Convenience Big Store: River Fire origins narrowed down to Placer County campground

Origin of River Fire narrowed down to Placer County campground – Arson Investigators are narrowing the search for the start of the River Fire to the Bear River Park and campground in the town of Colfax. The wildfire sparked Wednesday, Aug. 4, and burned so hot and so fast, campers took off and left their tents and gear behind. The fire started despite padlocked campfire rings and blocked off grill grates. According to information posted on the campgrounds website, there is a ban on open flames that started on July 1, 2021, which included barbecues and fireworks. In the coming days, officials are likely to know more about the conditions at the specific campsite that started this fire – and potentially who, if anyone, will be held responsible. (ABC10)

Does the US Forest Service have a "let it burn" policy? – A viewer asked ABC10 "Why doesn't someone run a story on the policy of the US Forest Service not to put fires out started by lightning on forest service lands." With that question, we went to verify the claim the US Forest Service has a "let it burn" policy. Here's what we found out. In a statement to ABC10, the US Forest Service said they do not have a "let-it-burn policy." What they do have is something called a "fire use policy." Meaning, if a fire is started naturally by lightning, they have the ability to monitor the situation if it does not pose an immediate risk of damage to homes or risk of people's lives. (Madison Wade, ABC10)

Deadly rise in speeding hasn't stopped since start of pandemic – Motorists have felt the need to speed during the pandemic, a worrisome trend as roads get busier with the final stretch of summer travel. The number of highway deaths in 2020 was the greatest in more than a decade even though cars and trucks drove fewer miles during the pandemic, and motorists are continuing to speed, tailgate and zigzag through traffic. Tickets by the California Highway Patrol for speeding in excess of 100 mph from January to June were nearly double pre-pandemic levels.

TIP OF THE DAY

Yes, an employer can separate vaccinated and unvaccinated workers... Businesses can undertake precautions to protect employees and customers, as long as those precautions aren’t discriminatory in a way that treats employees differently based on disability, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, or genetic information. (Tegna)

SMILE

"No matter the outcome, I've won"... It wasn't the result many hoped for, but Sacramento-native LeVar Burton still thanked his fans for jockeying for him to become the next Jeopardy! host. Entertainment outlets reported Mike Richards will become the next host of the popular game show. (Tegna)