Border Fire Update: 5 Homes Destroyed, Some Evacuations Lifted as Firefight Continues

[Photo by Kevin Pack/CAL FIRE-San Diego Unit]

San Diego County, CA — Evacuation orders that have been in effect since Sunday when the Border Fire broke out were lifted Wednesday afternoon for the greater Potrero community.

The residents were forced to flee their homes as the massive wildfire grew to 6,723 acres in size. As of Wednesday evening, the fire was 20 percent contained.

Flames initially broke out at 11 a.m. Sunday near the junction of Highway 94 and Highway 188 in the sparsely-populated Potrero area. The wildfire has since destroyed five homes and 12 outbuildings, damaged another home and is still threatening 200 homes and other structures on rural land in southeastern San Diego County near the U.S.-Mexico border.

Although Cal Fire-San Diego lifted its evacuation orders for west Potrero at 4 p.m. Wednesday for residents and 6 p.m. for the general public, the fire still remains a threat for several communities in the area.

"Fire is currently burning around the SDG&E power link," officials with Cal Fire-San Diego said in an update at 7 p.m. Wednesday. "The fire still remains a threat to the communities of Lake Morena Village, Campo as well as the outlying recreational assets as the fire continues to move north and northeast."

The affected area where the evacuation order was lifted lies west of Potrero Valley Road at Potrero Valley, west of the General Store located at 25125 Highway 94, including both north and south sides of Highway 94. Also included is the Potrero County Park.

"We are doing everything we can to accommodate civilians and get people back into their homes as soon as possible," officials said.

Residents were asked to drive slowly. Traffic and lane controls will be in effect, as numerous crews and equipment are working in and around the roadways.

"Only residents affected within this area, with proper identification, will be allowed back in," officials said. "All other evacuation orders and warnings will remain in effect."

Mandatory evacuation orders are in effect for Forrest Gate, Star Ranch, Cowboy Ranch, Dog Patch, Canyon City and Lake Morena.

Areas under warning of evacuation include: Campo and in the greater Potrero community west of Potrero Valley Road at Potrero Valley, west of the General Store located at 25125 Highway 94 — including both sides of Highway 94. Also included is the Potrero County Park.

"Part of the community of Potrero was repopulated at 4 this afternoon," officials said. "This is still a dynamic and active fire; residents in the surrounding area of the fire should continue to be prepared to evacuate if need be."

Capt. Kendal Bortisser of Cal Fire-San Diego was not able to immediately disclose the locations of the destroyed homes because the residents must be notified first, he said.

An evacuation order is also in effect for residents within the boundaries of: Big Potrero Truck Trail / Hauser Creek Road to the south, west of Buckman Springs Road from Lake Morena Drive to Morena Valley Road, Morena Stokes Valley Road (Corral Canyon) at Sky Valley Ranch (Sky Valley Road) to the west and Morena/Stokes Valley Road (Corral Canyon) at Buckman Springs Road to the east.

The designated evacuation center is located at Los Coches Creek Middle School, 9669 Dunbar Lane in the Blossom Valley community of El Cajon. Residents were told they may also bring their pets there.

Record-breaking high temperatures early this week complicated the firefight and caused three crew members to suffer heat-related injuries, but relief was in sight Wednesday for the 1,907 firefighters assigned to the blaze.

"Fire resources continue to arrive to aid in firefighting efforts," officials said.

The firefighting effort includes 50 hand crews, 184 engines, 24 water tenders, 18 helicopters, four air tankers and 11 bulldozers.

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The latest road closure information is as follows: Potrero Valley Road is closed at Potrero Valley; Highway 94 is closed just west of 25140 Highway 94; Highway 94 is closed west of Buckman Springs Road; and Buckman Springs Road is closed at Old Buckman Springs.

The blaze has also closed the Pacific Crest Trail in Campo.

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