Crozier, El Dorado

Crozier, ten miles northeast of Placerville, CA. Timber and chaparral. Minimal fire behavior with creeping and smoldering. Numerous structures and communication infrastructure threatened. Area and road closures in effect.

August 17, 2024 at 8:30 AM

The Eldorado National Forest Type 3 Team assumed command of the incident at 9:00 a.m. on August 16, 2024

Over the next several days firefighters and heavy equipment operators will continue suppression repair operations. Working closely with resource advisors, crews will restore dozer lines in the fire area to their natural condition. Repairs after wildfires are necessary to mitigate the impacts from suppression operations. Repair operations include but are not limited to, returning roads to their original conditions, cleaning culverts for proper drainage, and falling and chipping hazard trees for public safety.

Smoke may be visible as stumps, logs, and other materials continue to burn well within the containment lines. Crews will continue to patrol the area and mop-up any remaining hot spots.

Although fire activity has decreased, firefighting personnel and heavy equipment will remain in the area conducting suppression repair operations. Please use caution when driving near the fire perimeter especially in the areas of Darling Ridge and Rock Creek Road as these are narrow roadways and firefighters and heavy equipment will be using these routes to access the fire.

August 15, 2024 at 9:22 PM

The fire is smoldering in rugged terrain on the interior of the perimeter of the fire. Crews continued fire line patrol and mop-up to increase depth around the fire perimeter, hazard tree mitigation along roadways, and suppression repair continues today.

CAL FIRE Incident Management Team 5 will be transitioning command of the fire to the United States Forest Service Eldorado National Forest Type-3 organization at 9:00 a.m. tomorrow, August 16th, 2024.

Temperatures in the mid-80’s, humidity of 18-23%, and light winds are expected through Friday with conditions becoming cooler and breezy over the weekend.

August 15, 2024 at 7:08 AM

Dense and receptive fuels, steep terrain and the potential for roll out continues to challenge firefighters ability to gain significant containment. Extinguishing debris that is smoldering within the fire perimeter and removal of damaged trees near the fire line remains the focus of crews. 

Suppression repair is ongoing and additional heavy equipment has arrived to assist the effort. 

Mild weather conditions today are expected to continue tomorrow. Winds will remain light and cooling will persist through the weekend. 

The El Dorado Sheriff’s Office has gone out of unified command today. 

August 14, 2024 at 7:19 AM

The fire is still within the containment lines, with any remaining heat located inside as the last of the dead and downed fuels burn out.

The crew continues to mop up within 300 feet of the edge of the fire.

The fire is still smoldering in areas with steep, rugged terrain, and an abundance of fuel, making containment efforts challenging.

Crews are working in high heat, with weakened trees and steep, rocky terrain.

The Evacuation Warning zone has been lifted for the Crozier Fire, however the Evacuation Order remains around the footprint of the fire. For safety, as Rock Creek Rd. is extremely narrow, please use the traffic flow plan that has been suggested as there will still be Fire Personnel and equipment traveling in the area. Areas of the El Dorado National Forest remain under a forest closure. Please refer to the U.S. Forest Service for more information regarding the closure order at www.fs.usda.gov/eldoradoExternal Link and U.S. Forest Service – Eldorado National Forest

August 13, 2024 at 6:35 AM

Evacuation Zone Repopulation Information:
We are in the process of repopulating areas of Mosquito and Swansboro.
Rock Creek Road will be the ONLY entry route and Mosquito Rd. will be the ONLY exit route. This traffic flow plan will assist everyone in safely returning home and aid the emergency personnel who are still working in the area.
Please be cautious as you return to areas that are being repopulated, being aware of emergency personnel, vehicles and equipment that will still be operating in the area.

August 12, 2024 at 9:27 PM

As the fire continues to smolder in steep, rugged terrain with abundant dry fuel, firefighters are making steady progress in mopping up hot spots within the fire perimeter, working from the edges toward the interior. This effort has led to an increase in containment to 44 percent. The improved containment has allowed more areas previously under evacuation orders to be repopulated on Monday, in addition to those announced on Sunday. Dozer operators are improving secondary and tertiary contingency lines, which will serve as fuel breaks in future fire events. Cooler weather continues to assist the firefighting efforts.

The incident is in Unified Command with CAL Fire Team 5 (Hopkins) and the Eldorado National Forest. NIMO Team 1 has been assigned to assist.

August 12, 2024 at 7:00 AM

Minimal burning activity was observed yesterday, with smoldering trees, downed snags, and pockets of brush continuing to burn within the established perimeter. The large amount of dry fuel remains a significant concern. However, improving weather conditions and a gradual cooling trend are expected to support firefighting efforts as crews continue to mop up and strengthen containment lines.

Yesterday at 1 P.M., the Eldorado County Sheriff’s Office repopulated areas of Georgetown, Garden Valley, Volcanoville, and Quintet. Please be cautious as you return to areas that are being repopulated. Please look out for emergency personnel, vehicles, and equipment that will still be operating in the area. Please refer to perimetermap.comExternal Link for the most current information on Evacuation Warning Zones that are being changed to a repopulation zone.

August 11, 2024 at 8:14 AM

The fire displayed moderate activity overnight, characterized by slow spreading and smoldering. Evacuation orders are still in effect. Cooler weather is anticipated to assist in firefighting efforts.

The fire is currently burning dead and fallen timber as well as brush within the established perimeter. The significant amount of dead fuel available for burning continues to be a cause for concern.

August 10, 2024 at 8:58 PM

With hard work and improved weather conditions crews were able to increase the percentage of containment, bringing that number to 14 percent, while also holding the fire to the existing boundary.

The fire continues to burn in steep, rugged terrain, burning out the dry and dead fuels.

Crews are actively engaged in building containment lines around the fire, reinforcing lines, and mop-up.

Cooler weather is expected this week which will aid firefighting efforts.

Crozier Fire Community Meeting

Date: Sunday, Aug. 11

Time: 2 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Location: Sutter’s Mill Elementary School, 4801 Luneman Road, Placerville

August 10, 2024 at 9:23 AM

Fire operations held the perimeter of the fire throughout the night, moderate fire behavior reported.

Crews continue to actively engage the fire, when possible, to build direct line, reinforce lines, and mop-up.

Weather will remain hot and dry throughout the weekend.  Winds are expected to remain out of the South-West at 4-9 mph with gusts of up to 20 mph during the day.

August 9, 2024 at 7:06 PM

Active fire behavior reported. Structures are threatened with Evacuation Orders and Warnings in place. Critical infrastructure, commercial timber, American River watershed and critical wildlife habitat are threatened. Road and trail closures are in effect. The incident is in Unified Command with CAL Fire Team 5 (Hopkins) and the Eldorado National Forest.

August 9, 2024 at 1:02 PM

The fire is burning in a remote part of the forest within heavy timber, thick brush and difficult access. Crews are actively engaged in a full suppression strategy including air tankers, helicopters, and ground resources.

The hot daytime temperatures, gusty winds and low humidities are causing elevated fire activity. CAL FIRE Incident Management Team 5 (CAL FIRE IMT 5) has been assigned today. 

August 8, 2024 at 7:01 PM

The fire is burning in a remote part of the forest within heavy timber, thick brush and difficult access. Crews are actively engaged in a full suppression strategy including air tankers, helicopters, and ground resources. The hot daytime temperatures, gusty winds and low humidities are causing elevated fire activity. A type 1 incident management team has been assigned and will transition tomorrow.

Evacuation Shelter
Cameron Park CSD
2502 Country Club Dr., Cameron Park

Animal Evacuation Center
6435 Capitol Ave, Diamond Springs

August 8, 2024 at 10:27 AM

Fire remained active overnight and is increasing in intensity as the day progresses. Most of the overnight growth was to the northeast, aligned with topography and prevailing winds. A Type 3 Team has been assigned to the fire.

August 8, 2024 at 7:06 AM

The incident is under Unified Command with CAL FIRE and the USFS. Sacramento Regional Type 3 IMT is assigned.

August 7, 2024 at 10:51 PM

Evacuations Orders:

Garden Valley
Georgetown
Volcanoville
Mosquito
Quintette
Swansboro areas

Evacuations Warnings: Areas to the east & south-west of the fire. Please view the evacuation map below.

August 7, 2024 at 7:35 PM

Updated acreage is 392 acres, per the latest mapping flight.

August 7, 2024 at 6:37 PM

Due to the Crozier Fire in the southern portion of the Rock Creek area, the Rock Creek Trails and Roads are closed to all uses to protect for public safety. This closure will remain in effect until further notice.

August 7, 2024 at 4:16 PM The fire is making a hard push up Slate Mountain. Pulling firefighters off the line.

August 7, 2024 at 4:04 PM

There is a shelter for those displaced by the #Silverfire and #Crozierfire located at the Cameron Park CSD, 2502 Country Club Drive, Cameron Park. Camping, Trailers and RVs are not allowed. Leashed or kenneled domestic pets are allowed.

The Temporary Evacuation Point located at the Placerville Library, 345 Fair Lane, Placerville is open and the parking lot is allowing Trailers and RV’s.

August 7, 2024 at 3:21 PM

Fire has been mapped at 244 acres.

August 7, 2024 at 2:55 PM

Helicopters are working the west side of the fire, drafting out of Finnon Lake.

August 7, 2024 at 1:59 PM

Air Attack estimates the fire at 200 acres.

August 7, 2024 at 12:39 PM

Eldorado National Forest update

The Crozier Fire was reported at 1:21 a.m. this morning northwest of Slate Mountain near the Swansboro/Mosquito area. While it initially started in state jurisdiction, it has spread onto the Eldorado National Forest. The Forest is now in Unified Command with CAL FIRE for the aggressive suppression of the Crozier Fire. The fire was mapped at 9:00 a.m. at 182 acres. It has continued to grow with a moderate rate of spread primarily northward through the morning.

Due to the inaccessible terrain, and anticipated hot, dry conditions Federal hotshot crews and Type 2 Initial Attack crew have been mobilized to the fire, along with numerous Federal dozers and both rotor wing (helicopters) and fixed-wing aircraft (planes.) In addition, cover resources have been moved onto Eldorado National Forest fire stations form other parts of the state to allow local resources to fully engage in Crozier Fire suppression. These resources will work shoulder-to-shoulder with the resources committed by CAL FIRE and local government partners.

Eldorado National Forest Fire Chief Brad Stewart said this morning, “We have been engaged in this fire since its onset early this morning and remain committed to working with our CAL FIRE partners to keep it as small as possible.”

August 7, 2024 at 11:55 AM

The fire is very active and making a hard push to come over both ridgelines and short-range spotting has been reported. The fire is now in unified command CAL FIRE Amador El-Dorado Unit & El Dorado National Forest.

August 7, 2024 at 10:33 AM

IC reports they are making good progress on both flanks. There is a slopover over the ridge, this is the main focus of all aircraft. The ICP is being relocated to Station 75.

August 7, 2024 at 10:00 AM

The Evacuation Warning zones have been extended to include the community of Volcanoville. Please see www.Perimetermap.com for additional information. All information will be updated as it becomes available.

August 7, 2024 at 7:00 AM

Evacuations Orders have been issued for the Mosquito/Swansboro Community. Residents in the evacuation order area are advised to leave via Rock Creek Road only.

Evacuations Warnings have been issued for a large area around the fire. Please view the evacuation map below.