Mosquito Fire: 47% contained and 76,290 acres in size

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The rain continues to help firefighters on the Mosquito Fire. It is currently 76,290 acres in size and the containment line is now around 47% of the fire.

Personnel on the fire now numbers 2,437 people. With the increase in containment and current fire conditions, several more evacuation orders were lifted by the Placer County Sheriff’s Office this afternoon. There are still 42 people evacuated. With the increase in containment and current fire conditions, several more evacuation orders were lifted by the Placer County Sheriff’s Office this afternoon.

The current storm system continued to produce rain showers throughout the day over the Mosquito Fire. Rains were lighter this morning with a slight break midday which caused some atmospheric instability. Thus far, the

total accumulation for this storm has ranged from 1" to 2.25" of rain over the fire. Isolated thunderstorms moved from south to north across the fire area this afternoon. A Flash Flood Watch remains in effect for the fire
area until midnight for potential ash and debris flows due to the presence of these thunderstorms.

Structures Threatened: 111
Total Structures Destroyed: 78
Total Structures Damaged: 13

With the continued moisture, cooler temperatures and higher humidity, there was no new growth of the fire perimeter throughout the day. Firefighters were able to increase overall containment through the completion of several sections of fireline along the eastern flank. Crews and equipment remained out on the fireline throughout the day working in the rain to continue the mission of constructing and securing control lines around the remainder of the fire. Firefighters remained cautious during periods of heavy rain by seeking shelter, then re-engaging in their efforts when the rain slowed and opportunities presented themselves. Great progress continues to be made all along the eastern flank during this period of subdued fire activity.

Firefighters understand the importance of securing this flank before warmer and drier conditions begin later this week with the potential to increase fire behavior among the still critically dry fuels. Aircraft was able to be utilized today for several reconnaissance missions in efforts to map and locate hot spots difficult to spot by ground crews. As active fire suppression efforts wind down in some portions of the fire area, suppression repair efforts have started. The goal of suppression repair is to return damaged areas to a stable condition that reflects pre-fire conditions. These repair efforts include actions such as erosion control, repairing fences, debris removal, and removing berms created by dozers. Firefighters will work alongside forest resource advisors throughout the suppression repair process.