Fire Burns 900 Acres, Prompts Evacuations In North San Diego County

SAN DIEGO COUNTY, CA — Crews continued to work Thursday to contain a wildfire that scorched hundreds of acres and prompted evacuations in northeastern San Diego County.

As of Thursday morning the blaze, called the Grove 2 Fire, has burned 900 acres and was 10% contained, according to Cal Fire. Evacuation orders and warnings remained in place.

The fire sparked at 1:12 p.m. Wednesday northeast of Sunshine Summit, north of Oak Grove and east of Palomar Mountain, according to Cal Fire. Crews fought the flames from the ground and aboard air tankers and water-dropping helicopters.

Two firefighters suffered minor injuries Wednesday while working to corral the blaze, Cal Fire Capt. Mike Cornette said. No structures have been damaged.

Evacuation orders and warnings were issued for residents in Chihuahua Valley. (See the map here.)

A temporary shelter was opened at Warner Junior/Senior High School at 30951 Highway 79 in Warner Springs. Small animals were being accepted at the location.

Large animals were being accepted at Ramona High School at 1401 Hanson Lane in Ramona.

Highway 79 was closed at Chihuahua Valley Road due to the fire.

Investigators determined the fire was caused by lightning, Cal Fire said.

City News Service contributed to this report.