Hope Fire: Brush Fire Burns 35 Acres, Damages Home In Ramona

RAMONA, CA – A brush fire sparked Thursday in Ramona, scorching nearly three dozen acres, causing minor damage to one home, threatening others and prompting evacuation warnings before crews got the flames under control. The blaze, called the Hope Fire, broke out near Hope and Main streets, according to Cal Fire.

Preliminary reports indicated the blaze was sparked around 11:30 a.m. by a fire that engulfed a big rig, according to the California Highway Patrol's incident log. A Sig-alert was issued about 15 minuted later as authorities closed sections of state Route 67.

About 150 firefighters battled the flames, including crews from Cal Fire, Barona Fire Department, Viejas Fire Department and Lakeside Fire Protection District.

Fire officials issued evacuation warnings for residents along Etcheverry Street and Etcheverry Place, south of SR-67. By 12:45 p.m., all evacuation warnings had been lifted, according to Cal Fire. The fire burned 35 acres and was 35 percent contained. No injuries were reported.

Authorities initially closed southbound SR-67 at Hope Street and northbound SR-67 at Dye Street, according to Caltrans. As of 12:30 p.m., southbound SR-67 and Dye Road had reopened. Northbound SR-67 at Dye Road remained closed. Motorists were being detoured via Dye Road to Ramona Street to Warnock Drive.

Ettcheverry Road was also closed between Raymond Avenue and San Diego Avenue, according to the county's Department of Public Works. Boundary Avenue was closed at Hunter Street. Officials advised the public to avoid the area.

Fire crews were expected to remain in the area into the evening hours, working to fully surround the charred terrain and snuffing out hot spots.

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