Brush fire near Campo threatens buildings, prompts evacuations – NBC 7 San Diego

Firefighters were expected to work overnight to reinforce control lines.

The county estimated evacuation orders and warnings were in effect, affecting between 200 and 250 people. The most current evacuation information can be found here.

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A shelter was set up at the Golden Acorn Casino, where members of the American Red Cross provided assistance. Large animals may be dropped off at the San Diego County Animal Shelter at 5821 Sweetwater Road in Bonita, the San Diego County Sheriff's Department said.

The sheriff's department said the following roads were closed: Crestwood Road at Old Highway 80; Church Road at SR-94; Old Highway 80 at Church Road; Old Highway 80 at La Posta Road; and La Posta Road 1/2 mile south of Old Highway 80.

Officials said nearby buildings were at risk.

Two people were injured, but Cal Fire did not provide information about their injuries or condition.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

The Posta 3 Fire on La Posta Road near Old Highway 80 broke out around 2:30 p.m

SkyRanger 7 was over the fire in the early hours of the morning and showed large flames sending black smoke into the sky.

CalFire sent multiple crews on the ground and in the air. Two air tankers dropped thousands of gallons of fire retardant, while other fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters produced multiple water droplets. Hand crews were seen marching up the hill to dig trenches near the fire site to prevent the fire from spreading.

NBC 7 meteorologist Greg Bledsoe described Monday's weather conditions in the area as hot, dry and windy. At around 4:30 p.m., the nearest weather stations reported 88 degrees with 17% relative humidity and wind gusts of 25 miles per hour.

These gusts pushed the fire east and northeast, striking at least a dozen homes in its path.

Kitchen Creek Road residents barely had time to act. After hearing the sirens, Adam Caton checked the security cameras along his property.

“I ran out quickly. It happened quickly,” Caton told NBC 7. “It was crazy.”

Rebecca Gonzales said she has lived in the area for 10 years, but this was her first experience with wildfires.

“It was big and it was scary,” Gonzales said. “It came very close to my house. That’s all I know and I had to get out of there.”

Jeff Haas was packing for evacuation when he spoke to NBC 7. He made sure his truck, RV, wife and dog were ready to go and headed out before the fire destroyed the ridge west of the family home.

“We are prepared, so we are ready to go at any time,” said Haas. “It's an inconvenience, but it's better than losing your life.”

This is a developing story that will be updated as more information arrives.