Sand Fire containment at 80 percent
Fire crews on Tuesday continued to strengthen containment lines and extend mop-up operations fighting the Sand Fire burning near Highway 49 and Sand Ridge Road north of Plymouth.
The wildfire broke out last Friday. It was sparked by a vehicle driving in dry vegetation. The fire has burned 3,800 acres, or about 6 square miles, near wine-growing areas near the El Dorado and Amador county line.
Hundreds of people were evacuated over the weekend. Most of them have been allowed to return to their homes.
Destruction by the Sand Fire includes 19 homes and 47 outbuildings. The fire has injured one person and 515 structures remain threatened, according to a Tuesday morning incident update by Cal Fire.
Evacuation orders remained in effect for Painted Pony Road and Dwyer Road, according to the El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office.
The Sand Fire was 80 percent contained as of Tuesday morning. Authorities anticipate full containment by August 1.
“Rugged terrain and hot, dry weather conditions remain a challenge,” Cal Fire said in its Tuesday morning incident update.
More than 1,600 personnel remain assigned to the Sand Fire, one of several wildfires burning in California. That includes 54 hand crews, 8 dozers, 33 water tenders and 116 engines.
Some personnel were released Monday to support new wildfire incidents and more personnel are anticipated to be released.
El Dorado County has set up a hotline and webpage for information regarding county services available for people affected by the Sand Fire. The phone number is 530-642-7263 and it will be available from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Support Local Journalism
Support Local Journalism
Readers around the Lake Tahoe Basin and beyond make the Tahoe Tribune's work possible. Your financial contribution supports our efforts to deliver quality, locally relevant journalism.
Now more than ever, your support is critical to help us keep our community informed about the evolving coronavirus pandemic and the impact it is having locally. Every contribution, however large or small, will make a difference.
Your donation will help us continue to cover COVID-19 and our other vital local news.
