Containment Of Sand Fire In Yolo County Grows; Evacs Lifted

YOLO COUNTY, CA — Evacuation orders were lifted but a major road remained closed Monday evening for those affected by the Sand Fire burning in the Capay Valley area of Yolo County. The wildfire broke out Saturday afternoon near the town of Guinda during red-flag fire weather conditions. The wildland blaze spread at a rapid rate on steep, brush-covered slopes — destroying seven non-residential structures in its path.

By Monday evening, the Sand Fire was 2,220 acres in size and 50-percent contained, according to Cal Fire's Sonoma-Lake-Napa Unit.

In a bit of good news, evacuation orders were lifted at 5 p.m. Monday for resident re-population.

"[The] area is still under an advisory evacuation," Cal Fire officials cautioned. "Fire personnel are still active in the area."

Four air tankers, 12 helicopters and at least 1,116 firefighting personnel were still assigned to the Sand Fire as of 7 p.m. Monday.

"Numerous firefighting air tankers from throughout the state are flying fire suppression missions as conditions allow," Cal Fire officials said.

State Highway 16 remained closed Monday evening between Rumsey and state Highway 20, according to Cal Fire.

The evacuation center for those affected by the Sand Fire is closed because it was not being utilized. It will re-open if the need arises, officials said.

Cal Fire said information boards for community members were posted beginning Monday at three locations in Guinda: Fire Station No. 23, 3794 state Highway 16; the Boy Scout Camp, 16980 Yolo Ave., in Guinda; and Guinda Corner Store, 7530 state Highway 16.

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