Quick Facts:

• Fire Location  - Southeast of Placerville, CA along US 50 to South Lake Tahoe
  
• Approximate Acreage -  221,775 Acres
• Containment - 98%
• Repair Completed - 42% line construction  ( ex: dozers & hand lines ), 18%  isolated areas      ( ex: airdrops, staging)
  
• Start Date -  8/14/2021
  
• Cause - Under Investigation
• Incident Commander  - Jeff Knudson, Great Basin Type 2 Incident Management Team # 7 
• Total Personnel - 1,015

  
Summary: Dry, cold weather activity, combined with low humidity levels, continued to influence fire behavior. These factors keep resources on alert throughout the day.  For example, winds up to 99 mph were reported south of the Kirkwood Mountain Ski Area yesterday. This demonstrates how quickly strong winds can arise unexpectedly.

With the fire at 98% containment, fire managers are focusing on suppression repair, hazard tree removal and mop-up. Repair work following a fire of this magnitude becomes even more important to minimize future impacts such as erosion and blow-down. Crews responded to several smoke reports south of the Strawberry Creek area.

To the west, suppression repair activities continued to be productive. Crews are focusing repair efforts on the Mormon Emigrant Trail by removing hazardous trees and repairing miles of dozer line.

With over 200 miles of containment lines, the need for mop-up and patrols are critical to success. Forest closures allow fire resources and partners to work uninterrupted in a safe and effective manner.

Planned Actions: Repair actions will focus near Echo Lake, Upper Forni Meadows, Trimmer Peak, Schneider Camp Road, Silver Lake, Scout Peak and south of Highway 88. Repair efforts include removing hazard trees and slash, clearing culverts, repairing dozer and hand line to limit future erosion concerns.  Night patrols will continue along Hwy. 50 north.

Weather|Anticipated Fire Behavior: A drying trend with increasing temperatures through the weekend is expected, bringing a return to visible pockets of smoke  and possible individual and group tree torching. The fire will likely continue to creep and smoldering within the fire area long into the winter. Please do not report this activity as it can take resources away from more critical needs.  

Closures: Road and area closures along with fire restrictions are in effect throughout many areas of the Eldorado National Forest and Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit. The public is urged to check closures prior to travel. More information on these special orders can be found in the links to the right. 
 

• Inciweb:     https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7801/
• Facebook: @EldoradoNF @LakeTahoeUSFS
• Twitter:     @EldoradoNF @LakeTahoeUSFS

Closures: 
 
ELDORADO NATIONAL FOREST:

• Forest Order 03-21-18 - Area, Road, and Trail Closure
• Forest Order 03-21-16 - Fire Restrictions
• Forest Order 03-21-17 - Camping Prohibition

LAKE TAHOE BASIN MANAGEMENT UNIT (LTBMU):

• Forest Order 19-21-06 –Emergency Closure
• Forest Order 19-21-07 – Backcountry Closure
• Forest Order 19-21-01 – Fire Restrictions 

 TEAM TRANSITION & CURRENT SITUATION
 Today at 7:00 a.m., Great Basin Team 7 took command of the Caldor Fire incident. Incident Commander Mike Wakoski of Team 13 would like to thank the community for their hospitality and patience throughout the past 14 days. Team 13 realizes the strain placed on the community and commends its resiliency.Weather activity varied dramatically across the area due to topography. Temperatures dropped on the NE section of the Caldor Fire, while the west side of the fire near Placerville remained dry with temperatures reaching 64 degrees. South Lake Tahoe experienced winter weather conditions with lake effect snow at the higher regions of Echo Summit. Fire officials anticipate a drying trend over the next few days, with temperatures gradually warming through the weekend. Increased winds (up to 50 mph in some areas) are expected to develop in the Placerville area. Potential high winds are creating a Red Flag Warning, which will be in place until 7 pm today.
 Wildland firefighters have a healthy amount of caution and respect when working around hazardous trees. The public should be aware of the danger that exists in the fire area. The standing dead and burned trees on the Caldor Fire are creating major obstacles with repair efforts. The wet winter months are likely to bring moisture to the ground, loosening the soil holding the roots causing entire trees to fall. The anticipated freezing and thawing will also damage branches and trunks, resulting in break off. Crews are spending time removing hazard trees within high use areas to minimize future safety issues. Please be aware of the new hazards, which exist in your local forest.
 The Caldor Fire is 98% contained. There are 1074 personnel on the fire and repair work continues on all portions of the fire.
 ALL EL DORADO COUNTY CALDOR FIRE EVACUTATIONS AND WARNINGS ARE LIFTED (as of 10-4-2021) For updates related to PG&E work in the fire area, please visit: PG&E WildFireRecovery  USDA FOREST SERVICE – ALL CLOSURES REMAIN IN PLACE• ELDORADO NATIONAL FOREST:All roads, trails and facilities within the fire closure area remain closed.For more info: Forest Order 03-21-18 and Eldorado NF Closure InformationALL fires are prohibited on the forest, including gas and propane. For more info: Forest Order 03-21-16.
Overnight camping is temporarily prohibited in the forest. For more info: Forest Order 03-21-17.• LAKE TAHOE BASIN MANAGEMENT UNIT (LTBMU):Caldor Fire Emergency Closure (19-21-06) for portions of the LTBMU remains in effect through December 31, 2021. For more info: LTBMU Fire Closure Order 19-21-06Backcountry 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 info: LTBMU Backcountry Closure Order 19-21-07###

CURRENT SITUATION

Today a Red Flag Warning has been issued for the Caldor Fire area through Tuesday evening. Weather forecasters often use this title, and it’s good to be reminded of what it specifically refers to in the wildland fire weather world. It is defined as a condition when warm temperatures (warmer than normal) combine with very low humidities and strong winds. This combination of conditions greatly increases the chances of a fire both igniting - as well as being carried in available fuels. When this warning is issued, firefighters are be alerted to take precautions. It’s easy to be misled by the cooler temperatures, however cooler temperatures alone do not translate to increased moisture and reduced fire behavior.

With respect to the Caldor Fire, it continues to have extremely dry fuels and pockets of heat throughout the area. The area has continued to dry out the past few days. Dry dead needles (needle cast) coat the ground in many areas, heavy fuels, some standing and some on the ground, continue to be consumed by fire. In short, all of the components for a wildland fire continue to exist. Expect to see occasional flare-ups and smoke posing little or no risk to the fire line.

On the fire, firefighters are dressing warmly. Fire engines are constantly being winterized as well as being prepared to suppress a fire. BLACK ICE remains a constant and hidden threat for everyone. One of the most feared and unpredictable dangers for firefighters is the risk of falling trees and limbs. This is increased when the trees have been burned, when they have absorbed moisture and the winds pick up, essentially just as conditions currently present themselves.

Rehabilitation and suppression repair continues to push ahead. It may not seem to be the most exciting job on a wildland fire and much of it takes place behind the scenes, however the work is extremely vital and the success of what is being done now, as well in the coming months and years, will be appreciated by everyone who uses and relies upon the forest. A great deal of fire line was created to protect resources in the path of the fire and now the work to rehabilitate these miles of line moves ahead. Much of the burned area contributes directly to the Sacramento Valley Watershed which includes a large population and agricultural community. The resilience and health of the forest and its recovery will depend largely on these rehabilitation efforts.

The Caldor Fire is 98% contained. There are 1063 personnel on the fire and reports of success in all areas continue to be reported. Calls from the public related to smoke and flames continue and are appreciated. We respond to these 911 calls. Conditions remain extremely dry throughout the fire footprint and it will be quite a while before most of interior hot spots are eliminated.

ALL EL DORADO COUNTY CALDOR FIRE EVACUTATIONS AND WARNINGS HAVE BEEN LIFTED (as of 10-4-2021)

For updates related to PG&E work in the fire area, please visit: PG&E_WildFireRecovery

USDA FOREST SERVICE – ALL CLOSURES REMAIN IN PLACE

·        ELDORADO NATIONAL FOREST:

o   All roads, trails and facilities within the fire closure area remain closed.      

For more info:  Forest Order 03-21-18  and Eldorado NF Closure Information

o   ALL fires are prohibited on the forest, including gas and propane. For more info: Forest Order 03-21-16. Overnight camping is temporarily prohibited in the forest. For more info: Forest Order 03-21-17.

·        LAKE TAHOE BASIN MANAGEMENT UNIT (LTBMU): 

o   Caldor Fire Emergency Closure (19-21-06) for portions of the LTBMU remains in effect through December 31, 2021. For more info: LTBMU Fire Closure Order 19-21-06

o   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 info: LTBMU Backcountry Closure Order 19-21-07

CURRENT SITUATION & WHY ARE YOU STILL SEEING SMOKE AND FLAMES?

            https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7801/                                                                    Information Line: (530) 303-2455

           @EldoradoNF @LakeTahoeUSFS                                                                                        Media Line: (530) 303-2455            @EldoradoNF @LakeTahoeUSFS                                                                                       Email updates:   https://tinyurl.com/ts5zwmyz

 

CURRENT SITUATION – REPAIR & REHABILITATION

After 6 hours of light precipitation yesterday morning, we will have warmer (not warm) temperatures, drier conditions and light winds through the weekend. For tonight we can expect freezing temperatures which will result in slick icy roads, BLACK ICE. Earlier this week a large downed log began burning again, it has been 57 days since it first burned. And although it didn’t pose a great risk of spread, it’s a very vivid reminder that the fire area continues to be categorized as having extreme drought conditions and is still receptive to and currently experiencing spot fires. The recent moisture did little to alter heavy fuel moisture levels. The Caldor Fire is now 98% contained and there are currently 1071 personnel on the fire. Additionally, 40 engines, 24 bulldozers and 23 masticators are in use for repair and rehabilitation efforts. The Caldor Fire organization remains a large operation with many moving parts. The success of these many parts is only possible with a combined effort between the fire organization and the community and we would be remiss if we did not express appreciation for the continued patience and thanks from the local community seen daily through signs in yards and general appreciation in many ways. As someone in line at the post office remarked today: “I can’t believe how different it was just three weeks ago.” There have been questions from the public about what efforts the Tahoe National Forest has been making to prevent or reduce wildland fires. The following video provides one example of how forest management fuels reduction projects successfully protected the local community during the Caldor Fire: South Lake Tahoe Fuels Treatment Areas. Hot spots remain on the Caldor Fire and crews continue to suppress any discovered hot spots as they work deeper into the interior of the fire area around the entire perimeter. Combined with nighttime IR (Infrared) flights which identify areas of heat, efforts continue to find and eliminate all heat sources. A massive effort to remove hazard trees continues along the Mormon Emigrant Trail as well as at Sierra at Tahoe. And over 1000 PG&E employees continue to rebuild the electrical infrastructure.

For updates related to PG&E work in the fire area, please visit: PG&E_WildFireRecovery

It should also be noted that the repair and rehabilitation work related to the Caldor Fire will continue for quite a while. A large number of forest personnel will be tasked with continuing the repair and rehabilitation for the foreseeable future. And for at least the next couple of years crews will be dropping burned trees to reduce unsafe areas in the burned area. These burned trees, or “widow makers” as they are often called, become even more dangerous when they soak up moisture from rain and snow and the wind blows – similar to what we are currently experiencing. Eventually the forest will open up and recreation opportunities will return. However, until that point, FOREST CLOSURES REMAIN IN PLACE and they are for everyone’s safety. See orders below.

ALL EL DORADO COUNTY CALDOR FIRE EVACUATION WARNINGS AND ORDERS - HAVE BEEN LIFTED (as of 10-4-2021)

 

USDA FOREST SERVICE – ALL CLOSURES REMAIN IN PLACE

·         ELDORADO NATIONAL FOREST: o    All roads, trails and facilities within the fire closure area remain closed.       For more info:  Forest Order 03-21-18  and Eldorado NF Closure Information o    ALL fires are prohibited on the forest, including gas and propane. For more info: Forest Order 03-21-16. Overnight camping is temporarily prohibited in the forest. For more info: Forest Order 03-21-17. ·         LAKE TAHOE BASIN MANAGEMENT UNIT (LTBMU):  o    Caldor Fire Emergency Closure (19-20-06) for portions of the LTBMU remains in effect through December 31, 2021. For more info: LTBMU Fire Closure Order 19-20-06 o    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 info: LTBMU Backcountry Closure Order 19-21-07

# #

REVIEW AND CURRENT SITUATION

The Caldor Fire began on the Eldorado National Forest on August 14th, 2021, 55 days ago. Growing quickly, the fire exceeded initial attack capabilities. Driven by hot, dry winds through historically dry forests, the fire grew 18,000 to 22,000 acres daily for the first three days. On August 17th a Forest Closure Order was issued for the Eldorado National Forest which lasted through September 30th at which point it was replaced with a forest closure tied more closely to the threats posed by the Caldor Fire.

Due to the long-range spotting which occurred on August 20th and 21st, the fire crossed Hwy 50 and became established in the South Fork of the American River. Continued upslope westerly winds pushed the fire east over Echo Summit and into the Community of South Lake Tahoe, causing significant impacts to tourism and widespread evacuation orders. At its peak, an estimated 49,800 people were evacuated from their homes, 32,000 structures were threatened and 4500 firefighters were committed to stopping the fire and protecting lives and property. By the time firefighters were able to stop the growth of the fire, 782 structures had been destroyed and 81 structures had been damaged. As of October 7th, 2021, the fire has burned 221,775 acres and is 93% contained. Currently there are 1,142 firefighters working on suppression and repair.

The forecasted low-pressure system is delivering cooler weather. Expect showers as well as a dusting of snow at higher elevations in the next 24-48 hours followed by a drying out for the weekend. Due to continued extreme/exceptional drought conditions, this moisture will slow the surface spread of the fire, however it will do little to extinguish the fire. Suppression of hot spots continues to be a priority and crews are picking up the pace with repair and rehabilitation. The Caldor Fire footprint (fire area) contains a mosaic of burned and unburned islands within it, expect to see occasional single tree fires and pockets of smoke. With little or no smoke from fires to the south, we expect good air quality for the next week. Learn more about your air quality by going to: fire.airnow.gov. The forest is deceptively dry and continues to be at high risk for fire.

ALL EL DORADO COUNTY CALDOR FIRE EVACUATION WARNINGS AND ORDERS - HAVE BEEN LIFTED (10-4-2021)

The Forest Closures REMAIN IN PLACE for everyone’s safety. Repair and rehabilitation of the impacted fire area involves the use of large mechanized equipment which creates an unsafe work environment. Since the risk of fire danger has been reduced, it might lead people to feel as if it’s safe to venture into the woods. However, in addition to the heavy equipment, there are many potential hazard trees, falling branches, loose rocks and ash pits leaving the forest unsafe for the near future.

SITUACIÓN ACTUAL

REVIEW AND CURRENT SITUATION

The Caldor Fire began on the Eldorado National Forest on August 14th, 2021, 54 days ago. Growing quickly, the fire exceeded initial attack capabilities. Driven by hot, dry winds through historically dry forests, the fire grew 18,000 to 22,000 acres daily for the first three days. On August 17th a Forest Closure Order was issued for the Eldorado National Forest which lasted through September 30th at which point it was replaced with a forest closure tied more closely to the threats posed by the Caldor Fire.

Due to the long-range spotting which occurred on August 20th and 21st, the fire crossed Hwy 50 and became established in the South Fork of the American River. Continued upslope westerly winds pushed the fire east over Echo Summit and into the Community of South Lake Tahoe, causing significant impacts to tourism and widespread evacuation orders. At its peak, an estimated 49,800 people were evacuated from their homes, 32,000 structures were threatened and 4500 firefighters were committed to stopping the fire and protecting lives and property. By the time firefighters were able to stop the growth of the fire, 782 structures had been destroyed and 81 structures had been damaged. As of October 7th, 2021, the fire has burned 221,775 acres and is 93% contained. Currently there are 1,236 firefighters working on suppression and repair.

ALL CALDOR FIRE EVACUATION WARNINGS AND ORDERS - WITHIN ELDORADO COUNTY - HAVE BEEN LIFTED (10-4-2021)

FOREST CLOSURES REMAIN IN EFFECT

Be mindful of the weather changes. The forecasted low-pressure system is delivering cooler weather. Expect showers as well as a dusting of snow at higher elevations for the next 48 hours followed by a drying out for the weekend. Saturday will bring widespread freezing temperatures. Due to continued extreme/exceptional drought conditions, this moisture will slow the surface spread of the fire, however it will do little to extinguish the fire. Suppression objectives continue to prioritize maintaining the current fire perimeter and the elimination of any hot spots. Crews are picking up the pace on repair and rehabilitation. The Caldor Fire “footprint” (fire area) contains a mosaic of burned and unburned islands within the interior. Expect to see occasional single trees burning and pockets of smoke. There is little or no smoke from fires to the south and we expect good air quality for the next week: fire.airnow.gov. The forest remains deceptively dry and continues to be at high risk for fire.