Amador County – The U.S. Forest Service managed nine wildland fires over the weekend, including five that have burned from private land onto El Dorado National Forest property. The power line-sparked “Salt Fire,” in the Amador Ranger District near Salt Springs Reservoir was 90 percent contained as of 8:30 a.m. Monday, (Dec. 5), having burned 349 acres.

USFS Pacific Ranger District’s Anna Callahan said that weather conditions predicted for Monday were such that “a red flag warning is in effect for today with strong, gusty winds and low humidity.” She said communities along the Highway 88 and 50 corridors may be impacted by smoke.

Callahan said said “many Forest Service roads are impassible due to downed trees and hazardous conditions may still exist. Fire containment will take priority over clearing roads for public travel.” Drivers are urged to use caution and watch for fire traffic.

Callahan said the Salt Fire was burning near the Panther Creek/ Ridge area. The nine fires as of Monday were the “result of downed power lines and high winds spreading prescribed fires off of private lands onto adjacent National Forest land.” Recent high winds caused the fires to spread last week and led Cal-Fire’s Amador-El Dorado Unit to suspend burning permits Thursday. Callahan said the “fire behavior remains low to moderate” and the “Forest Service and cooperating agenies are working to contain the fires and patrol the area.”

Story by Jim Reece This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.