SHINGLE SPRINGS – All evacuation orders were lifted Wednesday morning but the work for firefighters is far from over on the Bonanza Fire, which broke out Tuesday afternoon in the hills of Shingle Springs and quickly became the first significant local wildfire of the season in the region.
The fire ignited at approximately 2:40 p.m. Tuesday in the 5200 block of Bonanza Auto Road near Old French Town Road, rapidly spreading through dry grass and rugged terrain. Flames came dangerously close to homes and vehicles in the area, prompting immediate evacuations and an aggressive air and ground response. Multiple fixed-wing air tankers and helicopters were deployed as the fire’s perimeter expanded.
By 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Cal Fire reported that firefighters had successfully stopped the forward progress of the fire, which at that point had reached an estimated 181 acres. Although the active spread was halted, crews continued to encounter flare-ups and hotspots throughout the night.
As of 7:00 a.m. Wednesday, the fire remained at 181 acres with 15% containment, up from 10% the previous evening. As of Wednesday afternoon containment remained at 15% according to CalFire. Firefighters remain on scene conducting mop-up operations, reinforcing containment lines, and monitoring the area for potential rekindling. Officials advised residents to avoid the burn scar due to lingering hazards and ongoing emergency operations.
During the peak of the fire, evacuation orders extended to neighborhoods near Chablis Drive, Lumbo Road, and as far north as Highway 49 near Nashville. A temporary evacuation point was activated at the Placerville Library at 330 Fair Lane, which served as a location for displaced residents to regroup, charge devices, and plan next steps. That center has since closed as conditions have stabilized.
Approximately 2000 customers in the area lost power during the incident, but all electrical service has since been restored, according to Pacific Gas & Electric.
Several vehicles were destroyed in the blaze and burn scars reached up to the edges of multiple properties. Flames were visible from Kingvale Road and Wildcrest Drive, where the fire moved swiftly uphill toward nearby homes. Fortunately, no structures were reported lost.
The terrain, more than wind, played a major role in how the fire spread. Meteorologist Heather Waldman noted that despite light wind conditions, the fire advanced steadily uphill due to the steep and brush-heavy topography of the area. As of Wednesday afternoon, the cause of the Bonanza Fire remains undetermined and is under investigation.
Officials urge residents to remain vigilant as fire season begins and to stay informed by signing up for emergency alerts through www.ready.edso.org and monitoring real-time incident maps at www.perimetermap.com.
Folsom Times will continue to monitor developments as crews work toward full containment of this early-season wildfire.
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