There was very little perimeter growth yesterday on the Cedar Fire.
Assisted by favorable winds, crews made excellent progress today on the west and north sides of the fire. Firefighters are currently conducting firing operations south of Poso. The 400-acre parcel is the final piece they need to burn to achieve a continuously connected containment line on on the that side of the fire.
Night crews are tasked with completing and then monitoring the firing operation. Elsewhere around the perimeter, crews will monitor the fire for hot spots and hold on to the progress day-shift crews achieved.
With evacuations and road closures being lifted, the public should drive carefully as firefighters and equipment will still have a significant presence on the roads surrounding the fire area.
According to the U.S. Forest Service, the blaze is now covering 29,304 acres and is 60 percent contained as of Tuesday morning.
The blaze has cost more than $35.4 million since it started Aug. 16.
Fire crews estimate the fire to be fully contained by Sept. 15. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
Effective at 10:00am, officials will lift voluntary evacuations in the following areas: California Hot Springs, Pine Flat, Johnsondale, Chamise Flat campground, and Fairview McNallys areas.
The following roads are re-opened: Hot Springs Road (M-56) and Deer Creek Road (M-112). Some roads are partially re-opened including Old Stage Road (M-3), but will remain closed at Peel Mill Creek Way where M-3 becomes Sugarloaf Drive east of Posey. Pine Flat Drive will remained closed at Manter Meadow Road.
The following communities are still under mandatory evacuation orders: Panorama Heights, Balance Rock, Poso Park, White River Summer Homes, McClenney Tract, Spear Creek Summer Homes, and Sugar Loaf areas.
County health officials advise residents returning to communities impacted by the wildfires to take caution upon returning to their homes. Always be aware of your surroundings and proceed cautiously to avoid hazards caused by the wildfire. For a full list of precautions visit www.tularecounty.ca.gov/emergencies.
Southern California Edison has begun to restore power to various areas affected by the Cedar Fire. Residents who experience long-term power loss are urged to show caution when using their appliances for the first time. Do not consume refrigerated or frozen food stored in appliances that may have lost electricity, and dispose of these items properly. Water systems are currently being recharged in the area.
For further information, please contact the Tulare County Emergency Operations Center at (559) 623-0200 between the hours of 8am-5pm.
