Good news for those fighting the Northern California King fire, more rain combined with the efforts of fire officials battling the blaze have brought it more under control. Approximately a half inch of rain fell recently on the affected area, according to California fire spokesperson Daniel Berlant. The rains and the drop in overnight temperatures have helped to stifle what has been a truly devastating wildfire.

The fire has reportedly consumed more than 150 square miles of forest in a region that is located east of the state's capital in Sacramento. The blaze is now 87% contained according to Cal Fire. It is also reported that the 6,400 members of the fire crews fighting the fire will continue their work until it is completely contained.

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Damage Assessment

Close to 300 structures are still in danger of burning, according to officials. So far, nearly 12 homes have been consumed by the King fire in El Dorado County. It is also estimated that combating the blaze has cost the state some $53 million thus far.

More than 97,000 acres have burned already, and the USFS has stated it believes that pockets of heat could still be trapped in certain areas not reached by the recent rainfall. And while the weather is again expected to heat up in the coming week, the odds that the King fire could escape containment at this point are highly unlikely. 

Road Closures Continue

Tom Quinn, the Tahoe National Forest supervisor, has ordered that several roads and even trails within the vicinity of the King fire will remain closed. According to the Sacramento Bee, the closures include Deadwood Ridge Road, Tevis Cup trails, Mosquito Ridge Road and Soda Springs roads.

Also closed is Forest Service Road 22. For a detailed map of the closures affecting the area near the King fire, the Tahoe National Forest has provided one. Residents and people in the area should be advised that those who are traveling on the roads that have been closed will run the risk of being cited by officers patrolling the area.