SOMERSET — A fast-moving wildfire in rural El Dorado County prompted evacuation warnings Wednesday afternoon as it quickly grew from a small vegetation fire into a blaze burning more than 160 acres in approximately an hour and climbing to nearly 400 acres by 6:30 pm.
The Coyote Fire was first reported shortly after 2 p.m. near Cedar Creek Road and Coyoteville Lane in the Somerset area, Cal Fire said. Initially estimated at just a few acres but grew rapidly as fire crews arrived to the area.
Thick columns of white and gray smoke could be seen from AlertCalifornia wildfire cameras and by LiveCopter 3 overhead. Air attack crews reported torching trees and spot fires as the flames advanced with a moderate rate of spread, particularly on the northern side of the fire.
By late afternoon, evacuation warnings had been issued for the area stretching from Omo Ranch Road south to Farnham Ridge Road, and from Omo Ranch east to the South Fork of the Cosumnes River. The El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office urged residents in the Omo and Somerset zones to be ready to leave at a moment’s notice, advising those who evacuate to use Mt. Aukum Road due to the presence of emergency equipment and personnel in the area.
“We want residents to be prepared and remain safe,” the Sheriff’s Office said in a Facebook update. “Be ready to leave at a moment’s notice. If you choose to evacuate the area, please use Mt. Aukum Road. Please drive safely, there are emergency responders in the area.”
Fire officials have called in a large response to the Coyote Fire, requesting 20 engines, eight hand crews, six bulldozers, eight water tenders, and multiple overhead personnel. At least eight air tankers and five helicopters have also been deployed to drop water and retardant on the flames.
The fire has crossed Farnham Creek in places and is burning in grass, oak woodland, and timber with difficult access for firefighters on the ground. Conditions have made it challenging to establish containment lines.
No structures have been confirmed damaged as of Wednesday evening, though homes in the Somerset and Omo Ranch area remain under threat. Officials stressed that fire perimeters released by Cal Fire are preliminary and do not reflect firefighting efforts already in place to protect homes and property.
Residents can track official evacuation zones and perimeters in real time at www.perimetermap.com.
This remains a developing story. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available from Cal Fire and the El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office.
Update 6:30 pm: Fire has grown to 399.4 acres in size with zero containment per CalFire, night helicopters have been deployed to continue efforts throughout the night.
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