What to Know: Posta 3 Fire
- Acres: The fire has burned 350 acres
- Evacuations: Evacuation orders and warnings are in place. A temporary evacuation point is at the Golden Acorn Casino. Large animals can be dropped off at the San Diego County Animal Shelter at 5821 Sweetwater Road in Bonita
- Road closures: Crestwood Road at Old Highway 80; Church Road at SR-94; Old Highway 80 at Church Road; Old Highway 80 at La Posta Road; La Posta Road 1/2 mile south of Old Highway 80
A brush fire north of Campo in San Diego's East County is burning with a "rapid rate of spread" and threatening structures, officials said Monday afternoon.
The "Posta 3 Fire," located off La Posta Road near Old Highway 80, broke out around 2:30 p.m. Nearly an hour later, the blaze had burned more than 75 acres, according to Cal Fire San Diego.
By 6:40 p.m., officials say the fire had grown to approximately 350 acres, but that fire activity had lessened significantly.
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Firefighters were expected to work overnight to strengthen control lines, the San Diego County Sheriff's Department said.
Between 200 and 250 people were under an evacuation order or warning due to the fire. Evacuation orders are in effect for some areas east and southeast of the flames.
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A temporary evacuation point has been set up at the Golden Acorn Casino, where the American Red Cross is providing assistance. Large animals can be dropped off at the San Diego County Animal Shelter at 5821 Sweetwater Road in Bonita, SDSO said.
The latest evacuation information can be found here. Click here for the American Sign Language notification of the evacuation orders and warnings.
The sheriff's department said the following roads are closed: Crestwood Road at Old Highway 80; Church Road at SR-94; Old Highway 80 at Church Road; Old Highway 80 at La Posta Road; and La Posta Road 1/2 mile south of Old Highway 80.
Officials say nearby structures are at risk.
The cause of the fire is under investigation, Cal Fire said.
SkyRanger 7 was overhead the fire, which was sending black smoke into the sky. Cal Fire sent multiple crews on the ground and by air. Hand crews were seen marching up the hill to work where it appears the fire may have begun to prevent it from spreading. Air tankers were dropping flame retardant over a small community of houses.
NBC 7 meteorologist Greg Bledsoe described weather conditions in the area as hot, dry and breezy. The nearest weather station shows that it was 88 degrees with 17% relative humidity and 25 mph wind gusts out of the west at around 4:30 p.m.
This is a developing story that will be updated as more information arrives.
