Visibility hampers King Fire, weather helps
Mount Tallac at 5pm Sept. 20 is not visible from South Lake Tahoe. Photo/Susan Wood
Updated 10:10pm:
Visibility grounded air resources fighting the King Fire that continues to burn out of control east of Pollock Pines. However, a low pressure system passed south of the incident Saturday, bringing clouds and increased humidity to moderate fire activity.
For the night of Sept. 20 officials anticipate the spread to be minimal. The higher humidity should moderate the fire behavior. The wild card are thunderstorms could impact the area by bringing outflow winds.
All helicopters left the French Meadows area Saturday afternoon when pilots could not see more than two mile. The air tankers had to stop flying before that.
The smell of smoke inundated the Y area of South Lake late Sept. 20, but was dissipating as the night went on. Smoke is billowing over Mount Tallac to the point it could not longer be seen.
“There is no concern of the King Fire coming into the basin and (smoke) is a direct result of wind shift only. There is no reason for concern or to contact the local fire department,” South Lake Tahoe officials said.
The fire has burned 81,944 acres, with much of it in the Eldorado National Forest. However, it has moved into the Tahoe National Forest in Placer County. It remains at 10 percent containment.
The damage assessment team continued to work in the White Meadows area to assess the extent of damage to structures. That assessment should be completed Sunday. A handful of homes have been destroyed, possibly more.
The fire started Sept. 13 by an arsonist, according to officials. Wayne Allen Huntsman is in custody, having pleaded not guilty to arson charges.
Four firefighters have been injured, but the extent and severity has not been released.
More than 4,900 people are fighting the fire, with some coming from as far away as Florida.
Evacuation orders are still in effect for nearly 3,000 people, as 12,000 single residences and 9,000 other minor structures are threatened. The Sacramento Region Community Foundation is collecting monetary donations to assist people affected by the fire. Checks may be sent to 955 University Ave., Suite A, Sacramento, CA 95825. For more info, email tina@sacregcf.org.
Highway 50 is open, though westbound traffic is down to one lane. Click on the state icon on Lake Tahoe News’ home page for real time road information.
It is costing $5 million a day to fight the fire.
— Lake Tahoe News staff report
Sad, sad, sad. The wildlife is suffering immensely. They are running for their lives, no shelter, no food. Please leave them alone, don’t freak out if in your yards, etc. put out containers of water if possible. They are desperate!
MHO, I’m putting out water containers as I always do.
As far as food goes, the bears, coyotes and raccoons always go to the same three houses on this street for their garbage meals. A big bear twice, in the trash this morning at the neighbors house. If the bears get tired of eating garbage they can eat whats left of my withering vegetable garden! OLS
Close your windows in the house as the smoke is rolling in again! Looks to be worse than yesterday morning. This air is not good for you! OLS
OLS
Your tales of bears in the garbage are really getting old. Why don’t you call Clean Tahoe and have them put a stop to it ?
We also have heavy smoke here now… but also some rain sprinkles just started ! 5:11 pm !!!
Looks like a couple thunderstorms crossing overhead heading for the fire area. Lets hope they keep tracking to the west.
Steven, Sorry for my reporting of the bruins of the basin. I’ve tried verbally and politelely talking with the folks who leave their trash out for the bears and have called “The Bear League”over in Homewood. They were helpful but without much succses as far as getting folks to take care to keep the bears out of their trash. So now I go to the next level.
I’ve tried the friendly mellow approach, but to no avail. So I’m going all out and calling Barney Fife!
I’ll file a full report on what transpires here in Mayberry. OLS p.s. still smoky in this area
More kudos to Kae for keeping us up to date on the fire! Ironman cancellation a health and safety call.
“For the well being of athletes, volunteers and spectators, county air quality officials have recommended that the event be canceled,” the statement read. “As of 6 a.m., air quality in Tahoe City, Squaw Valley and Truckee is hazardous to outdoor activity. So today’s event has been canceled.”