Thursday morning, the fire covered approximately 30 acres of Highway 20 around Emigrant Gap to the west of Lake Tahoe, the Tahoe National Forest arm of the U.S. Forest Service reported. The evacuation orders, which were issued for residents approximately one hour after the fire was reported, have not been lifted as of Thursday morning. The Nevada County Office of Emergency Services also shared specific details on evacuation procedures for residents and livestock nearby.

“Leave immediately,” ordered the alert sent to Nevada County residents via the CodeRED notification system Wednesday afternoon. “Immediate threat to life. This is a lawful order to leave now.” 

As of Thursday morning, the fire is 5% contained, with approximately 300 fire staff deployed. Additional resources will be arriving Thursday, according to the Tahoe National Forest. The fire is being managed by the Forest Service with assistance from Cal Fire. 

The Highway Fire is one of several Northern California fires either started or fueled by the region’s recent heavy winds and lightning, including the Head Fire near the California-Oregon border. There are currently 10 active wildfires in California, the largest of which is the York Fire in San Bernardino County, at just over 90,000 acres and 98% containment. The Head Fire is currently the largest in Northern California, at 3,581 acres and 0% containment.