Parts of the El Dorado National Forest reopen; King Fire now 94% contained

The Forest Service announced today that they are re-opening some popular recreation areas near the King Fire area. The Rubicon Jeep Trail, Wrights Lake, Desolation Wilderness and the east side of Ice House Road are now open to the public.

“Although fire crews have nearly contained the King Fire, it is still active, and there are a lot of firefighting resources still in the area,” said Laurence Crabtree, the USFS Forest Supervisor. “I intend to open more of the Forest to the public as soon as it is safe to do so.”

More smoke was visible in the King Fire area today due to increased winds and warmer, drier weather. The established firelines were tested and with the expected winds through Thursday, residents in the area should continue to see and smell more smoke.

So far, 97,009 acres have burned. There are now 2,557 personnel assigned to the fire which is now 94% contained. The expected date for full containment is Saturday, three weeks after the fire started.

Firefighters continue to work on the remaining suppression activities. Firefighters are using data from heat-sensing aerial photography to locate and extinguish areas of heat remaining within, but close to, the fire perimeter. Firefighters continue mop up and patrol. Helicopters are assisting crews as needed.

Fire crews continue to remove hazardous trees, chip brush and remove road debris to make roads safer for public travel. All forest roads within the burned area remain closed due to hazardous conditions which are expected to persist for some time. Today crews repaired handline and dozer line constructed during fire suppression activity and removed excess fire equipment such as hose, pumps, and tanks.

Fire equipment will remain on the fire overnight patrolling the fire area.