A brush fire blackened scores of open acres Wednesday in the area of Barnett Ranch County Preserve, briefly prompting evacuations before crews gained control by the evening.
The blaze erupted for unknown reasons shortly before 11:30 a.m. off San Vicente Road in Ramona, near Bunnie King Lane and Chuck Wagon Road, Cal Fire San Diego reported.
With the flames spreading over hilly open terrain toward rural neighborhoods, deputies cleared people out of homes closest to the burn area, according to the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department.
The evacuation was east of Serra Way, stretching north and south of San Vicente Road.
By mid-afternoon, the fire had charred an estimated 184 acres as crews fought it on the ground and aboard air tankers and water-dropping helicopters, Cal Fire Captain Mike Cornette said.
At 8:20 p.m. Cal Fire has largely contained the blaze and evacuation orders were lifted, but residents were urged to report any flareup.
No structural damage was reported. One firefighter was treated in the field for heat-related trauma, according to Cornette.
Authorities had established a temporary shelter for the evacuees at Olive Peirce Middle School, 1521 Hanson Lane in Ramona.
Updated at 7:25 a.m.. Thursday, Aug. 10, 2023
