King Fire containment expected Sunday

The King Fire burning east of Pollock Pines is 98 percent contained, having burned 97,718 acres mostly in the Eldorado National Forest. Full containment is now expected Oct. 5.

Most of the work by the more than 2,000 people on the fire is mop up and repair.

Today firefighters will continue suppression tactics in the Rubicon River Valley on the southwest flank of the fire, working toward full containment of the fire. Extreme, steep terrain is slowing containment in that area.

With warm, dry weather forecast for the next few days, residents may see some smoke from smoldering heavy fuels in the interior of the fire area. Firefighters will patrol and extinguish any remaining isolated hot spots near the fire perimeter.

The man suspected of starting the blaze Sept. 13 is scheduled to be in court later this month.

Eleven people have been injured fighting the fire, 12 homes destroyed and 68 outbuildings.

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