The “PAY FIRE” July, 2024, Draws Rapid Response from Cal Fire 

News and Community Interest by Tom Harris, Associate Editor

The PAY FIRE ignited in a grass and oak woodland area, initially covering 3-4 acres. The fire, driven by dry conditions and moderate winds, spread quickly and advanced toward Placerville Airport. As the fire progressed rapidly, it posed an immediate threat to several structures in its path, leading to urgent localized evacuations to ensure the safety of residents.

The Pay Fire started Saturday near the Placerville Airport on Paydirt Drive, the El Dorado County Fire Protection District said. On Sunday, firefighters stopped forward progress on the fire, which means that crews halted the spreading advance of flames. Cal Fire reported Sunday that the fire had burned 77 acres so far, numbers that were unchanged since Saturday night. The fire is 25% contained on Monday, up from 5% containment reported Sunday. To effectively combat the blaze, the initial response was quickly supplemented with additional resources. This reinforcement included ten more fire engines, six specialized fire crews equipped to handle complex fire scenarios, and two water tenders to ensure a steady supply of water for firefighting efforts. For the latest information about this wildfire please check https://www.fire.ca.gov/incidents/2024/7/6/pay-fire/updates/f151b6cd-0293-4b96-8489-0aa4d95a5551

Giant CH-47 type helicopter arrives at Finnon Lake for water while fighting the “Pay” fire.  The 140 acre Finnon property was purchased from the state of California in 1997 by the Mosquito Volunteer Fire Department (MVFD) for just this reason – to maintain a large body of water for firefighting.  MVFD is now the Mosquito Volunteer Fire Association (MVFA). Its elevation makes Finnon Lake a favorite target for firefighting helicopters on the western divide. Here a CH-47 snorkels water from Finnon Lake to fight the “Pay” fire in Placerville.

As of 9:00 AM July 8, 2024, the Placerville airport was being threatened by the “Pay” fire; 77.5 acres have burned, and the fire is 35% contained with an “Active” status.  And as of 10:00 AM, evacuation orders were lifted according to the El Dorado County communications director Carla Hass.

Early speculation as to the cause of the fire has a tree falling on a power line, breaking the line and grounding it, causing sparks. With the current heat wave and low humidity, it is essential that residents be extra careful with yard equipment like lawn mowers and chain saws.  And don’t forget to give our Mosquito firefighters a big “Thumbs Up” when passing by.

Given the dangers posed by these rapidly moving wildfires, it’s crucial for communities to implement and maintain robust fire prevention and response strategies. These strategies include:

1. Regular Clearing of Vegetation: Reducing fuel loads through controlled burns and clearing brush can help slow the spread of wildfires.
2. Emergency Preparedness Plans: Communities should have clear evacuation routes and communication plans in place to ensure quick and orderly evacuations.
3. Public Awareness Campaigns: Educating residents about fire safety, including how to create defensible space around their homes, can reduce the risk of structure loss.
4. Fire-Resistant Building Materials: Using fire-resistant materials in construction can help homes withstand the intense heat of wildfires.
5. Community Engagement: Local authorities should engage with community members regularly to discuss fire prevention measures and updates on fire risks.

Stay informed through reliable sources, heed evacuation orders promptly, and take necessary precautions to protect life and property. Wildfires are unpredictable and can escalate quickly, making preparedness and swift action essential.