Note:  Data is current as of 12 noon PST September 25, 2014     

Progress is being made in the King Fire in El Dorado County encompassing 95,347 acres of steep terrain in the Eldorado National Forest & Desolation Wilderness.  Although the fire is still burning in the South Fork of the American River Canyon, Silver Creek Canyon, and the Rubicon Canyon, north of the community of Pollock Pines, it is currently 43% contained. 

The fire has crossed into Placer County and has burned onto the Tahoe National Forest.   An incredible contingency of firefighters and emergency personnel from all over the country continue to work extremely hard on behalf of El Dorado County.   For complete details on the fire including size, burnout details, remaining road closures and containment please visit http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/4108/ .  El Dorado County has set up a King Fire Hot Line for the most up-to-date information at 530-642-7263.

Many businesses have contacted the El Dorado County Visitors Authority to help get the word out that their towns and businesses are open for business.  “Visitors need to know that the Farms & Ranches of the Apple Hill® have blue skies and sunshine the majority of the time.  It is such a wonderful time of year and it shouldn't be missed,” said Jody Franklin Executive Director of Tourism for the El Dorado County Visitors Authority.  Historic hotels, Lodges and Inns have immediate vacancy.  At this time of year, the area is known for its you-pick apple farms, historic gold mines, unique festivals and holiday celebrations, and autumn foliage display.

Accurate information about the fire, and what remains open, is critical for travelers.  Favorite family destinations like Gold Bug Park and Mine, Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park and Apple Hill are open and ready for business. Restaurants and shops throughout the quaint historic Gold Rush town of Placerville are also open and look forward to serving visitors. Highway 50 is open both directions for visitors traveling from Sacramento to South Lake Tahoe.  Historic Highway 49, running north and south through the Motherlode remains open to travelers exploring the Gold Country.

Businesses from El Dorado Hills, Cameron Park, Fair Play, Cool, Coloma and Georgetown, are open and many events are moving forward as planned.  Travelers can find information on events, lodging and travel plans to El Dorado County at www.VisitElDorado.com or call 800-457-6279. For complete information on the King Fire please visit http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/4108/. 

For more information about Northern California's Gold Country, contact:  Susan Wilson, susanwilson129@gmail.com, 480-824-3015

For more information about El Dorado County, contact Jody Franklin: tourism@eldoradocounty.com, 800-457-6279, 530-919-0606