Placerville, CA…In response to the extreme fire behavior demonstrated by the Caldor Fire, and risks to public and firefighter safety, Forest Supervisor Jeff Marsolais has issued an emergency forest closure of all National Forest System lands, roads, and trails within the Eldorado National Forest. The forest-wide closure — Forest Order No. 03-21-14 – will be in effect August 17, 2021, through September 30, 2021 to facilitate unimpeded ingress and egress for evacuations, emergency response, and property access. The closure will also limit the public’s exposure to fire danger and impaired visibility due to smoke.

In less than three days, the Caldor Fire has grown to over 30,000 acres, and California Governor Gavin Newsom has proclaimed a State of Emergency to exist in El Dorado County as a result of the fire. The Caldor Fire has already burned numerous structures and caused at least two people to be hospitalized with injuries. Because the fire is not controlled and is actively burning, there is a high risk of flare ups or uncontrolled runs within the Forest.

The closure Order prohibits the use of areas, roads and trails on the Eldorado National Forest seven days per week, 24 hours per day. Conditions will be assessed daily to determine if it is safe to lift the closure.

The following persons are exempt from this Order:

1.    Persons with Forest Service Permit No. FS-7700-48 (Permit for Use of Roads, Trails, or Areas Restricted by Regulation or Order), specifically exempting them from this Order.

2.    Any Federal, State, or local officer, or member of an organized rescue or fire fighting force in the performance of an official duty.

A violation of the Order is punishable by a fine of not more than $5,000 for an individual or $10,000 for an organization, or imprisonment for not more than 6 months, or both.

The U.S.D.A Forest Service is an equal opportunity employer. The mission of the Forest Service is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of the nation’s forests and grasslands to meet the needs of present and future generations.