Valley Fire: 17,565​ Acres Burned, 37 Structures Destroyed

SAN DIEGO COUNTY, CA — Crews continue to work to subdue a wildfire that has scorched thousands of acres and forced widespread evacuations in rural eastern San Diego County.

The blaze, called the Valley Fire, sparked amid record-breaking temperatures Saturday afternoon off Japatul and Carveacre roads in Japatul Valley, southeast of Alpine, according to Cal Fire. As of Wednesday morning, the fire was 11 percent contained and remained at 17,565 acres after the expected strong Santa Ana winds did not materialize Tuesday night and kept the flames from spreading.

The fire has destroyed 20 "habitable structures," plus 17 minor structures, Cal Fire reported. Nine other structures have been damaged. Two people have suffered injuries.

A total of 687 firefighters were assigned to the blaze Wednesday, including 164 overhead personnel. Resources included 93 engines, 14 helicopters, eight air tankers, eight water tenders and five bulldozers.

The cause of the fire was under investigation.

The county has established a recovery hotline and email to help those affected by the Valley Fire. The recovery hotline is 858-715-2200, and the recovery email is ValleyFireRecovery@sdcounty.ca.gov.

Evacuation Orders and Warnings

Orders:

• Carveacre
• Corte Madera Ranch
• Japatul Valley
• Lawson Valley
• Lyons Valley
• WiseCarver

Warnings:

• Descanso
• Pine Valley

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

Evacuation Centers

• El Capitan High School at 10410 Ashwood Street in Lakeside
• Steele Canyon High School at 12440 Campo Road in Spring Valley

Animal Evacuation Shelters

• Small animals: County Animal Services South Shelter at 5821 Sweetwater Road in Bonita
• Large animals: Iron Oak Canyon Ranch at 12310 Campo Road in Spring Valley
• Horses: Lakeside Rodeo Arena at 12584 Mapleview St.
• Due to COVID-19 safety precautions, all animal shelters are drop-off only. Owners cannot participate in animal care.
• For help evacuating animals: 619-236-2341

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, Inyo National Forest, Los Padres National Forest, San Bernardino 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 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 said 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: 17,345 Acres Burned, 11 Homes Destroyed
• 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