Caldor Fire update: 71% contained and SR88 has reopened

The Caldor Fire started 31 days ago and remains 71 percent contained and 219,267 acres in size.

East Zone

Conditions were slightly cooler today, with light west winds through the afternoon with occasional gusts to 20 mph. A Fire Weather Watch has been issued for Saturday for high winds, which will remain high on Sunday but will be accompanied by higher humidity and lower temperatures than will be present on Saturday.

Today, fire crews continued their progress to the west from Echo Lakes into Desolation Wilderness, where they are picking up any remaining heat and securing the edge. The fire has made very little forward progress in this area, as well as in the Pyramid and Ralston Peak areas. Smoldering and creeping will continue over the remaining unconfined areas of the fire, but fire spread has moderated dramatically in recent days. Tactical patrols
continue to ensure that no heat remains in populated areas around Christmas Valley and in other contained areas of the Fire.

West Zone

Warm and dry conditions continued over the fire today. It will be clear across the fire this evening with some haze from smoke drifting north from other fires. Expect warm temps and low RH over the next several operational periods. Fuel moistures remain critically low for both live and dead fuels. Southwest winds forecasted for today and through the rest of the week. A Fire Weather Watch is forecasted for 9/18 for strong SW winds. Over the next
operational period, fire fighters will look to continue to construct control lines and mitigate hazard in and around communities and roadways to “make safe” for repopulation efforts.

Fire suppression repair is ongoing. Crews are mending hand and dozer lines built to prevent erosion in the upcoming winter months.

The Numbers

Size: 219,267 acres
Containment: 71%
Civilian Injuries: 2
First Responder Injuries: 16 (one badly burned and is hospitalized)
Structures Threatened: 5,465
Structures Damaged: 81
Single Residences Destroyed: 782
Commercial Properties Destroyed: 18
Other Minor Structures Destroyed: 203
Personnel on the fire: 2,702
Engines: 144
Water tenders: 45
Helicopters: 14
Handcrews: 46
Dozers: 24
Other: 25
Air Tankers: Numerous firefighting air tankers from throughout the State are flying fire suppression missions as conditions allow acres

SR-88 in Alpine and Amador counties has reopened after being closed due to the Caldor Fire. Crews and emergency responders will continue to work in the area so please drive with caution, and watch for falling debris and rock. For the latest road conditions, visit http://quickmap.dot.ca.gov/.