Sheriff: Fire Burning Near Kyburz Sparked By Car
KYBURZ (CBS13) – Authorities have confirmed suspicions that the wildfire burning near Kyburz was sparked by a car.
A passenger in a car on Highway 50 captured the moments after the Kyburz flames broke out just after 2 p.m. Thursday. In the video, a man can be seen walking along the freeway toward what looks like a tire -- and then you see a classic truck on fire, with the flames quickly moving up the hillside.
The El Dorado County Sheriff's Office confirmed Friday morning that the fire was indeed started by a vehicle.
The fire continues to burn on both sides of Highway 50, near White Hall Canyon Drive. Highway 50 from Pollock Pines to Meyers remains closed Friday morning, with Caltrans saying that Cal Fire will be reevaluating the condition of the freeway before possibly reopening it.
A mandatory evacuation order, affecting 75 homes along the Sand Flat Campground, was downgraded to voluntary on Friday evening.
Extremely steep terrain and shifting winds have been challenging firefighters.
About 200 acres have been burned as of Friday morning, according to the U.S. Forest Service. Firefighters have the flames 30 percent contained.