By Paula Peterson
EL DORADO COUNTY, Calif. – The Caldor Fire southwest of Lake Tahoe led to new evacuation orders and warnings (see below) but there no evacuation orders in the Lake Tahoe Basin at this time. As of Thursday evening, the fire has burned 139,510 acres and remains 12 percent contained.
The main fire spread was on the northeast side along Highway 50 and the
community of Strawberry. Low humidity and up-canyon winds contributed to
spotting distances of up to half of a mile, while aiding the fire spread. Passive crown fires were common in the north, northeastern, and eastern areas of the incident. The winds subsided in the early afternoon, allowing the relative humidity to recover. Crews continued with the firing operation to improve and strengthen control lines.
“We are full throttle in each and every community where this fire encompasses,” said Calfire Incident Chief Dusty Martin. “Its a top priority for all collaborators to get citizens back into their homes.”
During their nightly virtual community meeting, Martin and others updated the public on statistics and fire activity in each area. Below are some highlights from that meetings.
(refer to the map above for divisions and branches)
Branch 10 is the area closest to Lake Tahoe and along the US50 corridor to Pollock Pines and Camino. Branch 10 has divisions F, G, H, and I.
In F and G along US50, Calfire said Thursday they are holding the fire “real good” and backing down any fire to the highway where it will move slower.
In H and I, there are some big spots fires crews continue to work on. They were ‘very successful” on the head of the spot fires. Firefighters are trying to brig the fire back down to the highway
Branch 1 is the “heel” of the fire and where the containment line is sold. In Branch 1 are Divisions A and D.
In A, they are holding that line and being “very successful” with a few interior areas burning but holding.
In D, firefighters continue firing operations which are ongoing south of the town of Pollock Pines.
Branch 15 contains the “head” of the fire and closest to the Kirkwood end of things and has divisions L and J.
From J to the head of the fire, yesterday’s wind hampered operations but they are staying within the main dozer line. That led the fire management team to issue to evacuation orders and warnings.
“Its not a big worry to us right now,” said Calfire of the fire in that area. We just need to make sure we stay ahead of the game.
Branch 20 contains divisions N, P and R and is the southern end of the fire. They said “no real issues” here.
The wind and air quality affects operations from the air. Inversions hold the smoke down and create low visibility so if pilots can’t see what’s burning, they can’t fly. Both Divisions H and I along US50 had to deal with this today.
Liberty Utilities
The power company whose customers reside in the Lake Tahoe Basin from Christmas Valley to Kings Beach is working with local officials and are part of the Caldor Fire response team. They will de-energize the power grid if directed by Incident Command.
Inspections of burned areas continue and 60 percent of the area has been inspected for damage. There has been substantial critical utility infrastructure destruction and damage in the Grizzly Flats area.
Utility companies are starting to work on getting services back to homes in preparation for repopulation. 3,000 homes without power on the west end of the fire. One school, two fire stations and a post office were destroyed.
The Numbers
Size: 139,510
Containment: 12%
Structures Threatened: 18,347
Structures Damaged: 37
Single Residences Destroyed: 469
Commercial Properties Destroyed: 11
Other Minor Structures Destroyed: 170
Single Residences Threatened: 16,896
Multiple residences Threatened: 931
Businesses Threatened: 520
Evacuated: 33,056
Estimated incident costs to date: $43,729,811
Personnel on the fire: 3.078
Engines: 244
Water tenders: 28
Helicopters: 21
Handcrews: 82
Dozers: 63
Other: 6
Today’s evacuation changes:
Road Closures:
•The Highway 50 closure has been extended East to Meyers (Highway 50 and Highway 89 junction).
Evacuation Routes:
•Residents evacuating the area should use Highway 50 East.
Evacuation Order: El Dorado County
•From Twin Bridges east to Echo Summit
•From Highway 50 South to Amador/Alpine County line
•From Highway 50 North to Flag Pole Peak.
Evacuation Warnings:El Dorado County
•Christmas Valley from Highway 89 West to Echo Summit
•SR 89 due West to Watershed Ridge and South to the Amador/El Dorado County line.
Alpine County
•Highway 89 South from Luther Pass Road to the Pickets Junction (SR 88).
•West on Highway 88 to Kirkwood.
Evacuation Shelter:
Nevada
•A Red Cross Shelter is open for those evacuating from the area at the Douglas County Community Center, 1329 Waterloo Lane, Gardnerville, NV.
NOTES:Please go to: www.tinyurl.com/EDSOEVAC for an online evacuation map.
All previous evacuation orders and warnings remain in effect.
A mandatory evacuation order is defined as an immediate threat to life. This is a lawful order to leave now. The area is lawfully closed to public access.
An evacuation warning is defined as a potential threat to life and/or property. Those who require additional time to evacuate, and those with pets and livestock should leave now.