Firefighters said a brush fire in Ramona was burning at a “dangerous rate of spread,” threatening structures and leading to evacuation orders south of state Route 78.
The fire quickly consumed 315 acres after beginning around 3 p.m. in the 300 block of Creelman Lane, according to Cal Fire. The agency added that flames are “impacting San Diego Country Estates,” but the fire “slowed significantly” as the evening continued, growing only to 347 acres.
Evacuation orders for the Creelman Fire are in place east of San Vicente Road and on both sides of Creelman. Past Griffith Road, they extend north to SR-78 and East Old Julian Highway, and south to San Vicente, nearing Barnett Ranch Preserve. The eastern boundaries include Scarbery Road, Arena Way and Sargeant Road.
In addition, evacuation warnings extend north and south of the fire’s flashpoint. To the north, the area runs between Keyes Road, past Griffith, and north of Creelman to Steffy Road. They also include areas north of San Vicente, including Gem Lane, San Vicente View and Ashley Road.
The warning zones also extend east, nearing the San Vicente Golf Course and San Diego Country Estates. One is south of San Vicente, past Vista Vicente Way, down to Calistoga Place and Calistoga Drive.
Other areas under evacuation warnings are west of Barnett Elementary School, from Arena Way on the north to Gunn Stage Road on the south. The latest runs along Felipe Road, Del Amo Road and Ranch Road.
Evacuees who need help overnight were asked to go to Olive Pierce Middle School, 1521 Hanson Lane. Animals may be evacuated to Ramona Rodeo, 421 Aqua Lane.
“There is potential for an extended attack,” Cal Fire officials said of the brush fire soon after it began.
#CreelmanFire If you live in Ramona, be aware of increased law enforcement and firefighting activity. A brush fire is burning near the 300 Block of Creelman Lane.
— San Diego Sheriff (@SDSheriff) July 22, 2026
An EVACUATION ORDER is in place for the shaded area in red shown in the map below. It means everyone in the… pic.twitter.com/T1YIW4WKfn
Officials said the fire was 5% contained as of 7:30 p.m., adding that “Firefighters continue to defend structures in the San Diego Country Estates area while constructing and strengthening containment lines and extinguishing remaining hot spots.”
Officials assigned two night-flying helicopters to the fight, to assist in evening suppression of the flames. They credited cooler temperatures and higher humidity for helping crews gain ground and establishment a containment line.
Road closures include Vista Ramona Road at Old Julian Highway and San Vincente Road at Wildcat Canyon Road.
The Creelman Fire was the second in the county on Wednesday. The Rainbow Fire burned an estimated 35 acres before crews halted its spread in the early afternoon.
Updated 8:50 p.m. July 22, 2026
