The Caldor fire, which now has more than 191,000 acres, is causing evacuations as the fire threatens Lake Tahoe

Firefighters have issued evacuation orders and warnings around Lake Tahoe Basin as the Great Heat Fire continues to rag in northern California, burning more than 191,000 acres and ravaging hundreds of homes and businesses.

According to CalFire, the Heat Fire, which contains 15%, has destroyed 669 structures and damaged 40 others. As the fire spreads to the Lake Tahoe area, it threatens to set fire to more than 33,600 homes and businesses as it passes. More than 3,500 firefighters are working to control the blaze, which has injured five people.

Firefighters issued mandatory evacuations in El Dorado and Alpine counties on Sunday. More than 24,000 residents have been told they should evacuate near Highway 50, which connects Sacramento and South Lake Tahoe.

“To put it in perspective, we’ve seen about half a mile of movement at the perimeter of the fire every day for the past few weeks and today, that has already moved 2.5 miles above us, with no sign whatsoever.” it’s starting to slow down, ”Eric Schwab of CalFire said Sunday.

“Today has been a difficult day. There are no bones about it,” Jeff Marsolais, El Dorado’s national forest supervisor, said Sunday. “I think the team is doing an excellent job in trying to keep up with a very evolving fire. Today, it has let go.”

Barton Memorial Hospital in South Lake Tahoe was forced to close its doors and transfer all patients to partner hospitals. “Barton Memorial Hospital is closed due to the continuing threat of the Caldor fire,” the hospital explains. he tweeted Sunday. “All patients have been transferred to regional partner facilities.”

Meanwhile, the Dixie FireCalFire, the largest fire in the state, has burned more than 807,000 acres and 48% was contained as of this Tuesday. The Dixie and Caldor fires are the first wildfires to ever burn across the Sierra Nevada range, according to CalFire chief Thom Porter.

The fire threat is so widespread in California that the U.S. Forest Service said all of the state’s national forests would be closed until Sept. 17.

Lake Tahoe, known for its deep blue waters and fresh mountain air, has been covered in smoky air. Now, the flames threaten entire cities bordering the lake. Firefighters make a desperate position trying to protect neighborhoods full of wooden huts.

“Tourists should leave,” said Chief Clive Savacool of South Lake Tahoe Fire. “If anyone is still here as a tourist, they have to pack up and leave. Anyone who doesn’t have to be in South Lake Tahoe has to leave now.”