Delighted residents of Kingston were given special permits by officials yesterday afternoon along with permission to return home. Though the area remains closed to the general public, residents are grateful to be returning after 10 days living with friends or staying in Hillsboro while the Silver Fire ravaged the forest around their homes. Thanks to the efforts of fire personnel, no structures in Kingston were lost.
Hot, dry weather was challenging to firefighters yesterday as the Silver Fire grew to 44,600 acres. Officials say the fire is now 20% contained, and they will continue to construct indirect fire lines. 498 personnel continue to work on this fire.
A red flag warning is in effect for the Silver Fire for the second day in a row. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, a red flag warning is issued to warn fire managers about “critical weather and fuel moisture conditions that could lead to rapid or dramatic increases in wildfire activity.” These warnings are issued due to low relative humidity, strong winds, and dry fuels, or any combination of the three.
A public information meeting will be held tonight at the Round Up Lodge in San Lorenzo at 6 pm. This meeting is open to the public, and will address the current status of the fire. Officials will also be available to answer questions from the public.
