California still battling wildfires

Firefighters have contained roughly 48 percent of the Caldor Fire, allowing South Lake Tahoe’s 22,000 residents to return slowly. The 338-square-mile wildfire, which began on Aug. 14, still threatens nearby communities and a ski resort as strong winds and flames feed it. Officials said they hope to lift more evacuation orders in the coming days, depending on easing winds and possible rain. So far, no fire-related deaths have been reported.

How is the rest of the state faring? Many new blazes broke out over Labor Day weekend. The Caballo Fire erupted on Monday in Santa Barbara County and engulfed 50 acres. The Bridge Fire sparked in Placer County on Sunday. It had burned 411 acres and was 25 percent contained on Tuesday. The Dixie Fire has consumed 914,655 acres in Northern California since starting on July 14. Officials on Tuesday reported the fire was only 58 percent contained.

Dig deeper: Read Angela Lu Fulton’s report in The Sift on the Caldor Fire’s destruction.