Brush fire breaks out near Rancho Bernardo
SAN DIEGO — San Diego Fire-Rescue crews battled a multi-acre brush fire that broke out near the Interstate 15 through Rancho Bernardo.
The fire, named the Escala Fire, was reported just before 2:30 p.m. near the intersection of Escala Drive and Chretien Court, SDFD said in an incident report.
As of 5:10 p.m., the fire is 90% contained, according to fire officials. Crews will remain at the scene for another five hours until the fire is fully extinguished.
Around 4 p.m., five acres had burned, moving at a slow rate of spread despite a heavy presence of vegetation fuel in the area.
A total of 52 personnel have been assigned, including five engines and two helicopters. At 3:44 p.m., SDFD called off the second aircraft.
‘Critical’ fire conditions possible in San Diego as Santa Ana winds pick up
A smoke advisory was issued by the North County Fire Protection District for the fire around 3:30 p.m.
Ten homes were evacuated near the brush fire, as well as one condo complex of sixteen units on Caminito Cantilena, SDFD said. However, as of 4:45 p.m., those residents were cleared to return to their homes.
Two northbound I-15 lanes at W Bernardo Drive were closed by California Highway Patrol as crews work to contain and extinguish the fire, fire crews added.
A SigAlert was issued in the incident, with anticipated delays of up to an hour.
The fire comes as the first significant Santa Ana wind event this year nears its peak in the region, contributing to “critical” fire conditions with widespread single-digit humidity.
A wind advisory issued for inland communities — including Escondido and Poway, which borders Rancho Bernardo — will remain in effect until 5 p.m. Wednesday.
During this time, winds are anticipated to reach 20 to 25 miles per hour with individual gusts of 40 to 50 miles per hour, NWS says.
FOX 5 has a crew headed to the scene. Check back for updates.
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