A ferocious wildfire is approaching Lake Tahoe just hours after roads were clogged with fleeing cars when the entire California resort city of South Lake Tahoe was ordered to evacuate.
Communities just across the state line in Nevada are warned to get ready to leave.
The huge Caldor Fire has grown to more than 292 square miles.
According to CALFIRE, the Caldor Fire has been burning for more than two weeks after it was sparked on Aug. 14. It's the second-largest fire currently burning in the state behind the historically large Dixie Fire.
Flames crossed state highways 50 and 89 and burned mountain cabins as it churns down slopes into the Tahoe Basin.
New firefighters arrived Monday evening and were dispatched immediately to protect homes.
CALFIRE says it has contained 15% of the Caldor Fire. Forecasters are warning of critical fire weather through Wednesday.
