Somerset, CA (January 2, 2025) – A devastating fire claimed the lives of two individuals Wednesday morning in El Dorado County. The blaze occurred near the 7000 block of Mt. Aukum Road in Somerset, prompting a swift response from the El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office, Pioneer Fire District, and Cal Fire crews.
The fire, reported at approximately 3:50 a.m., engulfed a home in a mobile home park. Crews arriving at the scene received reports of multiple people inside the home. Tragically, two victims were found deceased within the structure.
Deputy Chief Ken Earle of the Pioneer Fire District highlighted the challenges faced during the firefight. “Limited access to water in the mobile home park made this fire particularly difficult to combat,” Earle said. “When they mounted their fire attack, the amount of flames forced them to retreat after a short time due to running out of water. The lack of water access prevented crews from reaching the victims in time.”
It took firefighters approximately an hour to extinguish the blaze. The exact cause of the fire remains under investigation, and no additional information about the victims has been released.
Safety Challenges in Remote Areas
Fires in rural areas like Somerset often pose unique challenges for first responders. Limited water supplies, narrow access routes, and the rapid spread of flames in isolated regions can hinder firefighting efforts. Ensuring access to water and resources in these areas is critical to improving response times and outcomes during emergencies.
Steps for Fire Safety
Residents in rural and mobile home parks are encouraged to maintain clear access for emergency vehicles and ensure fire hydrants or water sources are easily accessible. Installing smoke detectors and creating an emergency evacuation plan can also help reduce risks during a fire.
Our hearts go out to the families and friends of the victims affected by this tragic event. Further updates will be provided as investigations into the cause of the fire continue.