Blue Fire update: Teams strengthen containment lines, attack active areas near Shaver

Firefighters in the Sierra National Forest continued Thursday to strengthen containment lines around the Blue Fire, six miles south of Shaver Lake.

Spokesman Alex Olow said the fire has burned 400 acres and is 25 percent contained. He said crews were concentrating on attacking active burn areas near the lines and that 175 personnel are now in the fight against the blaze, which is burning in timber and short grass.

Olow said that crews are optimistic in gaining ground on the fire as they build bulldozer lines supported by helicopters dropping water. There is concern, however over possible weather instability, including low humidity.

The fire erupted Tuesday afternoon, forcing evacuations for residents along Road 10S02, (Peterson Mill) to Nutmeg Saddle, including Bretz Mill Camp.

The blaze was burning in a northwest direction, toward a ridge line at Soaproot Saddle and an area burned by the 2020 Creek Fire, the largest single fire event in California history.

This story was originally published July 1, 2021 at 9:42 AM.