Forecasters: Break from the smoke will be short-lived

A shift in the winds brought slightly clearer air to Carson Valley through Saturday decreasing from unhealthy levels to the cusp between moderate and unhealthy for sensitive groups by Sunday morning.

“Take those last deep breaths of cleaner air,” forecasters said in a statement issued early Sunday morning. “The brief hiatus from the ongoing wildfire smoke and air quality issues … will likely end today.”

West and southwest winds expected today will bring denser smoke from the Caldor Fire into the Valley this afternoon.

“Areas of smoke will likely continue over much of eastern California and Western Nevada through the rest of the work week,” forecasters said.

That smoke will complicate matters for firefighters during a red flag warning issued for Monday afternoon through Tuesday night along the from Bridgeport to all the way to the California-Oregon line.

Southwest winds 15-20 mph, gusting to 35 mph are forecast with higher gusts in wind-prone areas.

The fire advanced more than a mile up the Highway 50 corridor in the last 24 hours with satellite mapping showing it reaching Twin Bridges within five miles of Echo Summit.

The fire added another 6,000 acres to reach 156,515 as of Sunday morning’s update.

A third first responder was injured in the fire, which continued to threaten more than 18,000 structures.

The growth of the fire was limited by an inversion layer that remained until around 2 p.m. Saturday before it lifted bringing more fire activity with ember casts of up to a half-mile.

“Steep terrain, ash pits and fire weakened trees continue to pose a threat for fire crews,” officials said.

The inversion layer returned on Saturday night allowing fire crews to fight the fire directly though the northeast and western parts of the fire continued to burn actively.

Officials are anticipating the Douglas County Community & Senior Center will continue to serve as an emergency shelter in the coming week.

The Douglas County Animal Shelter and East to West Coast Grooming in Gardnerville are serving as small animal shelters, while the Douglas County Fairgrounds is available for livestock.

Serving hot meals is suspended at the Douglas County Community & Senior Center, South and North County programs until further notice, according to the county.

Drive-through meal pick-ups at the senior center will be available 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays at the center, 1329 Waterloo Lane.

Meals will also be available for pickup 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesdays at James Lee Park Road in Indian Hills and 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursdays at the Topaz Ranch Estates Community Center.

Seniors, 60 and older may drive through and pick up seven frozen meals, milk and a salad bag for a suggested donation of $3 per meal or $21 per person. For those younger than age 60, it is a $7 per meal minimum rate or $49 per person.

Current and active Meals on Wheels customers will receive their normal delivery on their regularly scheduled day.

“We appreciate your understanding and patience as we continue to provide service while also assisting our neighbors in El Dorado County,” county officials said.

For more information regarding Meals on Wheels or Drive-Through Meal Pick Up, please call the Douglas County Community and Senior Center at 775-782-5500 ext. 1.