Note from the editor: This story is still developing and we will provide updates as more information becomes available.
On Wednesday, an uncontrolled wildfire ravaged the hilly open terrain in the rural northeastern region of San Diego County. Although it charred hundreds of acres, there were no immediate structural threats reported.
Cal Fire reported that a fire ignited at around 1 p.m. in the Sunshine Summit vicinity, situated to the north of Oak Grove and to the east of Palomar Mountain.
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According to Mike Cornette, a fire captain with the state agency, ground crews and personnel aboard air tankers and water-dropping helicopters worked relentlessly to contain the blaze that had already charred about 400 acres within just four hours. The fire was spreading towards the southeast direction, and the team’s primary focus was to prevent it from growing any further.
According to the spokesman, as of 5:15 PM, the homes in Chihuahua Valley, located approximately four miles away from the burn zone, were the closest structures to the fire.
The San Diego County Sheriff’s Department has issued an evacuation order for the affected areas, as confirmed by their released map. In light of this, a temporary evacuation point has been established at Warner Springs High School, located at 30951 Highway-79, Warner Springs.
Cornette reported that two firefighters sustained minor injuries while attempting to control the fire.
It remains uncertain what caused the fire, but there were reports of lightning in the vicinity prior to its outbreak, according to the spokesperson.
