A road with smoke drifting over and law enforcement vehicles parked nearby.
Smoke from the Tulsi fire drifts over the road as CHP patrols monitor traffic. (Photo courtesy of the California Highway Patrol, El Cajon)

A brush fire blackened hundreds of acres Tuesday near Golden Acorn Casino, threatening structures and prompting evacuations and a SigAlert.

Ground and airborne crews worked to subdue the flames, which erupted at about 1 p.m. Tuesday off the 37000 block of Tusil Road, according to Cal Fire.

Within two hours, the flames, which spread over the grounds of Campo Indian Reservation, had charred about 30 acres and were moving toward Interstate 8, the state agency reported. But by 3:15 p.m., the fire had grown substantially, to 100 acres, with more to come.

Within an hour, the area consumed by the Tusil Fire had risen to 500 acres as flames jumped the freeway. Sheriff’s deputies cleared people out of homes in nearby neighborhoods, roughly between Lake Morena Village and Live Oak Springs on the south (see map below).

Around 7:20 p.m., CalFire estimated that the fire had burned 1,000 acres while crews continued to have it 10% contained.

A temporary shelter for the displaced was available at Golden Acorn, 1800 Golden Acorn Way. Evacuation orders in the affected areas include almost 300 people, according to county Supervisor Joel Anderson’s office.

Flames damaged one outbuilding and a vehicle, but no residences, said CalFire Capt. Mike Cornette. No injuries were reported.

Interstate 8 westbound is closed at Crestwood Road due to the fire. Traffic is being diverted to La Posta Road to state Route 94. I-8 eastbound remains closed at Kitchen Creek Road with traffic diverted to Old Highway 80. according to the California Highway Patrol.

A SigAlert is in effect.

Updated 7:30 p.m. May 19, 2026