100-Acre Fire Sparks Near Safari Park, Prompts Evacuations

SAN PASQUAL VALLEY, CA – A fast-moving brush fire broke out Monday in northern San Diego County, scorching dozens of acres and prompting evacuations in the area.

The blaze, called the Cloverdale Fire, sparked shortly before 3 p.m. along San Pasqual Valley Road at state Route 78, just west of the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, near Escondido. The fire burned 100 acres and was 15 percent contained by Monday evening, according to Cal Fire and the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department. Firefighters have stopped the forward rate of spread.

One firefighter was injured in the fire, which was fought from the ground and the air. San Diego Gas & Electric's Aircrane was also dispatched to help firefighters extinguish the blaze.

Authorities evacuated homes in the area of the 14400 blocks and 21200 blocks of San Pasqual Valley Road in Escondido, according to the San Diego County Sheriff's Department. An evacuation warning was also issued for residents on Rockwood and Brillwood Hill roads as well as residents near the intersection of San Pasqual Valley Road and SR-78.

A temporary evacuation center was established at San Pasqual High School at 3300 Bear Valley Parkway for evacuated residents and animals, according to the county.

All evacuation orders and warnings were lifted by 8:45 p.m., officials said.

The San Diego Zoo Safari Park closed early due to the fire.

"The park is not threatened but we are exercising due diligence to protect animals, staff and guests," park officials said on Twitter.

All lanes of SR-78 were closed between east of the Safari Park and Cloverdale Road, according to Caltrans. Officials advised the public to avoid the area.

Smoke was visible from miles away and could be seen from the National Weather Service's San Diego office in Rancho Bernardo. The NWS reported that the blaze jumped SR-78 and was headed northeast.

The blaze was the third fire to break out in the San Pasqual Valley area in recent weeks. The Rangeland Fire scorched 250 acres and threatened structures last week in Ramona. The Pasqual Fire blackened 365 acres and prompted evacuations late July in San Pasqual Valley.

Also see:

• Pasqual Fire Prompts Evacuations, Closes SR-78
• Fire Burns 250 Acres, Threatens Structures In Ramona