Printed in the High Desert Advocate Edition August 27, 2021.
The U.S. Forest Service closed the Eldorado National Forest because of the Caldor Fire, which at the time burned 54,000 acres burned with zero containment.
As of Wednesday morning, Cal Fire reports that the wildfire has now reached 126,182 acres. Containment still stands at 11 percent.
CalFire reported that multiple evacuations are in effect and “some structures were damaged or destroyed.” The fire, along with the Dixie Fire northwest of Reno, are blanketing Nothern Nevada in unhealthy levels of smoke.
The Forest Service, in a media statement, said the forest closure order was prompted by extreme risk and fire behavior.
“In response to the extreme fire behavior demonstrated by the Caldor Fire, and risks to public and firefighter safety, Forest Supervisor Jeff Marsolais has issued an emergency forest closure of all National Forest System lands, roads, and trails within the Eldorado National Forest,” the statement said.
The closure is in effect through Sept. 30, 2021.
“The closure will also limit the public’s exposure to fire danger and impaired visibility due to smoke. In less than three days, the Caldor Fire has grown to over 30,000 acres, and California Governor Gavin Newsom has proclaimed a State of Emergency to exist in El Dorado County as a result of the fire,” the Forest Service added.
Officials said they are worries about the spread of the fire and a high risk of flare-ups.
“The closure Order prohibits the use of areas, roads and trails on the Eldorado National Forest seven days per week, 24 hours per day,” the statement read. “Conditions will be assessed daily to determine if it is safe to lift the closure.”
Fines and imprisonment are possible for people who violated the order.
Still, as of Wednesday morning Firefighters reported a change in wind patterns early in the evening. This allowed for decreased fire activity and helped in the strengthening of control lines.
Firefighters report seeing spot fires around the perimeter of the blaze.
