CALDOR FIRE: 219,000+ acres, 68 percent contained

EL DORADO COUNTY, Calif. (KOLO) - SEPT. 14, 10 A.M. The Caldor Fire is now 68 percent contained after burning more than 219,000 acres.

On Tuesday, line construction and mop up will continue on uncontained fire edges northwest of Caples Lake, on the east side of Trimmer Peak as well as near Desolation Wilderness.

The following evacuation orders in El Dorado County have been downgraded to warnings:

• Crystal Basin B: From Ice House Road east to the border of desolation wilderness and from the Placer County line, south to Granite Springs Road and the area south of Granite Springs Road to Highway 50 at Wrights Lake Road

The following Evacuation Warnings have been lifted in El Dorado County:

• Crystal Basin A: West of Ice House Road, from the Placer County line, South to Highway 50 and East of Junction Reservoir

• The area of Happy Valley Road from Mt Aukum Road to Cosumnes Mine Road

SEPT. 13, 4:15 P.M. Containment on the Caldor Fire increased to 67 percent on Monday. It has burned 219,267 acres.

President Biden surveyed the damage caused by the fire and approved a disaster declaration for California, opening federal funds for assistance.

It comes as some evacuees in El Dorado County are finally able to return home.

SEPT. 12, 9:30 A.M. The Caldor Fire grew about 461 acres since Saturday morning and was reported to be 218,950 acres on Sunday morning. Containment increased from 60 percent on Saturday to 65 percent on Sunday.

The fire that destroyed 782 homes and threatened the Lake Tahoe Basin has grown 3,550 acres in the past week and less than 2,000 acres since Tuesday.

Winds from the southwest continue this week and could push flames past existing containment lines and could allow the fire to grow again. The fire was active overnight as trees within the containment line continued to burn.

Crews on Sunday will continue work along the northeast and southern edges, mopping up fires and tying together existing containment lines.

Work continues removing dangerous trees so highways can be reopened and people can return home.

SEPT. 11, 10 A.M. The Caldor Fire remained the same Saturday morning, coming in at 218,489 acres and with a 60 percent containment.

The fire was active overnight but did not grow. Southwest winds are forecast through the weekend and increase chances for fire growth.

Crews will work to strengthen fire containment lines, particularly on the northeast and southern edges.

Work continues along U.S. 50 to clear dangerous trees so it can reopen.

Damage assessment has been completed. There were 782 single residences destroyed, 18 commercial properties destroyed and 203 minor structures, like garages and sheds, destroyed.

All precautionary evacuation warnings in Douglas County have been lifted.

SEPT. 10, 5:35 P.M. Caldor Fire containment lines held Friday despite wind gusts of up to 50 mph, giving fire crews optimism they are reigning in California’s 15th largest wildfire.

The lightning storm that passed through started four more fires in the Lake Tahoe Bain that crews are putting out.

There was a “good rain” on parts of the fire, including about two-tenths of an inch in the Kirkwood area.

Moisture helped greatly with the fire, but the fuel will quickly dry out and return to the level of critical fire danger, Incident Commander Anale Burlew said.

“This is not a season-ending event, unfortunately,” Burlew said.

A big problem is hazard trees, which could be stumps still burning but hidden from the eye, and older trees that are dead and were greatly weakened by the fire and liable to fall.

Crews are working to clear hazard trees along U.S. 50 before it can be reopened.

People in the South Lake Tahoe area are asked to not put food items in garbage due to bear problems but to take them to recycling sites. Also, don’t put out garbage until 8 a.m. on the day of pickup. More information: http://www.southtahoerefuse.com

The cause of the fire is still not determined.

The fire is estimated to be 218,459 acres and is 53 percent contained.

SEPT. 10, 12 P.M. Governor Steve Sisolak and other state and local leaders will visit fire crews working on the Caldor Fire on Friday.

They will make various stops in the Tahoe Basin and thank first responders.

There was little growth on the Caldor Fire overnight. It has burned 218,459 acres and remains 53 percent contained.

There was lightning activity, though officials said a majority of strikes happened on the west shore of Lake Tahoe.

Firefighters are dealing with strong winds and thunderstorms Friday. They will continue to reinforce containment lines. Damage inspections continue with about 99 percent of structures assessed.

The following Evacuation Warnings have been lifted in El Dorado County:

All areas east of Sly Park Road from Park Creek to Mormon Emigrant Trail and the Park Creek Mormon Emigrant Trail Intersection. This includes the Sly Park Recreation Area.

SEPT. 9, 7 P.M. The Caldor Fire grew less than 1,000 acres overnight, reaching 218,405 acres on Thursday. The fire remains 53 percent contained.

The number of homes destroyed reached 782. There are18 commercial properties destroyed and 202 minor structures, like garages and sheds, were also destroyed.

Crews on Thursday continued to keep the fire in check in the Kirkwood area. Dangerous trees are being removed in the U.S. 50 corridor.

Crews also continue to build handlines in the Desolation Wilderness area and around Caples Lake.

There is a Red Flag warning for Friday. Southwest wind gusts could reach 40 mph to 60 mph. Thunderstorms could also test containment on the northeast side.

Fire administrators will allocate crews to areas needed as fire lines are challenged.

SEPT. 9, 7:40 A.M. Containment on the Caldor Fire has increased to 53 percent. It has now burned 217,946 acres. Fire crews are preparing for dangerous fire conditions over the next couple days.

SEPT. 8, 7:30 P.M. The Caldor Fire size was reported Wednesday evening as virtually unchanged from Wednesday morning at 217,859 acres and 50 percent contained.

It has an estimated containment date of Sept. 27.

It destroyed 778 residences and 18 commercial properties and destroyed 202 minor structures like sheds and garages. About 99 percent of structure assessment is complete.

Containment line still needs to be built on the east side of the Caldor Fire in preparation for Red Flag days on Thursday and Friday. The depth was increased on some lines to ensure they hold.

On the west side, crews cleared hazard trees along U.S. 50 to let people return to their homes. Crews worked in the Kirkwood area and along California 88 to bolster containment lines.

SEPT. 8, 10:30 A.M. The Caldor Fire has grown to 217,569 acres and is 50 percent contained.

Crews will continue to work along Highway 50 on Wednesday to clear hazard trees to support safe repopulation in the coming days. Damage inspections are in progress with approximately 95 percent of structures assessed.

SEPT. 6, 9:15 A.M. The Nevada Department of Emergency Management reports that the Caldor Fire grew slightly overnight to 216,358 acres with containment at 44 percent.

The repopulation continues on the Nevada side of the state line with all evacuation orders lifted in Douglas County and no road restrictions.

In South Lake Tahoe, California is still limiting non-essential travel.

Anyone returning to the Tahoe Basin is encouraged to go with a full gas tank and to buy food and other supplies outside the Tahoe Basin. Many stores are still closed, so you may not be able to find what you need at the Lake.

SEPT. 5 5:30 P.M. Crews continue to expand fire lines cut by hand on the eastern area o the Caldor Fire and that helps to protect South Lake Tahoe, Heavenly Valley and Nevada.

The fire containment line has also been expanded in the Meyers area, which remains under mandatory evacuation, and crews are still mopping up there and on patrol for new fire starts.

Fire crews are expected to rappel down rock faces Monday to help extend fire lines built by hand in the Desolation Wilderness area.

The goal is to have Barton Memorial Hospital emergency room open by 5 p.m. on Monday.

People who have health problems are advised not to return yet since the air quality is so poor in the Lake Tahoe basin.

People who come back are asked to have their medications, groceries and a tank full of gas for their vehicles.

Returning people are also advised to watch for bears and if they have a bear in their homes they are asked to call authorities to remove them.

Incident Commander Rocky Opliger warned due to the drought, California will be at risk for other fires until the rain and snows come.

SEPT. 5 9 A.M. The Caldor Fire grew slightly more than 1,000 acres since Saturday morning, reaching 215,400 acres.

Containment jumped from 37 percent Saturday morning to 43 percent.

Crews worked mop up overnight on much of the fire. Minor spot fires were easily contained. Fire activity was minimal to moderate.

Crews will focus Sunday on active areas on the northeast and southeast parts of the fire creating fire lines to tie in with existing fire lines and doing more mop up.

Firefighters will hike into the Desolation Wilderness to engage the fire directly using techniques that minimize the impacts.

“Structure protection groups continue mop up around structures, so it is safe to repopulate some of the communities around South Lake Tahoe in the coming days,” Sunday morning’s fire update said.

There are 4,954 personnel on the fire.

SEPT. 4 5:45 P.M. There were still active flames in some parts of the Caldor Fire Saturday and generally fire crews are building fire lines directly in that area to stop the fire’s spread.

The fire has not burned any structures in the Kirkwood and Silver Lake areas but the fire is still a problem in the Kirkwood and Wright’s Lake areas.

Much of the discussion in the Saturday 5 p.m. community meeting focused on people returning to their homes. The repopulated area increased on the west side of the fire. All mandatory evacuations have been lifted in Douglas County.

There was still no estimate when people in the South Lake Tahoe and Meyers areas can return.

Douglas County Sheriff Dan Coverly and South Lake Tahoe Fire Chief Clive Savacool both talked about bears. With people out of their homes bears have moved into the areas.

“If you have a problem, contact us or the Nevada Division of Wildlife and we get someone out there,” Coverly said.

Savacool said when people return to South Lake Tahoe they shouldn’t corner bears or block escape routes. Pick up any trash left by the bears, cover any holes they created and do not feed the bears.

“When you come back to down, drive very slow. Be very cautious,” Savacool said.

The Barton Memorial Hospital emergency room will be reopened when people are allowed to return. Savacool said the air is polluted and people with respiratory conditions may not want to return quickly.

Incident Commander Rocky Opliger said stronger winds are in the forecast and crews will work to make the lines hold.

SEPT. 4 9 A.M. The Caldor Fire grew less than 1,000 acres overnight, reaching 214,107 acres Saturday morning. Containment has been increased to 37 percent.

Lower temperatures and higher humidity levels helped tame the fire overnight. There was minimal growth in the northeast and on the southern edge. Crews were able to directly attack the fire in more places.

Crews will work Saturday to strengthen fire lines.

So far damage assessment crews have counted 687 homes destroyed, 18 commercial properties destroyed, 187 other structures, like garages and sheds, destroyed and 72 structures damaged. So far about 75 percent o the structures have been assessed.

There are 4,662 personnel on the fire.

SEPT. 3 8 P.M. The Caldor Fire has been revised to 213,270 acres and is 32 percent contained.

There are 683 homes destroyed.

SEPT. 3 5:45 P.M. Conditions continue to improve for firefighters on the Caldor Fire, which was reported at 212,907 acres and 29 percent contained at the 5 p.m. virtual community meeting.

On the west side of the fire, residents were allowed to return to areas that included Pollock Pines and to the west and west of Grizzly Flats.

As far as letting people back into South Lake Tahoe, “we’re getting close. That’s all I can report,” said Jake Cagle, operations sections chief.

Cagle said there was no timeline for letting people back into the Tahoma area. But once the Desolation Wilderness area is protected, prospects for letting people back into Tahoma improve.

South Lake Tahoe Fire Chief Clive Savacool said evacuated citizens are concerned about bears damaging their properties. Savacool said patrols continue round-the-clock to scare off bears and guard against looters. The plan is to repopulate the community as soon as possible.

There was little smoke in the air so airplanes and helicopters were able to help with fire control on Friday.

There have been several nights and days of cooperating weather, said Rocky Opliger, unified incident commander.

“Right now, we’re seeing some really effective work,” Opliger said.

SEPT. 3, 7:30 A.M. The Caldor Fire has grown to 212, 907 acres. Containment has increased to 29 percent.

SEPT. 2, 5:45 P.M. Fire officials generally had an optimistic tone as they discussed the Caldor Fire at the 5 p.m. community meeting.

Winds slowed and are expected to stay calmer through Saturday and possibly into Sunday.

In the Upper Truckee and Fallen Leaf Lake areas, there does not appear to be an imminent threat. Things are also looking good in the Meyers and Christmas Valley areas.

There was fire activity near Lower Echo Lake and structure protection is being added there.

There has been no growth into the Desolation Wilderness area and crews are working to build fire lines to stop the fire from burning into the area. Fire crews may seek permission cut dozer lines in small areas of the wilderness.

On Thursday the fire did pick up east of California 89 and fire crews met ut

People are expected to return home soon on the southwest part of the fire and evacuation warnings were lifted from the southern and western edges of the fire.

Douglas County Sheriff Dan Coverly said the Round Hills area is not under an evacuation order and those people can return home.

The area in Douglas County under an evacuation order are Kingsbury, Lake Village and the lower part of Olivers and Kahle Drive region.

“As soon as I can get you back into your home, I will,” Coverly said.

The Caldor Fire is 210,893 acres and 27 percent contained. Most containment is on the west side of the fire.

SEPT. 2, 7 A.M. The Caldor Fire has burned 210,259 acres and is 25 percent contained.

Calmer winds and moderate humidity overnight helped firefighters, however spotting and fire spread still occurred along the northern edge of the fire.

Damage inspection continues with at least 60 percent of structures inspected.

There are nearly 4,500 personnel working the fire, including numerous air tankers from across the state.

Full containment is expected by September 13.

SEPT. 1 9 P.M. The following evacuation orders in the areas of North Camino and Pollock Pines have been downgraded to an evacuation warning: North of Highway 50, West of Sly Park, South of Slab Creek, and East of Larsen Drive / Snows Road.

Crews are looking for areas to build containment lines as they deal with dry conditions and strong winds.

According to CAL FIRE, the fire has now burned 207,931 acres. It is 23 percent contained.

SEPT. 1, 11:50 A.M. NASA’S FIRMS map shows the Caldor Fire burning near South Lake Tahoe is less than three miles from the Stateline.

KOLO 8 News Now’s Denise Wong explains below:

SEPT. 1 7:15 A.M. The Caldor Fire has grown to 204,390 acres. Containment is up to 20 percent. 729 structures are now confirmed destroyed including 544 homes.

AUG. 31 11 P.M. The Caldor Fire continues to spread to the northeast towards the Kingsbury area. It has now grown to 199,632 acres and containment is up slightly to 18 percent.

A red flag warning will be in effect through Wednesday, creating potentially dangerous conditions for crews on the front lines.

AUG. 31, 12 P.M. Nevada leaders on Tuesday stressed the seriousness of the Caldor Fire and asked residents near the burn area to stay aware and stay vigilant.

Fire officials could not say when or if the fire is expected to cross into Nevada, but Jon Bakkedahl with Nevada Division of Emergency Management said, “We are preparing for worst case scenario.”

Bakkedahl said the fire could head north on the west side of Lake Tahoe and north on the east side of Lake Tahoe, and said contingency plans are in place for every one of those areas.

Currently, there are no mandatory evacuations in place in Douglas County, only evacuation warnings for certain parts. Should an order become necessary, Governor Steve Sisolak said that will likely come from Douglas County officials.

It’s estimated about 22,000 people live in South Lake Tahoe. The area was ordered to evacuate Monday due to the threat of the Caldor Fire. Gov. Sisolak said they are coordinating with gas stations and grocery stores in Nevada to make sure there is enough supply for evacuees. When asked about price gouging concerns, the governor said, “We hope that good merchants will not partake in price gouging.”

Gov. Sisolak is expected to visit the fire line Tuesday afternoon. He said he has spoken with California Governor Gavin Newsom about firefighting efforts and said they will use every resource possible to fight this fire together. The state has ordered two super scoopers to assist in firefighting efforts.

John Christopherson with the Nevada Division of Forestry noted that this type of fire “seems to be something like the new norm,” and stressed the need of more aggressive forest management.

Christopherson said only two wildfires have crossed the sierra from the west to the east, and both have occurred this year.

WATCH THE FIRE BRIEFING BELOW:

AUG. 31, 10 A.M. Governor Steve Sisolak is expected to hold a press briefing Tuesday regarding the Caldor Fire.

He will be joined by state officials including the Nevada National Guard, the Division of Emergency Management, the Division of Forestry and others at the State Emergency Operations Center in Carson City.

The briefing is expected to start at 11:45 a.m. You can watch it live on KOLO 8 News Now Midday, on the KOLO 8 Facebook page, or online at KOLOTV.com.

AUG. 31. 7:40 A.M. The Caldor fire has grown to 191,607 acres. Containment has increased to 16 percent.

AUG. 30, 8:00 P.M. The Caldor Fire continues to grow in size. U.S. Forest Service officials now estimate that it’s burned 186,568 acres. Containment is now at 15 percent.

AUG. 30, 5:30 P.M. Fire officials provided an update Monday evening on the Caldor Fire from South Lake Tahoe:

Officials expressed concern about the weather and fuel conditions as firefighting efforts continue. Stronger winds are expected Tuesday and a Red Flag Warning remains in effect through Tuesday evening.

The fire has crossed Highway 88 and is burning in the Kirkwood area. South of Lake Tahoe, the fire is in the Christmas Valley area and the main firefight is happening near Meyers.

As of Monday evening, 652 structures have been destroyed.

AUG. 30, 3 P.M. Governor Steve Sisolak has declared a state of emergency in response to the Caldor Fire, and the “anticipation of the fire crossing from California into the State of Nevada in the coming days.”

In a press release Monday, the governor’s office said the declaration ensures resources from the local, state, and federal levels are available to assist as needed during this emergency.

“On behalf of the State of Nevada, I would like to thank all of our brave first responders, local government agencies, and nonprofit entities who continue to go above and beyond to assist our communities during the Caldor Fire,” said Gov. Sisolak. “We will continue to use all our available resources to fight this fire and assist those in need.”

AUG. 30, 1:20 P.M. California officials provided an update Monday on evacuation and firefighting efforts as the Caldor Fire prompted evacuation orders in South Lake Tahoe.

Officials said unprecedented fire behavior resulted in the fire making a 7-mile run to northeast of Highway 50 and in another place, it made an 8-mile run.

Officials warned communities to be ready to get out safely and said the priority was for there to be no loss of life.

AUG. 30, 12:45 P.M. The California Highway Patrol reports SR-89 southbound is closed at Emerald Bay and McKinney/Rubicon.

KOLO’s Ben Deach shared video from Highway 50 of the major traffic backup as residents and tourists try to evacuate.

AUG. 30, 11:15 A.M. Evacuation orders have been expanded to include Heavenly Ski Resort out to the Alpine County Line and the Nevada State line on the east.

Orders are also now in place for Stateline east of Ski Run on the lake side of Pioneer Trail and also both sides of Pioneer Trail between Larch and the Nevada State Line.

People are asked to evacuate eastbound on Highway 50 towards Nevada.

Evacuation Shelters:

Truckee Veterans Hall, 10214 High Street in Truckee and the Reno-Sparks Convention Center.

AUG. 31, 12:05 A.M. Evacuation shelters are now full at the Douglas County Community & Senior Center, the Carson City Community Center, and at Fuji Park in Carson City.

AUG. 30, 10:05 A.M. New evacuation orders are in place for parts of the Tahoe Basin due to the growing Caldor Fire including areas near Emerald Bay, Fallen Leaf, Pope Beach, and northwest of the South Lake Tahoe Airport.

The new evacuations include:

- Tahoe Keys

- Tahoe Island including Barton Hospital. All patients have been transferred to regional partner facilities. The Emergency Department has moved to Lake Tahoe Surgery Center behind the Round Hill/ Safeway Shopping Center (212 Elks Point Rd #201, Zephyr Cove, NV 89448). Emergency services are available for patients 24/7 at this location. Barton Urgent Care at Stateline Medical Center (155 Highway 50, Stateline NV 89449) remains open from 8am-5pm with limited services.

- All residences off of Lakeview west of Highway 50 north of Blue Lakes Road and east of Tahoe Keys Neighborhood

- All residences on both sides of Highway 50 for streets connected to O’Malley, Lodi, Silver Dollar and Rubicon Trail

- Residences between Al Tahoe on the east side of Johnson Blvd. to include the streets of Treehaven and Fremont and extending to the east in to all residences west of Ski Run and east of Pioneer Trail.

Other areas under evacuation include Christmas Valley to Echo Summit, Highway 89 over Luther Pass between US 50 and Highway 88 in Alpine County, the upper Apache area south of Elks Club Drive, and Highway 88 between Picketts Junction and Kirkwood.

See the areas under evacuation orders and warnings here.

Evacuation routes for areas of Fallen Leaf and Tahoma, go north on Highway 89 toward Truckee.

For all other areas, evacuate eastbound on Highway 50 toward Nevada.

AUG. 29, 5:30 P.M. The Caldor Fire exploded on Sunday, prompting more evacuations orders in El Dorado County and into Alpine County, including the Kirkwood Ski Resort.

“Today has been a rough day. There’s no bones about it,” said Jeff Marsolais, forest supervisor for the El Dorado National Forest “We thought we could make a stop. . . Today it just let loose.”

The fire had been advancing only about a half-mile a day, Erich Schwab, operations section chief, said during a community briefing on the fire. “This has already moved 2.5 miles on us today with no sign of slowing down,” Schwab said.

People who need to evacuate need to use U.S. 50 or California 89. U.S. 50 remains closed from Pollock Pines to the Meyers area, according to CalTrans.

The fire burned into the Strawberry area Saturday night and fire crews just tried to keep it away from structures, Schwab said.

“We’re not actively trying to engage the fire right now,” Schwab said. “We’re just doing structure protection.”

Unified Incident Commander Dustin Martin said more resources are on the way.

“We have one heck of a firefight going on today and we will for the next couple of days,” Martin said.

A Red Cross Shelter is open for those evacuating at the Douglas County Community Center, 1329 Waterloo Lane, Gardnerville.

AUG 29 4:55 P.M. The El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office announced additional evacuations for the Caldor Fire:

• Christmas Valley from Highway 89 West to Echo Summit

• California 89 due west to Watershed Ridge/Echo Summit and South to the Amador/El Dorado County line.

• The area from Luther Pass Road, north along the El Dorado/Alpine County line to Armstrong Pass. West from Armstrong Pass to Upper Apache at Meyers. West on Upper Apache to U.S. 50. West on U.S. 50 to Calfironia 89. South on California 89 to the El Dorado/Alpine County line. This includes all homes on both sides of California 89.

• The area from Upper Apache at Meyers, north along U.S. 50, to Elks Club Drive. East on Elks Club Drive to Pioneer Trail, extending due south to Upper Apache at Meyers.(This includes all homes off of Oneidas, Mandan, Apache, Ottawa and Player).

• The area North on U.S. 50 from California 89 to Saw Mill Road. West on Saw Mill Road to Angora Ridge, extending to the Echo Summit.

In Alpine County:

• California 89 South from Luther Pass Road to Pickets Junction (California 88)

• West on Highway 88 to Kirkwood

AUG. 29 8:30 A.M. The Caldor fire has now grown to 156,515 acres with containment holding at 19%.

The CalFire morning briefing reports that fire activity was limited overnight due an inversion layer. The steep terrain, ash pits and fire weakened trees are a continual threat for fire crews.

AUG. 28 9:15 A.M. The Caldor Fire grew to 149,684 acres and remains 19 percent contained.

An inversion layer overnight reduced the spread of the fire and of fires caused by floating embers. It also reduced visibility.

Fire activity increased on the western side of the fire due to down-canyon winds and low humidity.

Backfires strengthened the eastern flank of the Caldor Fire.

The terrain continues to be challenging for fire crews throughout the fire. Damage inspection teams continue to inspect properties and infrastructure throughout the area

AUG. 27 8 P.M. The Caldor Fire has grown to 145,463 acres and is 19 percent contained, the U.S. Forest Service reported.

There have been 469 homes destroyed, 11 commercial properties destroyed and 130 minor structures like sheds and garages destroyed.

The fire was most active Friday in the northeast perimeter along U.S. 50 and around Sierra Springs on the western side.

Low humidity and up-canyon winds increased fires caused by floating embers in the north, northeastern and eastern area of the fire.

Firefighters still face challenges from critically dry vegetation and from steep, rugged terrain.

Smoke stayed near the ground most of the day, limiting help from aircraft.

AUG. 27, 1:45 P.M. The City of South Lake Tahoe is reminding residents to be ready in case of any evacuations due to the Caldor Fire and tourists are being asked to postpone any travel plans to the area.

The Lake Tahoe Visitors Authority on Thursday discouraged travel to the lake while crews continue to fight the fire which has burned nearly 144,00 acres in El Dorado County.

Currently, the City of South Lake Tahoe remains outside the evacuation warning and order areas, but city leaders have set up a daily community information booth to inform residents of an evacuation plan should it be necessary. It’s happening from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Bijou Safeway.

Here are additional resources:

www.edcgov.us – El Dorado County’s website, with resources on the incident and the updated evacuation area map

www.ready.edso.org – CodeRed sign up page

https://www.fire.ca.gov/incidents/ - CalFire’s Incident page

AUG. 27, 11 A.M. The Caldor Fire continues to send smoke into the Reno-Sparks area. The fire grew overnight to 143,951 acres. It remains 12 percent contained.

Air quality in Reno Friday morning was in the ‘Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups’ range. Carson City’s air quality, though, was in the ‘Unhealthy’ range.

The air quality is also being impacted by the Dixie Fire.

AUG. 26, 8 P.M. The Caldor Fire is now 139,410 acres and remains 12 percent contained.

During a community meeting Thursday the public was told there were no new structures burned on Thursday and that for the most part, the fire was holding along U.S. 50.

The eastern point of the fire had a problem with floating embers starting fires behind the fire lines, but crews were vigorously attacking that. The fire’s main growth now is on the northeast side along U.S. 50 near the community of Strawberry.

Winds eased early in the afternoon, allowing humidity to increase. Crews are burning vegetation to strengthen containment lines.

There are 3,078 personnel on the fire.

AUG. 26, 2:30 P.M. A local emergency proclamation has been issued for the City of South Lake Tahoe in response to the Caldor Fire.

The proclamation will help leverage federal and state resources and is recognized by government agencies who will then be able to direct disaster relief funds and other key personnel resources to the area.

In a press release Thursday, the City of South Lake Tahoe said that the declaration provides for greater flexibility, while still protecting public safety priorities and the taxpayers’ interests.

It is important to note that the city remains outside the evacuation warning and order areas and the emergency proclamation does not indicate any change to evacuation status.

AUG. 26, 11:30 A.M. Cal Fire has issued an Evacuation Order that extends from Twin Bridges to Echo Summit in El Dorado County.

A Red Cross Shelter has been set up for evacuees at the Douglas County Community Center at 1329 Waterloo Lane in Gardnerville.

Containment on the Caldor Fire remained at 12 percent Thursday morning, with the fire area growing overnight to 136,643 acres.

See updated evacuation orders and warnings below:

AUG. 25, 8:15 P.M. The Caldor Fire has grown to 126,566 acres and is 12 percent contained, the U.S. Forest Service reported.

It has destroyed 465 single homes and 11 commercial properties.

Full containment is expected on Sept. 8.

On Wednesday, the northeast section of the fire continued to grow along U.S. 50 and Twin Bridges because of up-canyon winds and spot fires caused by floating embers.

“Critical fuel conditions, steep and rugged terrain still present a challenge for firefighters,” the update said. “Overall, the fire experienced slight growth throughout the day while firefighters worked to strengthen containment and control lines. Firefighters will experience overnight cooler temperatures, and a slight increase in relative humidity, which will aid in firefighting efforts. Additionally, the incident continues to receive more resources that will assist in mitigation.”

There are 2,897 personnel assigned to the fire.

AUG. 25, 9:45 A.M. The Caldor Fire has burned 126,182 acres since it started on August 14.

Containment remains at 11 percent.

AUG. 24, 11:30 P.M. A community meeting was held Tuesday night to update residents about progress on the Caldor Fire. Representatives with CALFIRE and U.S. Forest Service say the flames continue to spread rapidly in tough terrain.

Containment is up to 11 percent and the fire has grown to 122,980 acres.

This fire is now the top priority in the country as far as new resources. There are currently 2,531 firefighters assigned to the Caldor Fire.

AUG. 24, 11:45 A.M. The Tahoe Douglas Fire Protection District will host a booth Tuesday to provide information to residents in Lake Tahoe about the Caldor Fire.

It’s happening from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Roundhill Safeway at 212 Elks Point Road in Zephyr Cove.

There are no evacuations currently in the Tahoe Basin, but first responders want the community to be prepared.

AUG. 24, 8:30 A.M. The Caldor fire grew overnight to 117,704 acres.

Fire officials reported moderate fire activity overnight with an increase in humidity.

Containment on the fire remains at 9 percent.

AUG. 23, 9 P.M. As of Monday evening, the Caldor Fire has grown to 114,166 acres and is 9 percent contained.

AUG. 23, 2:45 P.M. The Caldor Fire is now 5 percent contained after burning 104,309 acres.

The fire grew on the Northeast portion due to wind and spotting up to half-mile. Fire-damaged timber continues to roll beyond containment lines and is igniting dry fuels, fire officials reported.

Due to extreme fire conditions, a temporary closure of nine National Forests is in effect through September 6. The closure order can be found here.

AUG. 22, 10:15 A.M. The Caldor Fire in California’s El Dorado County has grown to 98,149 acres and is zero percent contained.

The fire grew 18,689 acres from Friday night to Saturday night.

There are 328 structures destroyed and 13,114 threatened.

The fire remains south of U.S. 50, which is closed from Pollock Pines to Meyers.

Fire crews reported fire activity was moderate overnight as winds from the southwest decreased and there was a moderate increase in relative humidity. Spot fires continue to be a problem. Fuel on the ground makes ignition of new fires easy.

AUG. 21, 10 A.M. The Caldor Fire in El Dorado County has grown to 82,444 acres and is zero percent contained.

The fire has destroyed 245 structures and damaged 13 more. El Dorado County has put up a map showing structures that are known to have been destroyed and damaged, mostly in the Grizzly Flats area.

Caldor Fire information page.

The California Department of Forestry and Fire Prevention reported the fire remained active all night. Embers floated from the fire area and started fires outside fire lines.

Winds shifted and are now pushing the fire to the north and northeast. Relative humidity increased, allowing crews to set backfires to check future fire growth.

The vegetation in the area is historically dry, allowing the fire to spread.

U.S. 50 remains closed from Pollock Pines to Meyers.

AUG. 20, 7:50 P.M. The Caldor Fire has reached 75,845 acres with no containment.

So far, 164 structures have been destroyed and eight have been damaged.

The vegetation is dry and embers are easily starting fires outside the fire boundaries.

There are 1,558 personnel on the fire.

AUG. 20, 5:25 P.M. U.S. 50 is closed from Pollock Pines to Meyers due to the Caldor Fire, the California Department of Transportation reports.

AUG. 20, 8:20 A.M. The Caldor Fire is now reported at 73,415 acres with no containment.

CalFire reports that the fire was active overnight with short range spotting. The flames are still spreading in steep drainages with fire weakened timber.

Fire managers also report their crews are well supplied with food, water and supplies, so they do not need public donations. They recommend that if you would like to help, you should donate to the Red Cross and El Dorado Community Foundation to assist the people who have been evacuated and who may have lost their homes.

AUG. 19, 8 P.M. The Caldor Fire has grown to 68,630 acres and has no containment, the U.S. Forest Service reported.

So far 104 structures have been destroyed and 6,905 structures are threatened.

A strong inversion calmed the fire early in the day but it became more active after 3 p.m.

The amount of moisture in fuel are at historic lows. The living plants are dried at a level not normally seen until late September. It is easy for embers to set soot fires in these fuels.

AUGUST 19, 12:30 P.M. An emergency forest closure of all National Forest System lands, roads, and trails within the Eldorado National Forest remained in place Thursday as the Caldor Fire continued to grow overnight.

Fire officials said growth was slow, however, due to increased humidity.

The fire burning near Little Mountain, south of Pollock Pines in El Dorado County has scorched 65,474 acres with no containment.

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AUGUST 18, 1 P.M. The Caldor Fire burning in El Dorado County grew even larger overnight and exploded to nearly 54,000 acres with no containment.

Fire crews again are dealing with a red flag warning in effect through 8 p.m. Wednesday with winds switching to the northeast. These winds, combined with low humidity and extremely dry fuels, lead to critical fire weather conditions.

The fire prompted multiple evacuations Tuesday due to the fast-moving fire. Some structures were damaged or destroyed. Structure assessment teams will be evaluating these areas as soon as it is safe for them to do so.

Officials urged residents nearby to register for Code Red Alerts through the local County Sheriff’s Office:

El Dorado County Code Red: https://ready.edso.org/

Amador County Code Red: https://public.coderedweb.com/CNE/enUS/BFF76B488C09

AUGUST 17: The Caldor Fire in El Dorado County has burned 6,500 acres and is zero percent contained.

The fire broke out August 14, 2021 just before 7 p.m. about two miles East of Omo Ranch, and four miles South of the community of Grizzly Flats.

Crews confirm structures have been lost, though the exact number has not been determined. More than 2,000 other structures remain threatened.

Evacuation orders have been issued for areas south of Grizzly Flats. Crews are warning the fire is threatening multiple communities.

An evacuation center has been established at Diamond Springs Fire Hall at 3734 China Garden Road, Diamond Springs, CA 95619.

Fire officials encourage residents and visitors to sign up for Code Red alerts. You can sign up here.

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