Wildfire Burns Hundreds Of Acres, Forces Evacuations In East County

SAN DIEGO, CA — A car fire that spread to nearby brush burned hundreds of acres, prompted evacuations and threatened homes Monday in rural southeastern San Diego County.

The blaze, called the McCain Fire, started at 3:34 p.m. on westbound Interstate 8 at McCain Valley Road, near Boulevard, according to Cal Fire.

• UPDATE: McCain Fire Grows To 1,000 Acres, 5% Contained In East County

The fire was spreading at a moderate rate, Cal Fire said. As of 5:15 p.m., the blaze had scorched 100 acres and had the potential to grow to 1,000 acres.

By 5:45 p.m., the fire grew to 714 acres. As of 6:20 p.m., the now 903-acre fire was threatening 150 structures in the area, according to Cal Fire. The fire was 0% contained.

Firefighters battled the flames on the ground and aboard air tankers and water-dropping helicopters, Cal Fire said. A total of 150 firefighting personnel, 20 engines, four crews, four helicopters, two water tenders, one dozer and 10 other resources were assigned to the fire.

"Over 150 firefighters from multiple agencies remain assigned and actively engaged," Cal Fire said on X, formerly known as Twitter.

Authorities evacuated DeAnza Springs Resort, an RV campground in Jacumba Hot Springs.

Evacuation orders were also issued for Zones SDC-2335, SDC-2336, SDC-2337 , SDC-2411. Evacuation warnings were issued for Zones SDC-2487, SDC-2412, SDC-2413. (See the map for evacuation orders and warnings here.)

A temporary evacuation point was established at Golden Acorn Casino at 1800 Golden Acorn Way in Campo.

"If you are in the fire area and feel threatened, don't wait — leave immediately," Cal Fire said.

All westbound I-8 lanes west of Carrizo Gorge were closed, according to Caltrans.

• Also see: Crews Contain Fire Near Lake Morena In San Diego County