by Paula Peterson, South Tahoe Now
Residents across the area of the Caldor Fire experienced some much needed light rainfall overnight along with forecasted lightning strikes and wind. The fire is at 53 percent containment, 218,459 acres in size.
East Zone
Firefighters focused on holding and securing containment lines as winds gusted up to 40 mph on ridge tops and 10 mph in the valleys overnight. Thunderstorms moved through the fire area around midnight and again at 5am, bringing some light to wetting rain, but minimal lightning. Crews monitored and increased line depth adjacent to Lower and Upper Echo Lakes, patrolled for areas of heat in Christmas Valley where felling crews worked throughout Thursday to remove hazard trees, and ensured the containment line north of
Strawberry Creek held through the adverse weather.
Winds are expected to increase today and persist through tonight with gusts up to 60 mph on the ridges and 40 mph in the valleys resulting in more active fire behavior and creating greater potential for spotting in the very dry fuel outside the existing fire footprint. Today, firefighters will be working hard to secure lines in this high risk burn environment. In addition to initial attack on any new fire starts, crews will be constructing line between Scout Peak and Strawberry Creek utilizing dozers and hotshots. Wildland Fire Use Modules continue to install fire line within the Desolation Wilderness. Hand crews will also be increasing fire line depth throughout much of the East Zone to further secure containment lines.
Numerous felling crews are continuing to remove hazard trees adjacent to Highways 50, 89 and 88 to ensure public safety once these roads are re-opened.
West Zone
The fire continued to be active throughout the evening however, minimal growth occurred across the fire area. Minimal lightning activity was observed within the fire perimeter last night, though a large concentration of strikes occurred on the west shore of Lake Tahoe.
Firefighters will remain vigilant today as a Red Flag Warning has been issued for strong southwest winds and thunderstorms. Today crews will continue to reinforce containment lines ahead of forecasted southwest winds which are expected to increase fire activity.
Damage inspections continue with approximately 99% of structures assessed.
The Numbers
Size: 218,459 acres
Containment: 53%
Civilian Injuries: 2
First Responder Injuries: 10
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
