In 18th day, Caldor Fire almost 208,000 acres and 23% contained

Fire increased on one end of the Caldor Fire, got active in another, while evacuation orders were lifted in another. Now at 207,931 acres, the fire is 23 percent contained.

Firefighters were challenged today by dry conditions and strong winds. These
strong winds increased fire behavior dramatically along the northern area of the fire this morning. This evening crews will look for opportunities to build control line were possible. The current Red Flag Warning remains in effect through 11:00 p.m. tonight. The winds will be dying down over the next few days.

The US50 corridor between the east of Pollock Pines and Ice House Road, Wright's Lake and Kyburz saw increased fire behavior Wednesday due to the expected gusts of wind and poor overnight and daytime humidity. The increased fire activity on US50 was due to a spot fire that started Tuesday.

There is potential for an east wind to push the fire west at Wright's Lake.

Lower Echo Lake has cabins along the lake, fire fighters took boats to the homes to protect them.

In Christmas Valley and South Lake Tahoe - heavy resource commitment from around the country. it is being pushed on the southeast of Pioneer Trail and spreading through steep terrain to Douglas County.

No structure damage so far on the South Shore according to the nightly CalFire briefing.

The containment line along the western end of the fire, near the origin of the fire 18 days ago, is holding and residents should be able to start repopulating, depending on location and orders from CalFire. In order to get people back into areas, equipment needs to be removed including miles of hose.

The Numbers

Size: 207,931 acres
Containment: 23%
Civilian Injuries: 2
First Responder Injuries: 3
Structures Threatened: 32,387
Single Residences Threatened: 26,962
Multiple residences Threatened: 4,402
Businesses Threatened: 1,023
Structures Damaged: 44
Single Residences Destroyed: 595
Commercial Properties Destroyed: 12
Other Minor Structures Destroyed: 173
Evacuated: 49,763
People in Temporary Shelters: 836
Estimated incident costs to date: $80,441,966
Personnel on the fire: 4,224
Engines: 490
Water tenders: 77
Helicopters: 26
Handcrews: 78
Dozers: 96
Other: 34
Air Tankers: Numerous firefighting air tankers from throughout the State are flying fire suppression missions as conditions allow.