King Fire Tuesday Update: Challenges Ahead As Fire Crews Make Gains On The King Fire

The number of firefighters working to contain the huge "King Fire" in El Dorado and Placer counties has grown to nearly 7,000. And those crews are facing the potential of strong, erratic winds over the next couple of days -- similar to when the fire doubled in size a week ago.

Warmer temperatures and lower humidity, as well as winds that could gust up to 30 miles per hour are expected.

Scott McClean is a Cal Fire Battalion Chief who's fighting the fire. He says the fire's behavior changes with the weather.

"It's now throwing spot fire, embers ahead of it, so these are starting to develop all over, and as these grow in size, they are now drawing this fire into it," says McClean.

Cal Fire says the fire has blackened more than 89,574 acres. It is 35 percent contained. It has destroyed 10 homes and 22 outbuildings in the White Meadows area of Pollock Pines.  2,100 structures are still threatened - more than half of them homes. 

Shelter Information:

All information below was provided to the El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office by the Red Cross.

The Red Cross continues to provide affected residents with overnight shelter and other services at the Camino Seventh Day Adventist Church, 3520 Carson Road in Camino, CA.

Additionally, the Red Cross is opening a service center at the Church of Our Saviour, 2979 Coloma Street in Placerville. The Red Cross will have case workers and bulk distribution supplies at this second site beginning tomorrow from 10am until 6pm.

Please note that the Church of Our Saviour in Placerville is not an overnight shelter site. For overnight shelter, affected residents are welcome to stay at the Camino Seventh Day Adventist Church.

Residents affected by the King Fire can reach the Red Cross at 888-812-6231 to get information and/or report a disaster need.