Nelson Fire burns 1,000 acres in hours, prompting evacuations in Fairfield, Vacaville
In a matter of hours Friday, a grass fire burning alongside Interstate 80 in Solano County has chewed through 1,000 acres, prompting evacuations from Fairfield to Vacaville.
Cal Fire reported about 7 p.m. that the Nelson Fire burning at Nelson and Cherry Glen roads in Vacaville was at 125 acres, but just before 9 p.m the blaze had grown significantly with only 10 percent containment.
At 8 p.m., the city of Vacaville issued evacuation notices for Youngsdale Drive south of Foxboro, Melissa Court, Kirby Court and Laurelwood Way.
Fairfield Police say residents of Hancock Drive and Home Lane in the Gold Ridge Developments have also been ordered to leave the area in addition to Constitution Avenue, Estates Drive and Couples Circle near the Paradise Valley Golf Course, which had been under evacuation orders since 5 p.m. this afternoon.
Law enforcement and fire officials also have worked to move residents from several senior living facilities in the evacuation zone to Fairfield High School, 205 E. Atlantic Ave., where a shelter has been set up, police said.
Police are asking those who live in the areas evacuated to go to the shelter and for all others to avoid the area entirely.
Earlier images on social media and news reports showed the fire encroaching on subdivisions south of I-80.
Traffic along I-80 in the area is also backed up. Earlier images on social media and news reports showed the fire encroaching on subdivisions south of I-80.
This story was originally published August 10, 2018 at 6:43 PM.