Mosquito Fire now 71,292 acres and 20% contained - Crews working tirelessly ahead of storm

The Unified Command Center of the Mosquito Fire held its nightly community meeting Friday, updating residents about the status of operations. They announced the fire is now 71,292 acres in size and a containment line remains around 20% of the fire. 3,453 personnel are currently assigned to the fire.

Dave Soldavini, operations section chief said there were several success stories today on the fire. Crews mopping up on the corners, and a quiet day near Foresthill and Todd Valley. Crews are mopping up and going after the last difficult "smokes" before the storm system comes in this weekend.

He said there continues to be heat in the north and middle forks of the American River in "steep, nasty terrain."

With the current conditions, forecast, and quality of work being done, fire isn't expected to get to any communities to the south, including Placerville and Pollock Pines, Soldavini said in answer to questions received during the meeting. Soldavini said fire fighting and control efforts have been "fantastic" and the wind is not going toward Todd Valley, Foresthill, Quinette either.

The next three days will be key on the Mosquito Fire. It is forecast to be windier and damper, and Soldavini said they need to see where it balances out. Still many variables, depending on when the storm hits and if the forecast comes in as expected. Wind is expected Saturday morning, followed by wind and rain into Monday.

The persistent winds on the fire since it began and been pushing to the northeast, and that will continue until 11 a.m. Saturday morning according to Jonathan Pangburn, the fire behavior specialist. He said winds will begin to get stronger and gusty, picking up around 3 p.m. in advance of the storm system Saturday night and Sunday. The strongest part of the storm hits late Sunday into Monday with thunderstorms possible, along with the rain.

Crews on the eastern side of the fire are getting fire lines completed, and they are being tied into the Rubicon and Wentworth Springs Road.

There was not much growth of fire Friday as the smoke settled into the area. Ridgelines continue to be of concern as they take the brunt of the wind.

"This is the largest fire in the state this year," said Jim Hudson, Calfire incident commander.

There has been a coordinated effort with utility companies, and one all is up and running, and fire officials deem the area safe, people will be able to get into their homes.

"Crews are working tirelessly to get people home," said Hudson. "We're getting there, but not tonight."

73 structures have been destroyed, 10 damaged.