Fire activity continues on the Caldor Fire which is now 217,568 acres, 50% contained

The Caldor Fire remains at 50 percent contained this morning with a size of 217,568 acres.

East Zone

Overnight crews continued to work throughout the East Zone. In the Desolation Wilderness, specialized crews trained in Minimum Impact Suppression Tactics which are designed to create effective fire line using the lightest touch possible on the landscape, worked late into the night constructing hand line and mopping up. These self-contained crews will remain in the Wilderness, allowing them to maximize their time fighting fire

In the Upper and Lower Echo Lake area, crews monitored fire activity and continued to protect structures as the fire backs downhill. Throughout the East Zone, crews strengthened, and improved line built by the day shift ensuring containment lines held overnight. Crews working through the night monitoring and maintaining the constructed handline are allowing the day shift to continue their aggressive tactics built upon each day’s gains.

The increased temperatures, higher winds and thunderstorms forecast for later in the week may increase fire activity. These conditions create greater potential for spotting in the very dry unburned fuels outside of containment lines.

Today crews will continue to aggressively mop up, increasing the depth of the containment lines and extinguishing hot spots. Structure protection, securing and completing containment lines, and hazard tree felling along the Highway corridors are the top priorities. Hazards along Highway 50, including severely damaged trees are being mitigated as quickly as possible to allow for highway’s re-opening as soon as is practicable.

Late yesterday the El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office downgraded the area West of Ice House Road, from the Placer County line, South to Highway 50 and East of Junction Reservoir to an Evacuation Warning.

West Zone

The fire continued to be active throughout the night with minimal growth along the northeast and southern edges of the fire. Poor overnight humidity recovery and warm temperatures allowed interior islands to burn and smolder. Firefighters worked diligently to mitigate spot fires throughout the evening. Today, crews will continue to work along Highway 50 to clear hazard trees to support safe repopulation in the coming days. Damage inspections are in progress with approximately 95% of structures assessed.

The Numbers

Size: 217,568 acres
Containment: 50%
Civilian Injuries: 2
First Responder Injuries: 7
Structures Threatened: 24,647
Structures Damaged: 80
Single Residences Destroyed: 776
Commercial Properties Destroyed: 18
Other Minor Structures Destroyed: 202
Personnel on the fire: 4,820
Engines: 334
Water tenders: 83
Helicopters: 42
Handcrews: 69
Dozers: 57
Other: 34
Air Tankers: Numerous firefighting air tankers from throughout the State are flying fire suppression missions as conditions allow