Wildfire near Placerville jumps Highway 50, prompts evacuations

A timber fire broke out 10 miles east of Placerville on Thursday afternoon, briefly shutting down Highway 50 and prompting evacuations, officials said.

Flames from the 12-acre Meyers Fire leapt across the road, prompting Caltrans officials to close down the highway in both directions at 1:20 p.m.

Residents of Camino living on 8-Mile Road are currently under mandatory evacuation. An evacuation center is located at the Diamond Springs Fire Hall at 3734 China Garden Road.

“When you get a timber fire that burns 12 acres this fast, that’s a point of concern,” said Cal Fires spokesperson Scott McLean.

Highway 50 mostly re-opened at 2:50 p.m. One eastbound lane was still closed as of 3:45 p.m., according to Caltrans spokesperson Steve Nelson.

It was 30 percent contained as of 4:28 p.m. and the fire has not spread forward since personnel began responding. A few structures were damaged, McLean said, but investigators have not released any additional details at this time.