Cal Fire San Diego says crews are making progress on the “Posta 3 Fire” that started around 2:30 pm. Hundreds were evacuated and several roads remain closed on Monday night. NBC 7’s Dave Summers checks in with those affected by the fire.
What to Know: Posta 3 Fire
- Acres: The fire has burned 413 acres; 100% containment
- Evacuations: Evacuation orders and warnings have been lifted
All evacuation orders, warnings and road closures for the Campo area in San Diego's East County were lifted Tuesday as firefighters worked to contain the Posta 3 Fire, authorities said.
The fast-moving blaze, located off La Posta Road near Old Highway 80, broke out around 2:30 p.m. on Monday. Nearly an hour later, the fire had burned more than 75 acres, according to Cal Fire San Diego.
The fire kept growing until it reached approximately 350 acres at 6:40 p.m. That's when fire officials said the fire activity had lessened significantly. By 9:30 p.m., the fire was 10% contained, Cal Fire said.
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Overnight, crews increased progress by creating a perimeter and focusing on hot spots, Cal Fire said. The fire's forward rate was stopped and the spread was contained at 25%.
After making progress throughout the day on Tuesday, Cal Fire said in its final update that the fire was 413 acres and 100% contained at around 6:15 p.m.
Local
Although the fire was still burning Tuesday evening, authorities said "there is no threat to the public" and lifted the evacuation orders and warnings that were impacting between 200 and 250 people, according to the county's estimates. The latest evacuation information can be found here.
A shelter was established at the Golden Acorn Casino, where members of the American Red Cross were providing assistance. People were able to drop off large animals at the San Diego County Animal Shelter at 5821 Sweetwater Road in Bonita, SDSO said.
Several road closures also impacted the area, but the roads were back open by Tuesday evening.
Two people were hurt, but Cal Fire did not provide details about their injuries or conditions.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.
SkyRanger 7 was over the fire in its early hours, showing large flames that were sending black smoke into the sky.
CalFire sent multiple crews on the ground and by air. Two air tankers dropped thousands of gallons of fire retardant, while other fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters made several water drops. Hand crews were seen marching up the hill to dig trenches near where the fire appeared to begin to prevent it from spreading.
NBC 7 meteorologist Greg Bledsoe described Monday's weather conditions in the area as hot, dry and breezy. At around 4:30 p.m., the nearest weather stations showed that it was 88 degrees with 17% relative humidity and 25 mph wind gusts.
Those gusts drove the fire east northeast, and in its path were at least a dozen homes. Officials said nearby structures were at risk.
Residents off Kitchen Creek Road had little time to act. After hearing the sirens, Adam Caton checked the security camera views along his property.
"I quickly ran out. It was moving fast," Caton told NBC 7. "It was insanity."
Rebecca Gonzales says she's lived in the area for 10 years, but this was her first experience with wildfire.
"It was big, and it was scary," Gonzales said. "It was getting close to my house. That's all I know, and I had to get out of there."
Jeff Haas was packing up to evacuate when he spoke with NBC 7. He made sure his truck, camper, wife and dog were ready to go and headed out before the fire cleared the ridge just west of the family's home.
"We're prepared, so we are ready to go at any time," Haas said. "It's an inconvenience, but it's better than losing your life."
This is a developing story that will be updated as more information arrives.
