EL DORADO COUNTY, Calif. — Update:
Tens of thousands of people forced to flee South Lake Tahoe because of a California wildfire could begin to return to their homes. State fire officials say evacuation orders for the area were reduced to warnings as of 3 p.m. Sunday.
Some 22,000 people had been forced to flee the popular resort and nearby areas last week as the Caldor Fire roared toward it. But authorities say calmer winds and better weather helped them keep the flames in check in the past few days.
The following areas were reduced to evacuation warnings:
- South Lake Tahoe City Limits - From the Nevada State line west along Highway 50 to the Tahoe airport. Highway 89 from the city northwest to the city's edge at West Way. Also Pioneer Trail from state line west to Al Tahoe Blvd.
- North of the City of South Lake Tahoe - All properties on the East (lake side) of Highway 89 extending north from the city limits to Emerald Bay. All properties on both sides of Highway 89 extending North from Emerald Bay through Tahoma.
The area of Fallen Leaf Lake, Christmas Valley, Meyers, and North Upper Truckee remains under an evacuation order.
The fire remains a few miles outside of the resort on the California-Nevada border, which normally would have been packed for the Labor Day weekend. Fire officials also say no homes have been lost on the eastern side of the fire nearest the lake, although the huge blaze has burned hundreds of homes further west.
Sgt. Simon Brown, public information officer for El Dorado County Sheriff's Office, said authorities won't be checking IDs as people repopulate the area. However, he did say that this was not a good time to visit the area as resident try to return home.
Fire Chief Clive Savacool said there are limited resources within the city at this time and that people returning to the area should try to be self-sufficient, getting a car full of gas and groceries before coming home.
Savacool said Barton hospital is not open at this time in the city, but they hope it will be in the next 24 hours. He also noted that, due to smoke issues, people with health problems might want to wait before heading back.
The Caldor Fire has burned 215,400 acres and is 44% contained.
Original story:
Operation Section Chief Tim Ernst said fire crews saw a "very productive shift" on Saturday as crews saw no dramatic fire runs while battle the Caldor Fire.
With 43% of the wildfire contained, crews were able to keep the fire's growth overnight to a little over 1,200 acres. However, challenges persist east of Kirkwood due to spot fires making the area tough to control, according to Ernst. This area and the Wrights Lake area continue to pose some challenges for firefighters.
Cal Fire said crews also had a tough battle along Highway 88 between Tragedy Springs and Silver Lake as they chased spot fires on the east and south side of Highway 88.
On the northeastern corner, crews are engaged in mop up around structures as the conversation about repopulation of some communities around South Lake Tahoe continues. But there was no timeline for allowing the return of 22,000 South Lake Tahoe residents.
Over at Sierra-at-Tahoe, officials said the Caldor Fire passed through the area burning trees around the mountain but left other areas unscathed. Officials said Nob Hill and Castle Creeks areas of the resort were some of the most impacted based on initial reports. Off the mountain, a maintenance shop at the base was destroyed along with Chill Carpet, a surface lift, but officials said all Base Area buildings and lodges located on the mountain were saved.
Key Figures
- Acres: 215,400
- Homes destroyed: 712
- Containment: 43%
Evacuations and Road Closures
Click HERE for in-depth evacuation orders and warnings in El Dorado County. For evacuation orders and warnings in Amador County, click HERE for the Amador County Sheriff's Facebook page and HERE for their website. For current state highway/route information visit roads.dot.ca.gov.
Evacuation centers
El Dorado County Shelters
- Green Valley Community Church, Placerville
- Cameron Park CSD, Cameron Park
- Rolling Hills Church, El Dorado Hills
Nevada County Shelter
- Truckee Veterans Hall, 10214 High St, Truckee
Amador County
- Temporary Evacuation Point Italian Picnic Grounds, Sutter Creek
Nevada state shelters
- Reno/Sparks Convention Center at 4590 S. Virginia Street, Reno
- Fuji Park 601 Clear Creek Rd., Carson City, NV
- RV Dry Camping and Large Animals, Dayton Event Center/Rodeo Grounds
- Lyon County Fair Grounds, Yerington
Animal Evacuation Centers:
- El Dorado County Animal Services (small animals), Diamond Springs. For animal evacuation questions or assistance call (530) 621-5795
- Saureel Vineyards (large animals), Placerville - FULL
- Amador County Fairgrounds (large animal)- for Amador County residents only, Plymouth
- East to West Grooming 1368 Hwy 395, Unit B1, Gardnerville, NV
- (Small Animals Only) - Washoe County Animal Services 2825 Longley Ln, Ste A Reno, NV
- Douglas County Fairgrounds- (Livestock) 920 Dump Road, Gardnerville, NV
775-782-9061 - Douglas County Animal Services 921 Dump Rd. Gardnerville, NV
- (Small Animals Only)
Accounts to follow
Evacuation Maps
A map of evacuations from the El Dorado County Sheriff's Office is available below.
An evacuation map from the Amador County Sheriff's Office can be viewed HERE.
A map of evacuations in Alpine County is available HERE.
Online Structure Damage Map
An online structure damage map is available by clicking HERE or viewing below. To locate your home, type in the address in the top left corner. If you don't see an icon, the structure has not yet been identified.
Wildfire map
Click here for a map of the Caldor Fire.
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Wildfire Preps
If you live in a wildfire-prone zone, Cal Fire suggests creating a defensible space around your home. Defensible space is an area around a building in which vegetation and other debris are completely cleared. At least 100 feet is recommended.
The Department of Homeland Security suggests assembling an emergency kit that has important documents, N95 respirator masks, supplies to grab with you if you’re forced to leave at a moment’s notice. The agency also suggests signing up for local warning system notifications and know your community’s evacuation plans best to prepare yourself and your family in cases of wildfires.
Some counties use Nixle alerts to update residents on severe weather, wildfires, and other news. To sign up, visit www.nixle.com or text your zip code to 888777 to start receiving alerts.
PG&E customers can also subscribe to alerts via text, email, or phone call. If you're a PG&E customer, visit the Profile & Alerts section of your account to register.
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