EL DORADO COUNTY, Calif. — An El Dorado County Sheriff's deputy saved an elderly couple from the Mosquito Fire.
According to the El Dorado County Sheriff's Office, the couple called in from the evacuated area along Volcanoville Road to say they were stuck inside the fire line with no way to escape.
With the couple's car disabled, a deputy drove through the flames and into the fire line to find them and their two dogs. However, before he was able to leave with them, the fire had jumped to both sides of the road and caused smoke to lower visibility in the area.
The sheriff's office said at one point the deputy had to stop, allowing the Mosquito Fire's flames to touch vehicle before winds were able to blow away the smoke. Once the smoke was gone, he was able to start driving again.
The deputy was ultimately able to drive the couple and their dogs to safety.
Watch video of the rescue below.
WILDFIRE PREPS
According to Cal Fire, the 2021 fire season started earlier than previous years, but also ended earlier, as well. January 2021 saw just under 1,200 acres burned from nearly 300 wildfires. Fires picked up in the summer when the Dixie Fire burned in five Northern California counties — Butte, Plumas, Shasta, Lassen and Tehama. The Dixie Fire started on July 13 and wasn't contained until Oct. 25, burning nearly 1 million acres. It has since become the second-largest wildfire in state history and the largest non-complex fire.
Overall, 2.5 million acres were burned in 2021 from 8,835 wildfires. Over 3,600 structures were destroyed and 3 people were killed.
If you live in a wildfire-prone zone, Cal Fire suggests creating a defensible space around your home. Defensible space is an area around a building in which vegetation and other debris are completely cleared. At least 100 feet is recommended.
The Department of Homeland Security suggests assembling an emergency kit that has important documents, N95 respirator masks, and supplies to grab with you if you’re forced to leave at a moment’s notice. The agency also suggests signing up for local warning system notifications and knowing your community’s evacuation plans best to prepare yourself and your family in cases of wildfires.
Some counties use Nixle alerts to update residents on severe weather, wildfires, and other news. To sign up, visit www.nixle.com or text your zip code to 888777 to start receiving alerts.
PG&E customers can also subscribe to alerts via text, email, or phone call. If you're a PG&E customer, visit the Profile & Alerts section of your account to register.
What questions do you have about the latest wildfires? If you're impacted by the wildfires, what would you like to know? Text the ABC10 team at (916) 321-3310.
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