Update: Residents return Monday as fire fully contained at 900 acres, click here for full update
Firefighters are in response to a fast moving vegetation fire on the Southern side of Rancho Cordova that is reportedly threatening several structures Sunday afternoon.
The fire originated near Jackson Road and Excelsior Roads. Units from the Sacramento Metropolitan Fire Department were dispatched to the area at 11:46 a.m. Sunday. As of 12:30 at least 28 units are in response to the fire that has been described by fire personnel on radio traffic as moving at a fast rate of speed.
The fire, now named the Jackson Fire, has burned its way to Eagles Nest Road where multiple homes are threatened. Local evacuations are currently underway and units have been deployed for structure protection. Units are fighting the fire by ground and from the air at this time.
The forward progress of the fire has crossed Eagles Near Drive. Firefighters report multiple structures in this area are threatened and are being evacuated as crews forces on structure protection. The fire is reportedly traveling towards Sunrise Boulevard and the area of Florin Road.
The Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District has an evacuation order in place from Excelsior Road to Sunrise Boulevard along Jackson Road due to the fire. Jackson Road has been shut down in that area.
An evacuation warning has also been issued between Excelsior Road and Sunrise Boulevard along Florin Road.
As of 1:05 p.m. officials report the fire has been mapped out to 685 acres so far. One large barn was fully involved and a large propane tank that was in the fire’s path forcing fighters and resources to evacuate the immediate location at this time for safety.
As of 1:30 p.m. units on scene report that at least two structures have been damaged by fire and one large barn has been burned by fire. No containment has been reported and firefighters are contending with gusty winds in the area and water supply as much of the area requires the use of water tenders.
At 1:52 p.m. incident command reports that the northern flank of the fire which borders the canal has been secured by a dozer cut fire line cut and/or retardant that has been dropped.
By 2:00 p.m CalFire reported that fire has been mapped out at 876 acres in size, illustrating the speed of the fire being fueled by winds and dry fuels. Up to an additional 15 engines are en route to provide assistance and several strike teams are on the ground with additional strike teams being assembled.
As of 10:00 p.m the Sacramento Sheriffs department and Metro Fire released the following statement;
“Evacuation orders remain in effect, along with road closures, from Sunrise Blvd to Excelsior Rd on Jackson Hwy in both directions, and Eagles Nest from Kiefer Rd to Jackson Hwy in both directions. An active fire threat remains to the area, 8 fire engines, 2 Water Tenders, and 2 bulldozers will be working through the night to continue mitigating the threat. The Sacramento Office of Emergency Services is attempting to reach out to all displaced residents and assist with a temporary evacuation point for the night.
All displaced residents can contact 2-1-1 for additional information. Our top priority is reintroducing our community to their homes, but we need to ensure the threat is mitigated so they can do so safely.”
Rancho Cordova Jackson fire fully contained at 900 acres Monday
