FORESTHILL, Calif. — Rain was pouring across Placer and El Dorado Counties Monday where firefighters have been attacking the Mosquito Fire.
It comes as residents are finally being allowed to return home after evacuating more than 10 days ago.
Despite the weather, the fire remains very active especially along it’s eastern flank in heavily forested areas.
Firefighters say the latest rain, which is both light and consistent, is a boon to the firefight and also brought along cooler temperatures. However, it still poses its own challenges for safety.
“First of all, the ash flow or what we call mudslides could happen if we have the torrential downpours,” said Bud Englund, Mosquito Fire Public Information Officer.
The caveat is the weight it brings to burned-out areas where damaged tree limbs and structures pose a risk of falling. It's also making surfaces slick, which adds another challenge to crews fighting the fire.
While there are no reported mudslides, officials say they’re still possible depending on what nature brings.
Briana Medley just returned to her home off Todd Valley Road and said the weather hasn’t created problems near her home. She said it was a huge relief to know it was still standing.
“The firefighters did an amazing job. Everybody here, everybody here that helped,” Medley said.
Officials say firefighters are still fighting the blaze, but the rain has been good news so far.
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