Click here for: California Caldor Fire Friday, August 20, 2021 Updates

August 20, 2021 -  The US Interagency Wildland Fire Air Quality Response Program Smoke Outlook for the Caldor Fire for Friday.

Special Statement: A wind shift is forecasted to occur in the afternoon/evening hours tonight that will likely cause smoke to return the Tahoe Basin late this evening

Fire: The Caldor fire is now 68,630 acres. Surface winds across the fire will again be from the East in the morning and switch to terrain driven W/SW in the afternoon. An inversion will persist over the fire until late in the afternoon and smoke shading will likely again moderate fire behavior. This is likely to change on Saturday when increased fire behavior is expected. 

Smoke: I hope folks in the Tahoe Basin enjoyed the cleaner air yesterday. This morning to early afternoon should also provide generally Moderate conditions there so enjoy those while you can. Air quality in the Basin is modeled to degrade significantly this evening and into Saturday. A return to SW flow will redirect smoke from the Caldor Fire, and with increased fire behavior expected on Saturday, will likely impact air quality at least through the weekend. Those on the West side of the forecast area will likely see similar conditions as yesterday with potential for improvement this evening into tomorrow.

Health and Safety: Take it easier during smoky times to reduce how much smoke you inhale. If it looks or smells smoky outside, avoid strenuous activities such as mowing the lawn or going for a run. Reduce Your Exposure

Source: Issued by the US Interagency Wildland Fire Air Quality Response Program