Image Credit: Tequask, CC By 4.0
(North County Beat) – A brush fire that started Wednesday afternoon north of Palomar Mountain has led to evacuations and is expected to burn for several days, according to fire officials. Named the Grove fire, it has consumed over 800 acres and is only 10% contained. Firefighters are battling the blaze in challenging hot and humid conditions across steep terrain, stated Cal Fire Capt. Mike Cornette.
The fire was reported around 1:15 p.m. Wednesday in Dodge Valley near Sunshine Summit and spread rapidly. It is burning to the southwest, east of Oak Grove. Evacuation orders were issued by 5:25 p.m. for areas around Chihuahua Valley Road, east of state Route 79, and south of the San Diego-Riverside county line, with warnings for Stone Ridge Estates.
“All the evacuation orders and warnings are still in place,” said Cornette on Thursday. “The fire is threatening homes off Chihuahua Valley Road.”
Firefighters, numbering over 230, along with 35 engines, eight water tenders, six helicopters, and six bulldozers, are working to establish containment lines. Air tankers are also expected to make fire retardant drops. Early morning flights were planned to assess the fire’s size and strengthen control lines.
“Last night, the fire activity died down, so we were able to make significant progress,” Cornette said. “This morning, we will have our aircraft out early to fortify the control lines.”
The fire is expected to persist for several days. Cornette noted that the hot and humid weather, combined with less expected rain, will likely intensify fire activity. The cause of the fire is under investigation, with lightning being a potential trigger.
Forecasters predict fewer thunderstorms on Thursday. A temporary evacuation point was set up at Warner Springs Community Resource Center, welcoming small animals, while large animals are directed to Ramona High School.
