Wildfire In Campo Prompts Evacuations, Major San Diego Freeway Closures

CAMPO, CA — A wildfire burned through hundreds of acres Tuesday in Campo in southeastern San Diego County, threatening back-country homes, prompting evacuations and forcing the closure of Interstate 8.

The blaze, called the Tusil Fire, broke out around 1 p.m. in the 37000 block of Tusil Road, north of I-8, according to Cal Fire.

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Fire officials said the blaze was burning in light to moderate brush and threatening nearby structures. Within about an hour, the fire had spread over the grounds of Campo Indian Reservation, charred 30 acres and was moving toward I-8.

By 4:15 p.m., the fire had grown to 500 acres and was 10% contained. Shortly after 5 p.m., officials reported the blaze had spread to 550 acres and crossed I-8.

Cal Fire increased the estimated burn area to 1,000 acres shortly before 8 p.m.

The San Diego County Sheriff's Office issued evacuation orders and warnings for neighborhoods near the burn area. View the map here.

A temporary evacuation point was established at Golden Acorn Casino at 1800 Golden Acorn Way in Campo.

The California Highway Patrol closed westbound I-8 at Crestwood Road and eastbound I-8 at Kitchen Creek Road due to the fire. Traffic was being diverted to Old Highway 80. A SigAlert was issued for the area.

Authorities advised the public to avoid the area as ground crews and aircraft worked to contain the blaze.

"Motorists should continue to expect significant delays, use alternate routes when possible, and remain alert for emergency personnel operating in the area," the CHP El Cajon Area Office posted on X.

The cause of the fire remained under investigation.