Caldor Fire is 50 days old; 91% contained, 221,775 acres

After 50 days, the Caldor Fire continues to to burn in El Dorado and Alpine Counties. It is currently measured at 221,775 acres and is 91 percent contained.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation. 782 structures have been
destroyed, 35 structures are threatened, and 81 structures have been damaged. There are 1,438 personnel and 8 helicopters assigned to the incident. Full containment is expected for October 16, 2021.

Sunday, October 3 at 5:00 p.m. will be the next Community Facebook live meeting. The following meeting will be on Wednesday, October 6 at 5:00 p.m. Due to decreased fire activity, future meetings are yet to be determined.

A ridge of high pressure is producing warm, dry air and light winds over the fire for the next couple of days with temperatures possibly reaching into the mid-80s. The area is currently experiencing increased smoke from the KNP
Complex Fire which is expected to clear out in the next two days.

Fire personnel continue to successfully respond to and eliminate persistent smokes which are predominately interior.

In addition to fire crews working the perimeter of the fire, and especially along Hwy. 50, there are an additional 1000+ PGE crewmembers working to restore power to the communities. Expect intermittent road closures along Hwy. 50. Additionally, there are an increased number of visitors returning to the area to recreate, as well as more locals commuting to and from work as compared towhen the fire began. Please watch your speed, our firefighters are national treasures.

Caldor Fire Closure Boundaries will be Adjusted as Conditions Change

The boundaries of the Caldor Fire Closure, Forest Order 03-21-18 will be adjusted to reflect changing fire conditions and other hazards associated with the fire area. The closure area is expected to become smaller as fire containment increases and the forest receives rain and snow. Removal of hazard trees and suppression repair activities are also factors in whether an area can be opened. The boundaries of the Caldor Fire Closure could change several times before it is set to expire next March.

“For example, we have no intent of keeping Kirkwood closed for skiing once there is adequate precipitation on the ground,” said Forest Supervisor Jeff Marsolais. “Currently there is still a fire threat due to extremely dry unburned fuel within and near the Caldor Fire perimeter, and interior burning that continues.”

September and October have historically had some of the largest fire runs on the Eldorado National Forest associated with strong wind events at this time of year. Unburned vegetation would easily be ignited by embers. Needles that have fallen from burned trees have also created a highly flammable layer within the Caldor Fire area.

Many recreational opportunities have opened for day use such as the Rock Creek Trails on the Georgetown District; the Loon Lake Boat Ramp and Picnic Area on the Pacific District; and many others. Please check the Eldorado Forest website to plan your visit. There you will find links for Roads and Trails Status and Recreation Facility Status.

The public is reminded that no overnight camping and no fires are currently allowed on the Eldorado National Forest under the following forest orders:
Forest Order 03-21-17– Camping Prohibition
Forest Order 03-21-16 – Enhanced Fire Restrictions

These camping and fire prohibitions will also be reevaluated as conditions change.

In the Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU), Caldor Fire Emergency Closure (19-20-06) for portions of the forest remain in effect through
December 31, 2021. For more information: LTBMU Fire Closure Order 19-20-06 Backcountry closure (Forest Order 19-21-07) for the following areas: Desolation Wilderness, Meiss Backcountry, Barker Pass Road and McKinney/Rubicon Trail remains in effect until October 20, 2021.

For more information: LTBMU Backcountry Closure Order 19-21-07

Evacuation Orders and Warnings

EL DORADO COUNTY – ORDERS
• SOUTH ECHO – South of Highway 50 starting at Camp Sacramento to the top of Echo Summit then proceeding due south to the Alpine County Line.

View the interactive evacuation zone and road closure map here: https://tinyurl.com/ElDoradoEvac

EL DORADO COUNTY - WARNINGS
• NORTH ECHO – North of Highway 50 between Twin Bridges and Echo Summit, extending to the north just past Upper Echo Lake.
• TRIMMER – The area east of Pioneer Trail to the Alpine County Line stopping south of Heavenly Ski Resort, excluding all residences off Pioneer Trail.
• HELL HOLE – Northeast of Highway 89, west of the Alpine County line, and south of Tahoe Paradise Golf Course
• CAPLES CREEK – This section is south of Highway 50 east of Kyburz up to 41 Milestone Tract and south all the way to Highway 88 between 1 mile east of Mormon Emigrant Trail up to Caples Lake following the County Line.
• DESOLATION SOUTH – Please refer to the following map: Eldorado Evacuation Updates