Updated 7:15 a.m. PDT Sept. 20, 2022
Rain continues to fall on the Mosquito Fire with accumulations in or near the burn area ranging from 0.68″ to 2.22″. A flash flood watch is in effect until Tuesday evening.
Firefighters are taking the opportunity to work close to the fire’s edge, constructing direct fire line using hand tools and dozers.
The precipitation is expected to taper off Tuesday and Tuesday night, with a few lingering showers on Wednesday. The forecast for the rest of the week shows no chance of rain, moderate winds, and the relative humidity returning to the 40s and 30s.
7:41 a.m. PDT Sept. 19, 2022
Several weather stations within or close to the Mosquito Fire have recorded more than an inch of precipitation during the 48-hour period ending at 7 a.m. PDT on Monday. Other stations measured 0.20″ to 0.54″.
The National Weather Service has issued a flash flood watch for the burn scar in effect until Tuesday evening.
The forecast from the NWS predicts there is a greater than 50 percent chance the rain will continue at least through Tuesday with additional amounts that could exceed half an inch.
As a result of the rain, both the Placer and El Dorado County Sheriff Offices downgraded many of the Evacuation Orders and Warnings Sunday afternoon. Updated evacuation maps are available for Placer and El Dorado Counties.
On Monday firefighters took advantage of the favorable fire conditions to construct direct control lines along portions of the fire’s edge on the eastern flank. Firefighters with hand tools and heavy equipment, such as dozers, were out in force. Crews worked in the area of the North Fork of the Middle Fork of the American River as well as Interbay Road. Despite the rain showers, crews were able to successfully conduct firing operations along the Interbay Road due to the sustained dry fuel moisture in the vegetation. Crews were able to continue strengthening and holding control lines around the southeast corner near Stumpy Meadows.
The Mosquito Fire has burned 76,290 acres. More than 3,700 personnel are assigned.
In this (Thursday) morning’s briefing they said all areas within the fire’s perimeter have received between one and three inches of precipitation. A gift from Heaven.
Containment is up to 60%. Their main concern now is in building line on the eastern front of the fire, which crosses several drainages. They still have their work cut out for them.
Knowing R5, they’ll order more resources.