U.S. Forest Service

(PLACERVILLE, CALIFORNIA) Sept 25, 2022 — Size: 76,781 acres

Containment: 60%
Total Personnel: 1,380

CURRENT SITUATION

Yesterday, the eastern flank of the Mosquito Fire was mostly quiet with ongoing patrol, mop up and construction of contingency lines. In the late afternoon, as some of the large-diameter trees began to smoke again after last week’s rain event, aircraft were deployed, providing support ahead of ground crews.

Today, fire activity, while minimal, is slowly increasing as temperatures rise and humidity decreases. Occasional flare-ups are possible, but the fire is not expected to move beyond the current footprint. Crews are effectively engaging any interior hotspots and connecting the eastern and western flanks’ control lines.

Sunny, dry and warm weather is expected today and tomorrow, within typical seasonal patterns. Later in the week, temperatures will trend cooler with higher humidity as a disturbance moves through the Pacific Northwest region. Winds from the southwest may have gusts of 16 to 18 mph, particularly along ridgetops.

Heavy fuels such as large dead and downed timber have the potential to rekindle with the warming weather pattern and lower relative humidity. Resources remain ready to respond to any unexpected smoke production or hotspots. Suppression repair efforts continue in areas of the fire that no longer pose a threat of escape. Residents and visitors may see crews repairing dozer line, hand line, roads, trails or fencing to minimize the impacts of erosion and resource damage.

On the western perimeter, crews have begun hazard tree abatement in and around Foresthill Road. Crews are removing fire-killed and fire-injured trees for public and firefighter safety as well as to prevent the build-up of excessive fuels. This is an important step in mitigating the risk of future severe wildfire. Officials ask the public to be cautious around heavy equipment on roads.

Incident managers are establishing a new base camp to help relieve the traffic congestion in and around Auburn. A virtual community meeting will be held on Tuesday, Sept. 27, in the evening via YouTube and will be posted to Facebook. Additional details are forthcoming.