Next 24-72 hours critical for the Caldor Fire which remains at 53% contained

Firefighters continue to strengthen the lines around the Caldor Fire, with a 53 percent containment line tonight on the fire which is now 218,405 acres in size.

During the nightly community meeting, fire commanders on both the west and the east side of the fire updated the public on a fire that will be tested over the next 72 hours. A Red Flag Warning goes into effect at 11:00 p.m. Thursday and goes until 11:00 p.m. Friday.

"The next forty-eight to seventy-two hours are critical for the success of control of this fire," the incident commander said from the west zone.

Rocky Opliger, incident commander for the east zone, said the weather will be challenging.

East Zone

Increased southwest winds (gusts from 40 to 60 mph) and thunderstorms are expected to test the northeast sides of the fire.

Firefighters continued to aggressively mop up and secure areas adjacent to containment lines ahead of the changing weather. Hotshots, dozers, and engines worked together to complete and secure direct line southwest of Scout Peak to Strawberry Creek where the fire remains active. Crews also continued to construct hand line in the Desolation Wilderness and from Caples Lake southwest toward Kirkwood Resort. This work was also supported by helicopters extinguishing hot spots.

The weather will dictate where resources are allocated over the next couple days as fire lines are challenged. The extremely dry fuel conditions (both live and dead vegetation including larger down logs) also amplify the potential for spotting. Resources are available for initial attack or to move to areas of increased fire behavior as needed.

At 1:00 p.m., the El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office downgraded the area of Meyers that is north of the traffic circle at Highway 50 and Highway 89. This includes the area of Pioneer trail from Meyers through Elks Club, Upper and Lower Apache, Keetak, Cornelian, and all residences accessed from Saw Mill on the northern edge. North Upper Truckee and South Upper Truckee/Christmas Valley are the two remaining east zone areas under mandatory evacuations.

"My number one priority is your safety," said Oplinger of their caution at reopening roads and neighborhoods too soon.

West Zone

Firefighters worked diligently along the southern edge of the perimeter near Kirkwood picking up spots and keeping the fire north of the Highway 88. Crews continued hazard tree removal in the Highway 50 corridor clearing fire weakened trees to support safe repopulation. This evening, firefighters will patrol the area and answer calls for service as interior islands and pockets of timber continue to burn and smolder. Thunderstorms and increasing southwest winds will affect the fire area overnight and early tomorrow morning.

Crews have been working to keep the fire to the north of SR88 by Silver Lake Tahoe Tragedy Springs.

"I am anticipating two to three more days before its blackline," said Incident commander Bill Monday of a containment line at the southern end of the fire.

A Red Flag Warning is issued for the fire area this evening for thunderstorms with dry lightning and gusty winds. Damage inspections continue with approximately 99% of structures assessed.

The Numbers

Size: 218,405 acres
Containment: 53%
Civilian Injuries: 2
First Responder Injuries: 9
Structures Threatened: 24,647
Structures Damaged: 81
Single Residences Destroyed: 782
Commercial Properties Destroyed: 18
Other Minor Structures Destroyed: 202
Personnel on the fire: 4,028
Engines: 272
Water tenders: 82
Helicopters: 43
Handcrews: 50
Dozers: 43
Other: 34
Air Tankers: Numerous firefighting air tankers from throughout the State are flying fire suppression missions as conditions allow