A rapidly spreading wildfire, dubbed the Crozier Fire, has prompted urgent evacuations in California’s Sierra Nevada foothills. The blaze, which erupted early Wednesday morning in El Dorado County, has led to evacuation orders for multiple communities, Cal Fire announced.
Residents of Garden Valley, Georgetown, Volcanoville, Mosquito, and Quintet were ordered to evacuate Wednesday night as the fire’s perimeter expanded. Authorities urged those in the affected areas to leave immediately via Rock Creek Road, emphasizing the urgency of the situation.
As of Wednesday evening, the Crozier Fire had scorched 392 acres and was only 5% contained, according to Cal Fire. The fire, which ignited around 1:21 a.m., was initially reported at 25 acres but quickly grew, consuming 67 acres by 7 a.m. and 182 acres by 10:30 a.m.
Evacuation orders and warnings remain in effect for the Mosquito and Swansboro communities and nearby areas. Firefighters are battling challenging conditions, with the fire burning through dense timber in steep, rugged terrain. Cal Fire spokesperson Marjorie Minor described the situation as involving “short-range spotting in brush and timber,” complicating efforts to contain the blaze.
Weather conditions are adding to the difficulty of firefighting efforts. Temperatures in the fire area are forecasted to reach between 95 and 100 degrees, with winds shifting throughout the day. Cal Fire meteorologist Megan Scheeline noted that while winds are not as strong as they could be, gusts of up to 15 mph are still expected, which could further fan the flames.
The cause of the fire is under investigation as emergency crews continue to work tirelessly to protect lives and property in the threatened communities. Residents are advised to stay updated on the latest evacuation information and to heed warnings from local authorities.
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