Fire Near Ramona Closes Highway 67

POWAY, CA — Highway 67 was shut down and homes were threatened by a brush fire sparked by a vehicle fire Friday afternoon on the roadway northeast of Poway, near Ramona.

The so-called Rock Fire broke out just after 2:30 p.m. near Rockhouse Road and spread to 20 acres, according to Cal Fire-San Diego.

At one point, the fire was an immediate threat to homes. Nearby residents were advised to evacuate to a temporary shelter at Ramona Branch Library, and take their large animals to the Ramona Fairgrounds.

But as of 6:15 p.m., evacuation orders were lifted as the fire was remapped at 20 acres — down from 30 as officials previously believed — and was 5 percent contained, according to Cal Fire-San Diego Capt. Kendal Bortisser.

"Multiple resources are fighting the fire from the air and from the ground," Bortisser said.

Earlier, as the fire spread, a SigAlert was issued and State Route 67 was shut down in both directions between Poway Road and Archie Moore Road, according to the California Highway Patrol.

But at 6:45 p.m., as crews stopped the forward rate of spread, Caltrans reported that northbound 67 was reopened at Poway Road; however southbound 67 remained closed at Archie Moore.

This is a developing story. Refresh the page for updates as more information is gathered.

Do you see flames or smoke from the fire? Share your photos by sending them to maggie.avants@patch.com.