Fire Captain Seriously Burned, Firefighter Injured In El Dorado County

1 released, another remains in stable condition at UC Davis Medical Center

EL DORADO COUNTY – A fire captain remains hospitalized after suffering serious burns and a another firefighter sustained injuries while battling an intense residential structure fire in the El Dorado County Fire Protection District.

The fire was initially reported as a chimney fire shortly after 9 p.m. on Thursday night on Lonesome Dove Court in Shingle Springs, quickly spread to the attic, according to details shared in a press release from the agency Sunday. According to the report, El Dorado County’s Engine 28, which included the injured personnel, arrived on scene and began suppression efforts. However, fire conditions rapidly deteriorated, engulfing the crew in flames and resulting in injuries to both firefighters. Additional resources were requested, and the fire was eventually extinguished. The cause remains under investigation.

The Fire Captain suffered serious burn injuries and was transported to UC Davis Medical Center, where he is currently in stable condition at the Firefighters Burn Institute Regional Burn Center. The firefighter sustained a minor leg injury, was treated at Mercy Hospital of Folsom, and was released the same evening. At this time the department is not releasing the names of those injured to maintain privacy during their recovery.

Support for the injured Fire Captain and his family is being provided by the Fire District, the El Dorado County Professional Firefighters Association, the Firefighters Burn Institute, and the IAFF Foundation Burn Fund according to Captain Jacob Polanski of the El Dorado County Fire Protection District.

“We are grateful for the outpouring of support from the community and our fellow fire agencies,” said Poganski. “At this time, we are managing the situation internally and ask for continued thoughts and well wishes for our injured Fire Captain as he recovers.”