King fire: Just as crews gain ground, wildfire could get extreme

The massive King fire burning east of Sacramento in the Eldorado National Forest has slowed down, but strong winds over the next few days could present new challenges for firefighters.

Fire crews have begun to make progress on the 89,574-acre blaze, which is now 35% contained, according to the U.S. Forest Service.

However, their efforts may be hampered by high winds and low humidity, which have prompted a red-flag warning for Tuesday and Wednesday, according to the National Weather Service.

With southeast winds shifting to the southwest, there is the potential for extreme fire behavior “if the winds, fuels and topography come into alignment,” the Forest Service said.

Winds could top 30 mph Tuesday and 35 mph Wednesday, fanning embers up to half a mile out, officials said.

Despite the challenging weather, firefighters have been able to build control lines along the arson fire.

Helicopters have also begun dropping water on a spot fire east of the French Meadow Reservoir, and crews were able to put out two other fires spotted by an aerial infrared camera.

More than 2,800 people have been evacuated as the fire has moved into the Tahoe National Forest.

Authorities say the fire was started Sept. 13 by 37-year-old Pollock Pines resident Wayne Huntsman, who has since been arrested and charged with arson.

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