A 50-acre brush fire broke out east of Ramona Monday and threatened structures in the area, but firefighters were able to halt its forward spread by early afternoon.
The blaze, dubbed the Caesar Fire, sparked about noon on the north side of state Route 78 near Ramona Trails Drive in the Witch Creek area.
At 1:30 p.m., Cal Fire stated that the forward rate of spread had been stopped.
There were no reports of injuries and no immediate information regarding whether any structures had been damaged.
Just before 3 p.m., an evacuation warning was issued for the area north of state Route 78, east of Pamo Road, west of Caesar Drive, and south of Burma Road. Officials said evacuation warnings prepare people for a potential evacuation order, though vulnerable populations such as people with disabilities, with access of functional needs, and/or large animals should leave immediately.
A temporary evacuation point was set up at Olive Peirce Middle School at 1521 Hanson Lane, while an animal evacuation shelter opened at Ramona Rodeo Grounds at 421 Aqua Lane.
State Route 78 was closed in both directions from Magnolia Avenue to Southerland Dam Road. The San Diego County Sheriff’s Department advised motorists to drive slowly for firefighters, sheriff’s deputies and road crews working in the area.
Updated at 4:35 p.m. September 5, 2022