Crash into tree hurls driver 20 feet, ignites blaze near Lincoln

A vehicle crashed into a tree north of Lincoln on Saturday, seriously injuring the driver and igniting a fire, according to the Placer County Fire Department.

Firefighters were dispatched Saturday morning to reports of a Pacific Gas and Electric Co. power pole on fire near Wise Road and Lincoln Sheridan Boulevard, the department, a unit of Cal Fire, said in a news release.

En route, they received word that the California Highway Patrol had received an Apple Watch alert of a vehicle crash in the area.

Firefighters arrived to find a vehicle on fire after crashing into a tree, officials said. The driver was found 20 feet from the vehicle after being ejected.

Firefighters quickly extinguished the blaze and treated the driver, who had major injuries, before taking him to a hospital.

This story was originally published January 11, 2026 at 10:55 AM.