As Dave Jefferis was coming home from work Wednesday, he looked up and saw a plume of smoke rising in the direction of his home near Grass Valley.
"I couldn't get home fast enough to be sure to get protection around my property for any spot fires that blew over into my property," Jefferis said.
He was one of the more than 6,000 people under evacuation orders or warnings Wednesday evening for the River Fire, a fast-moving wildfire that broke out near Colfax earlier in the day. At least 35 buildings have already been confirmed damaged or destroyed in the area.
CapRadio Visual Journalist Andrew Nixon was in the fire zone and captured these photos.
A view from Mount Olive Road in Grass Valley during the River Fire on Wednesday, Aug. 4, 2021.Andrew Nixon / CapRadio
Dave Jefferis hands a flag he rescued from burning to his neighbor, Jim Marchio. Both stayed behind to defend their homes from the River Fire Wednesday, Aug. 4, 2021.Andrew Nixon / CapRadio
Chicago Park Elementary School in Grass Valley, covered in pink fire retardant to protect is from the River Fire,Andrew Nixon / CapRadio
A home in Grass Valley is engulfed in flames on Mount Olive Road during the River Fire on Wednesday, Aug. 4, 2021.Andrew Nixon / CapRadio
A home in Grass Valley is engulfed in flames on Mount Olive Road during the River Fire on Wednesday, Aug. 4, 2021.Andrew Nixon / CapRadio
An inmate fire crew defends homes from the River Fire Wednesday, Aug. 4, 2021.Andrew Nixon / CapRadio
Fire crews defend homes from the River Fire on Wednesday, Aug. 4, 2021.Andrew Nixon / CapRadio
The River Fire advances towards Highway 174 Aug. 4, 2021.Andrew Nixon / CapRadio
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