Border Fire: Firefighters Injured, More Evacuations Under Way As Blaze Scorches 7,500 Acres

[Photos of Border Fire by Ed Sherman/Used with permission]

San Diego County, CA — More residents were under evacuation orders Monday and hikers were advised to stay off the Pacific Coast Trail as the Border Fire near Tecate in East County grew to 7,500 acres.

Ranchers and all other residents of approximately 200 homes in Potrero were evacuated Sunday from the wildfire that broke out at about 11 a.m. at Highway 188 and Highway 94, just north of Tecate Junction — about 45 miles from downtown San Diego, not far from the U.S.-Mexico Border.

Officials with the Cleveland National Forest said Monday afternoon that the Border Fire "is burning near and may impact the southern Pacific Crest Trail. Hikers are advised to stay off the PCT near Campo."

As crews battle the flames amid soaring temperatures, three firefighters have suffered heat-related injuries, according to Cal Fire.

"Triple-digit temperatures and single-digit humidity is creating extreme fire behavior and increased activity is being experienced," the state fire agency said.

Four outbuildings have been lost in the wildland fire that as of mid-Monday was 5-percent contained.

• Border Fire in San Diego County Grows to 1,500 Acres

Forty-four residents stayed overnight at an American Red Cross-managed evacuation center at Campo Elementary School.

Just after noon on Monday, Cal Fire ordered mandatory evacuations for the communities of Potrero, Forest Gate, Star Ranch, Cowboy Ranch, Dog Patch and Canyon City — bringing the total number of evacuees to 400.

The location of the evacuation center was changed Monday to Los Coches Creek Middle School, 9669 Dunbar Lane in El Cajon.

State Route 94 is closed from Highway 188/Tecate Road to Mountain Empire RV Park (29146 Highway 94), according to the San Diego County Sheriff's Department, which is continuing to assist firefighters.

Evacuees who also need to remove their large animals such as horses can take them to:

• Circle T Ranch at 24215 Viejas Grade Road in Descanso. Owners must care for their animals' needs while at the ranch. (San Diego Humane Society)
• U.S. Border Patrol Boulevard Station at 2463 Ribbonwood Road, Boulevard (County Department of Animal Services)

The fire was threatening an elementary school, two fire stations, a post office and transmission lines in the area.

Classes at Mountain Empire Unified School District campuses were suspended Monday due to the blaze, district officials said.

The blaze also caused power outages impacting more than 1,000 homes and businesses in Potrero and in the nearby communities of Campo and Dulzura, according to San Diego Gas & Electric. Service was expected to be restored to most of the addresses by early Monday evening.

Fire crews from agencies throughout San Diego County across Southern California are helping fight the fire.

• Orange County Fire Authority's Trabuco Canyon Strike Team Assisting Border Fire Crew

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency authorized the use late Sunday of federal funds to assist the state of California battle the wildland fire — meaning up to 75 percent of eligible firefighting costs can be recouped from the federal government. Eligible costs can include expenses for field camps; equipment use, repair and replacement; tools; materials; supplies and mobilization; and demobilization activities, according to FEMA.

Residents from across San Diego County — from the mountains to the bay — reported seeing smoke Monday from the fire.

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

Can you see the fire or smoke? Share your photos of the Border Fire by sending them to maggie.avants@patch.com.

— City News Service contributed to this report.