(This story has been updated to add new information.)
A wildfire near Campo, an unincorporated community near the U.S.-Mexico border in San Diego County, quickly grew to 699 acres Wednesday evening and crossed Interstate 8, threatening structures and prompting evacuations, according to Cal Fire.
The Thorn Fire was reported July 15 near 2500 Buckthorn Trail, close to Clover Trail. It expanded from an initial 8 to 10 acres to 50 acres and crossed Interstate 8 by 5 p.m., then reached 699 acres and was 0% contained by 6:40 p.m.
The fire continues to burn at a moderate to dangerous rate of spread, and it poses an immediate threat to structures, Cal Fire’s San Diego Unit said.
About 130 San Diego Gas & Electric customers near Live Oak Springs were without power as of 3:43 p.m., with service expected to be restored by 9 p.m.
Incident commanders requested 10 engines, four hand crews and two bulldozers, according to Watch Duty, a free app that offers free real-time wildfire updates by drawing from firefighters’ radio traffic and other sources. Two additional air tankers and a helicopter were also requested.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.
Thorn Fire evacuations
Evacuation orders and warnings remained in effect for the Thorn Fire as of 6:49 p.m. Wednesday.
The following zones were under evacuation orders:
Evacuation warnings, which indicate a potential threat to life and property, were also issued for the following zones:
Evacuation zones can change quickly during a wildfire. Residents can use Genasys Protect at protect.genasys.com or through its mobile app to monitor real-time emergency alerts. To better understand an evacuation zone, tap it on the map to see the streets and landmarks used to define the warning or order.
A temporary evacuation point has been established at the Golden Acorn Casino, located at 1800 Golden Acorn Way in Campo.
Thorn Fire road closures
Eastbound Interstate 8 is closed at Crestwood Road and westbound Interstate 8 is closed at State Route 94/ Ribbon Road — both “for an unknown duration,” according to Caltrans.
Drivers were advised by the California Highway Patrol to use Old Highway 80 as an alternate route and use caution as emergency vehicles and fire responders accessed the fire.
Thorn Fire weather report
An extreme heat warning remained in effect until 8 p.m. Thursday for the San Diego County mountains and valleys. The National Weather Service forecast highs from the mid-90s to 102 degrees in the valleys and overnight lows in the upper 60s and lower 70s.
A smoke advisory was also issued for Live Oak Springs, Boulevard, Tierra del Sol, McCain Valley and nearby communities in southeastern San Diego County.
Smoke from the Thorn Fire was expected to move east and south Wednesday evening, with winds expected to ease overnight. Winds could shift early Thursday and carry the smoke north, the San Diego County Air Pollution Control District said.
Air quality in areas with heavy smoke could range from unhealthy for sensitive groups to unhealthy for everyone. Residents who smell smoke should limit their outdoor activity and remain indoors when possible — especially children, older adults and people with heart or respiratory conditions.
This is a developing story.
Jennifer Cortez covers education and breaking news in the Coachella Valley. Reach her at jennifer.cortez@desertsun.com.
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: Thorn Fire grows to 699 acres, prompting evacuations in San Diego County
Reporting by Jennifer Cortez, Palm Springs Desert Sun / Palm Springs Desert Sun
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Jennifer Cortez, Palm Springs Desert Sun | USA TODAY Network
