Evacuations Issued for Pay Fire Burning Near Placerville
A wildfire, dubbed the Pay Fire, erupted southeast of Placerville, California, on Saturday followingnoon, prompting mandatory evacuations for residents in the area. The fire, which had spread to 77 acres by Saturday evening, was moving rapidly and threatening structures.
Firefighters were working tirelessly to contain the blaze, deploying fire retardant from aircraft and battling the flames on the ground. The fire’s rapid spread and proximity to the Placerville Airport caused concern, as multiple hangars were reported to be involved.
As the fire raged, the El Dorado County Fire Protection District issued mandatory evacuation orders for several areas, including Airport Road south of Goldman Lane, parts of the Placerville Airport, Big Barn Road to Texas Hill Road to Cedar Ravine Road, Paydirt Drive, and Denim Court.
Evacuation warnings were also issued for other areas, including Nugget Lane near Gingham Court, Barrett Drive, Country Club Drive, Airport Road from Goldman Lane to Broadway, and Broadway just west of Airport Road to Newtown Road. The areas east of Newtown Road, including Parkway Drive, Ivy Knoll Drive, and Mining Brook Road, were also under evacuation warnings.
A temporary evacuation shelter was established at the Placerville Library, while animals might be taken to the El Dorado County Animal Service. An overnight shelter was also set up at Union Mine High School.
Power outages were reported in the area, affecting nearly 1,800 customers. The cause of the fire was not immediately determined, but downed power lines were reported near the fire’s origin.
Road closures were implemented to facilitate firefighting efforts and ensure public safety. Airport Road was closed at Country Club Road and near Goldman Lane. Big Barn Road was closed at Newtown Road, Texas Hill Road was closed at Big Barn Road, and Cedar Ravine Road was closed at Paydirt Drive and Texas Hill Road.
The Pay Fire serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing threat of wildfires in California and the importance of preparedness. Wildfire season is becoming increasingly unpredictable and intense, driven by factors such as climate change, drought, and human activity.
The fire’s rapid spread highlights the need for effective wildfire mitigation strategies, including controlled burns, forest management, and public education. It also underscores the importance of community preparedness, with residents encouraged to have evacuation plans in place and to stay informed regarding potential wildfire threats.
As the Pay Fire continues to burn, officials and firefighters remain focused on containing the blaze and ensuring the safety of residents and firefighters. The fire serves as a timely reminder of the importance of wildfire preparedness and the need for ongoing efforts to mitigate the risks associated with these devastating events.
