Valley Fire: 17,345 Acres Burned, 11 Homes Destroyed

EAST COUNTY, CA — Crews continue to work to contain a Santa Ana-driven wildfire that has scorched thousands of acres and prompted widespread evacuations in eastern San Diego County.

The blaze, called the Valley Fire, sparked amid record-breaking temperatures Saturday off Japatul and Carveacre roads in Japatul Valley, southeast of Alpine. As of Tuesday morning, the fire has burned 17,345 acres and destroyed 11 residences and 25 outbuildings, according to Cal Fire.

Two people have suffered injuries, officials said. It was not immediately clear if the victims were firefighters or civilians. As of Tuesday morning, the fire remained only 3 percent contained.

Cal Fire reported that 593 firefighters were assigned to the blaze Tuesday. Resources included 82 engines, 14 helicopters, eight air tankers, eight water tenders and four bulldozers.

Among the imminently threatened communities in the county were the back-country towns of Carveacre, Lawson Valley, Wood Valley, Lyons Valley and Deer Horn Valley, as well as Sycuan Indian Reservation.

As the inferno spread, Gov. Gavin Newsom on Sunday declared a state of emergency for the county, freeing up federal relief funds.

The cause of the fire was under investigation.

Evacuation Orders and Warnings

Orders:

• Barrett Lake Dam
• Corte Madera Ranch south of Pine Valley
• Corral Canyon
• Los Pinos
• Areas west of the intersection of Japatul and Lyons Valley roads
• Lyons Valley Road
• Areas out to Morena Reservoir
• Carveacre

Warnings:

• Lake Morena
• Dulzura
• Dog Patch
• Portrero
• Campo
• Honey Springs
• Barrett Junction
• Deerhorn Valley
• Corte Madera
• Pine Valley
• Area from Lyons/Japatul Road to Highway 8

View the evacuation map for the evacuation order and warning locations.

Evacuation Centers

Evacuation centers have been opened at El Capitan High School at 10410 Ashwood Street in Lakeside and Steele Canyon High School at 12440 Campo Road in Spring Valley. The evacuation center at Joan McQueen Middle School has been closed due to capacity and sheltering needs, according to the county.

The County Animal Services South Shelter at 5821 Sweetwater Road in Bonita was serving as a temporary evacuation point for large animals.

Road Closures

• Japatul Road and Lyons Valley Road/Japatul Valley Road
• Japatul Road at Tavern Road/Dehesa Road
• Lyons Valley Road and Honey Springs Road
• Wisecarver Lane at Wisecarver Truck Trail
• Skyline Truck Trail and Lawson Valley
• Japatul Road at Via Asoleado (also at Sequan Truck Trail)
• Corral Canyon at Buckman Springs (Buckman Springs was open)
• High Glen Road
• Hidden Glen Road

Other Closures

The U.S. Forest Service closed Cleveland National Forest. Eight national forests were closed across the state due to ongoing fire danger, including Angeles National Forest, San Bernardino National Forest, Los Padres National Forest, Inyo National Forest, Sequoia National Forest, Sierra National Forest and Stanislaus National Forest.

Weather Conditions

The National Weather Service issued a red flag warning due to gusty winds and low humidity. The red flag warning will be in effect from noon Tuesday until 8 p.m. Wednesday in the county mountains and valleys.

Also see: Gusty Winds, Low Humidity Raise Risk Of Fires In San Diego County

Air Conditions

The San Diego County Pollution Control District issued an alert, stating that air quality levels were unhealthy in parts of the region due to the conflagration. The agency advised people to limit outdoor activities until the smoky conditions dissipate.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE:

• Valley Fire: Two Firefighters Injured; More Residents Flee
• Valley Fire: 5,350 Acres Burn; Crews Work In Triple Digit Weather
• Fast Spreading Valley Fire Prompts Evacuations In Japatul Valley

City News Service contributed to this report.