Crozier Fire remains in perimeter but hot temps could worsen blaze, Cal Fire says

Fire crews were successful in keeping the Crozier Fire within the perimeter throughout the night, Cal Fire reported Saturday morning.

The wildfire in El Dorado County is burning into its fourth day. The blaze has charred nearly 1,960 acres of forest land northeast of Placerville as of Saturday morning. The state firefighting agency reported the fire is 8% contained, an increase from 5% Friday.

About 1,500 firefighters are responding to the Crozier Fire as it continues to burn through timber, brush and other dry, dead fuels, Cal Fire said during an operations briefing Saturday morning. Firefighters planned to build and reinforce fire lines throughout the day.

Cal Fire officials said the area is difficult for firefighters to access but crews were trying to suppress the fire through a combination of air tankers, helicopters and ground crews.

Weather conditions this weekend are expected to be hot and dry, without any reprieve for fire crews on the ground. Southwest winds could reach up to 20 miles per hour throughout the day, according to a Cal Fire report. The hot temperatures, breezes and low humidity levels could lead to increased fire activity.

Cal Fire said evacuation orders have been issued for the communities of Georgetown, Volcanoville, Mosquito, Swansboro, Quintette and areas east of Highway 193. Evacuation warnings have been issued for a large area around the Crozier Fire.

No structures have been destroyed, but more than 4,000 are threatened, according to Cal Fire’s website. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.