Black Fire: 46-Acre Brush Fire Near Ramona 50 Percent Contained

CLEVELAND NATIONAL FOREST (CNS) - A 46-acre brush fire in eastern San Diego County was 50 percent contained after forcing the temporary evacuation of three homes Sunday afternoon near the Mesa Grande Reservation northeast of Ramona, according to Cal Fire officials.

The so-called Black Fire broke out at about 12:50 p.m. near the intersection of Black Canyon Road and Mesa Grande Road, according to Capt. Issac Sanchez. The fire was dubbed the Black Fire due to its origin being near Black Canyon Road.

It was originally thought to be about 75 acres in size, but better mapping techniques revised that estimate down to 46 acres, with the forward spread having been stopped, Sanchez said.

At least 20 fire engines, four fixed-wing firefighting airplanes and four helicopters from Cal Fire and the U.S. Forest Service were fighting the fire as of mid-afternoon.

There was no estimate for when the fire might be contained, Sanchez said.

By City News Service / Image via Shutterstock