Sunday evening Caldor Fire update: It remains at 215, 400 acres and now 44% contained

The Caldor Fire, which started back on Saturday, August 14, remains at 215, 400 acres and is now 44 percent contained.

East Zone

Firefighters continue to make progress around all portions of the East Zone. Due to the outstanding work of the crews and their aggressive mop-up, firefighters were able to add a good amount of containment line today.

Evacuation Orders for South Lake Tahoe city limits were downgraded to an Evacuation Warning at 3:00 p.m. today. They hope to get other neighborhoods in the county portion of the South Shore opened in next couple of days.

It is important to note that although the evacuation warning was downgraded
to a warning, potential dangers still exist, and they hope residents stay vigilant and safe as they begin to return home.

A firefighting suppression module was inserted into the Desolation Wilderness today and worked one-half mile into the boundary near Ralston Peak, where firefighters continued their direct attack. An additional suppression module will be inserted tomorrow to continue this operation further.

In the area of Echo Lake, structure preparation has been completed, and crews are working back towards the handline and continuing to build upon the mop-up efforts that have been previously done. Fire is slowly backing down towards this handline.

Along the Northeastern portion of the fire, the night shift crews will continue their work in completing the handline from Trimmer Rock to Fountain Place. Crews will continue to work in the area of Luther Spire down to Scout Peak where there are still pockets of heat; however, there are no active flames.

In the communities of Meyers and Christmas Valley, crews continue securing around structures, building additional depth in their mop-up. Crews were able to increase their containment line up to the road system near Corral Creek. Around Caples Lake, firefighters continued their extensive mop up operations and building hand lines.

West Zone

Today, slow wind speeds and an early morning smoke inversion decreased fire activity. Crews worked in challenging terrain in remote areas along the northeast edge of the fire picking up spots and going direct when safe. Along US50, firefighters mopped up and cleared hazard trees to support safe repopulation in the coming days. Aircraft and hand crews worked in tandem along portions of SR88 picking up spot fires and building more
control line.

Tonight, firefighters will actively patrol the fire seeking out and extinguishing heat. Damage inspections continue with approximately 85 percent of structures assessed.

The Numbers

Size: 214,112 acres
Containment: 44%
Civilian Injuries: 2
First Responder Injuries: 7
Structures Threatened: 27,670
Structures Damaged: 75
Single Residences Destroyed: 713
Commercial Properties Destroyed: 18
Other Minor Structures Destroyed: 190
Personnel on the fire: 5,072
Engines: 357
Water tenders: 88
Helicopters: 31
Handcrews: 78
Dozers: 79
Other: 34
Air Tankers: Numerous firefighting air tankers from throughout the State are flying fire suppression missions as conditions allow.