A fast-moving wildfire officially named the Thorn Fire has burned 1,201 acres in the rural southeastern reaches of San Diego County.
The fire prompted initial evacuation orders and traffic delays, but intensive overnight efforts have successfully stopped the fire’s forward spread. It is now 10% contained.
The fire began for reasons that remain under investigation near Buckthorn Trail and Clover Trail in the Live Oak Springs neighborhood of Boulevard on Wednesday, according to Cal Fire.
Fueled by hot, dry conditions and extreme regional heat, the flames spread rapidly south of Interstate 8 and north of Campo Road.
By Wednesday evening, the fire posed an immediate threat to backcountry homes, prompting law enforceent to direct residents in several zones on both sides of I-8 to clear out of the area. Other residents slightly farther from the burn zone were advised to prepare to evacuate on short notice.
The Red Cross has established a temporary evacuation point at the Golden Acorn Casino, 1800 Golden Acorn Way, in Campo. Updated emergency evacuation zones and information are available through the Genasys Protect interactive map and AlertSanDiego.org.
The intense blaze jumped Interstate 8 on Wednesday afternoon, initially forcing a full closure of the freeway. Commuters are advised to check current traffic conditions, as closures and lane reductions are subject to change based on fire activity.
The San Diego County Air Pollution Control District has also issued a smoke advisory for areas around Boulevard, Live Oak Springs, McCain Valley and Tierra Del Sol. Residents in those areas are advised to limit outdoor activity due to unhealthy air quality.
“Firefighters made good progress overnight, successfully stopping the fire’s forward spread. Night-flying helicopters played a critical role in slowing the fire’s spread by making continuous water drops on active fire throughout the night, providing firefighters with valuable opportunities to strengthen containment efforts,” Cal Fire said in a statement.
Officials said over 90 pieces of fire equipment and more than 600 firefighters were engaged in fire suppression efforts.
Crews will spend the day further strengthening containment lines, extinguishing hot spots and working to increase the 10% containment line. While fire activity has decreased, officials urge residents to stay informed and continue monitoring fire updates.
