Wildfire Burns Hundreds Of Acres, Forces Evacuations In Ramona

RAMONA, CA — A fast-moving wildfire threatened homes, forced evacuations and prompted road closures Wednesday in Ramona as crews worked to contain the blaze amid scorching summer temperatures, officials said.

The blaze, called the Creelman Fire, sparked shortly before 3 p.m. Wednesday in the 300 block of Creelman Lane in Ramona, according to Cal Fire. In a little more than an hour, the fire had grown to 80 acres and was 0% contained.

As of 4:36 p.m., the fire had scorched 315 acres and remained 0% contained.

The San Diego County Sheriff's Office issued evacuation orders and warnings for residents in the area.

Evacuation orders were issued for zones SDC-1168, SDC-1169, SDC-1242, SDC-1243, SDC-1244, SDC-1245 and SDC-1246. Evacuation warnings were issued for zones SDC-1166, SDC-1167, SDC-1241, SDC-1246, SDC-1248 and SCD-1249.

A temporary evacuation center was established at Ramona High School at 1401 Hanson Lane in Ramona. Large animals can be taken to the Ramona Rodeo at 421 Aqua Lane.

Authorities closed Vista Ramona Road at Old Julian Highway, as well as San Vincente Road at Wildcat Canyon Road.

The fire sparked amid a heat wave in the region. An extreme heat warning is in effect until 8 p.m. Monday for the county deserts, while a heat advisory is in effect until 8 p.m. Monday for the inland valleys and mountains, according to the National Weather Service.

The cause of the fire was under investigation.

Also see:

• Ramona Fire: See Creelman Fire Perimeter, Evacuation Map
• Smoke From Creelman Fire Prompts Air Quality Advisory For Parts Of San Diego County