Highway 50 to Reopen Over the Sierra Following Month-Long Caldor Fire Closure
Following a month of closures on Highway 50 between Sacramento and Tahoe, the popular stretch of roadway is set to reopen to the public on Tuesday, September 21 at 8 am. The reopening is vital for tourism in the Tahoe basin and residents of the Bay Area and Sacramento will now be able to travel to South Lake Tahoe without restrictions.
On Monday, homeowners in the Caldor Fire burn area were able to access their properties with proof of ownership or residence. Now, travelers will once again be able to drive freely over the important roadway and allow the general public to see the damage done by the fire between Kyburz and Meyers.
The Caldor Fire currently sits at 75 percent containment, with hotspots still burning throughout the Sierra, although far from Highway 50. The weeks following the fire’s most devastating burns have seen a lot of work around the roadway, including clearing trees deemed unsafe to the public.
No permits will be needed for residents to gain access to properties not included on forest service land. If your property is on forest service land, please contact the forest service for access details. For residents and property owners who did not drive through the summit Monday, the El Dorado Sheriff’s trailer will remain at Fresh Pond to provide a packet of safety and assistance information.
Many of the structures or properties have tree crews and utility crews cutting down large and dangerous trees and fire crews putting out smoldering hot spots. If you show up at your property and there are tree crews, utility crews or fire personnel in the area, make sure they know where you are at all times for your own safety.
