Highway 50 over Echo Summit set to reopen Tuesday after closure due to Caldor Fire
Submitted by Jeff Munson on Mon, 09/20/2021 - 8:53am
Travelers in both directions between Lake Tahoe and Sacramento will be happy with the news that crews should have US50 over Echo Summit to Kyburz open to the general public by Tuesday. The portion between Kyburz and Pollock Pines previously opened.
During the Caldor Fire Interagency Management Team's Sunday community meeting, a Caltrans spokesperson said residents can start going to their homes along US50 on Monday starting at 8:00 a.m.
They will need proof of residency in Strawberry, Mile Tract, Echo Summit and other areas along the fire that have been closed due to the fire.
The general public can start using the highway at 8 a.m. Tuesday.
El Dorado County Sheriff's office will help people gain access to the area east of Kyburz, west of Meyers. From the west, residents must stop at the Chevron station in Fresh Pond with proper proof of residency for a pass.
If coming from South Lake Tahoe, stop in Meyers at 1832 Santa Fe Road in Meyers. A parking lot will be set up there to issue passes. All people without homeowner passes will be turned around. The area is still under evacuation order, but people can visit their home and secure property, but not stay over night.
Be cautious and be aware that equipment an personnel are still working in the area along the highway and in the nearby neighborhoods.
High winds Sunday morning affected the fire, caused some flareups within the interior but firefighters quickly gained control. Wind pushed the fire around east of Echo Lakes, but not enough to impact the fire line. Aircraft was able to go over the fire and drop water Sunday after noon when wind subsided.
Over 2,100 personnel remain working on the fire. As the incident progresses the work continues but the types of crews are changed, depending on the job.
