Fire crews are making progress on two fires burning in rural parts of San Diego County.
The first, a wildfire that burned dangerously close to homes in the rural northeastern reaches of the county has reached 100% containment Thursday after spreading over steep, rocky terrain.
The Rainbow 3 Fire began for unknown reasons at about 10 a.m. Wednesday along Rainbow Crest Road, near Mordigan Lane and Gomez Creek Road in the unincorporated community of Rainbow, according to Cal Fire.
Ground crews, aided by air tankers and water-dropping helicopters, halted the fire’s forward progress by 12:40 p.m. Wednesday.
While the spread was initially halted at an estimated 35 acres, Cal Fire officially downgraded the burn area to 26 acres at 6:40 p.m. due to more accurate mapping.
No structural damage or injuries were reported. The cause of that fire remains under investigation.
The second wildfire, known as the Creelman Fire, has burned at least 347 acres, destroyed a structure, and has prompted evacuation orders for five zones near Ramona Mountain.
It was 60% contained as of Thursday morning.
The fire grew Wednesday at a “critical” rate, moving toward San Diego Country Estates and led to closures of San Vicente Road at Wildcat Canyon Road and Vista Ramona Road at Old Julian Highway, according to Cal Fire.
As crews fought the flames on the ground and aboard air tankers and water-dropping helicopters, authorities directed residents near the rapidly expanding burn zone to clear out of their homes immediately and advised others who live somewhat farther away to prepare to leave the area on short notice.
An evacuation center for the displaced households was opened at Olive Pierce Middle School. Owners of large animals in need of shelter were being offered stable facilities on the grounds of Ramona Rodeo.
There were 300 personnel assigned to the fire, along with 42 engines, six water tenders and two dozers.
