Pay Fire threatens homes in El Dorado County

In El Dorado County, the Pay Fire that erupted on Saturday posed a significant threat to nearby neighborhoods, but firefighters managed to prevent any homes from being destroyed. By Sunday morning, the fire had consumed 77 acres of land and was 25% contained. Residents, like Zak Geisreiter, described the scene as resembling a war zone, with hot spots still smoldering in the area. Geisreiter recounted evacuating with his friend's dog, Skittles, to safety as the flames approached the home. Chief Jacob Poganski of the El Dorado County Fire Protection Service highlighted the challenges faced by firefighters battling the rapidly spreading flames near Placerville Airport. The intense triple-digit heat and difficult terrain made the firefighting efforts particularly demanding. Poganski emphasized the need for additional resources and collaboration with neighboring agencies to combat the escalating intensity of wildfires compared to previous years. Despite the close call, no homes were lost in the fire, but the incident served as a stark reminder of the fire-prone nature of the mountain community. Geisreiter acknowledged the inherent risks of living in such a dry and beautiful area, where wildfires can pose a constant threat. Firefighters are diligently working to fully contain the fire and are actively addressing any remaining hot spots to ensure the safety of residents and properties in the region. Evacuations were carried out, and multiple airplane hangars were affected by the vegetation fire that broke out south of Placerville on Saturday afternoon. The collaborative efforts of firefighting crews, along with strategic planning and community support, have been instrumental in managing the Pay Fire and preventing further devastation in El Dorado County.