Families Fear Worst After Applegate Fire Threatens Homes

WEIMAR (CBS13) — Weimar neighbors can hear the air assaults but they can't see how close the fire is from their homes.

The Applegate Fire stretched past 400 acres. Eastbound Interstate 80 finally reopened on Thursday evening.

Charles Hedger left Wednesday, minutes after it started.

"I was watching the smoke all around," said Hedger, who lives on Swanson Lane. "I jumped in my truck and drove around just checking and checking. Next thing I know I hear mandatory evacuation."

Now he's not allowed back in. Deputies and California Highway Patrol blocked access to several roads leading into the neighborhood near where the Apple Gate Fire burns in the canyon.

Media was granted access to the neighborhood and CBS13 reported back to Hedger that his home and his donkey named Clementine were alright.

A few miles up the road, however, the fire burns in the canyon.  Cal Fire warns that if it crosses the fire line or Cod Creek, every home there is in its way.

"If the winds were to shift and the fire was moving real fast, it'll very difficult to have people evacuate at that point," said Placer County Sheriff's Sgt. Dave Hunt.

Within 20 minutes, there were 5 helicopter water drops and two fire retardant drops by large DC-10 planes in a continuous assault to stop flames from reaching homes and the donkey, Clementine.

Cal Fire said it's hopeful to have the Apple Gate Fire surrounded and stopped from moving forward by nightfall.