UPDATE: Missing hikers located, search and rescue crews to hike out with them
Placer County Sheriff’s Office/Courtesy photo
UPDATE July 8, 7:20 a.m. — The Placer County Sheriff’s helicopter located a group of hikers believed to be those that were missing. Search and rescue crews will be inserted to hike out with them, according to a Twitter post from the Sheriff’s office.
UPDATE July 8, 6:30 a.m. — The Placer County Sheriff’s Office has identified 13 missing hikers within the fire zone, according to a Facebook post from Monday morning. The hikers range in age from 16-20 and are believed to be together. Placer County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue is out working to locate them. The helicopter will also be up searching.
According to Cal Fire data, the Royal Fire is 168 acres and is 0% contained. There was active fire behavior overnight and Cal Fire air and ground resources have been assigned to the fire.
SODA SPRINGS, Calif. July 7, 8:30 p.m. — Several homes have been evacuated as the first responders fight to get a hold on a fire that started around 6 p.m. on Sunday, July 7 near Royal Gorge.
Placer County Sheriff Office and U.S. Forest Service – Tahoe National Forest officials have closed Soda Springs Rd from 1.25 miles south of the intersection with Serene Rd to the intersection of Soda Springs Rd and Forest Service Rd 6001-35 in response to the Royal Fire. Homes on Soda Springs Rd. have been evacuated.
As of 8:30 p.m., the size of the fire has been recorded at 54 acres.
Law enforcement is evacuating recreation areas near the incident and the cause remains under investigation.
Get updated evacuation information here.
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