At approximately 1:00 pm today, the El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office was notified of a possible helicopter crash on the Rubicon Trail. Sheriff D’Agostini’s Deputies assigned to the trail patrol arrived on scene and verified a downed helicopter near the area of Buck Island Lake, which is approximately seven miles from Loon Lake. This area is only accessible by modified four-wheel drive vehicles, helicopters or hiking.

There does not appear to be any fatalities, only injuries. We do not have confirmation of how many people on board the helicopter. Cal Star 6 is currently on scene and assessing any injuries. The FAA has been notified. More details will be available later in the day.

Sgt. Chris Felton

All roads that had been closed due to the Sand Fire are now open. All evacuation orders have been lifted

​From Cal Fire:​

As of 9:00 a.m. today, the Evacuation Orders for Freshwater Rd., Lone Barn Rd., including
Moco Canyon Rd., Bell Ranch Rd. and Twin Rivers Rd. have been lifted.
Painted Pony and Dwyer Rd., still remain under the current Evacuation Order.
Residents returning to the area may be required to show identification and proof of residency.
CAL FIRE encourages residents returning to the area to drive safely and watch for fire
equipment and firefighter activity within those affected areas.