The Highway 50 corridor linking Sacramento and the valley to Lake Tahoe and the Sierra fully reopened to the public Tuesday for the first time since the Caldor Fire forced its closure back on Aug. 20. One month and three days after the fire roared through, we drove 50 to see our family in the Bay Area.
The Caldor Fire, which continues to burn in remote areas, has damaged or destroyed more than 1,000 structures since it began on Aug. 14. The highway closure was first due to the fire and then because of damage left behind that posed hazards.We really had no idea what to expect. Emotions were running high.Smoke visible made us realize this fire was far from over.Signs posted asked us not to stop. This was one of many, many, fireplaces we saw, all that remains of the Forest Service cabins which families have owned for generations. In Eldorado National Forest, 'recreation residences' began before the turn of the 20th century to encourage public use of the forest. In 1968, the Forest Service decided against permitting any more new tracts (that gives you an idea of how old these cabins are).Most of the cabins were nestled in the pines, making them incredibly idyllic and yet very vulnerable to the devastation a wildfire brings. So very, very sad.While a great deal of our drive revealed the damage the Caldor Fire inflicted, much of it still showcased the beauty of the Sierras. We are so grateful for all the efforts to save that beauty.
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1 comments:
Fires are so fierce. It’s amazing, that with the right tactics and resources, they can be even moderately be controlled. I am glad so much was saved. Tahoe is so beautiful.
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