(Updated 4:50 p.m. October 22)
(Click the "listen icon to hear the KPBS newscast with the latest information about the San Diego County wildfires) There are two fires burning out of control in the rural areas of eastern San Diego County. We have reports of one fatality related to the fire.The fires and thick smoke are being pushed westward by dry Santa Ana Winds.
The county's Director of Emergency Services proclaimed a local emergency in response to both the Harris fire and the Highway 78 fire.
HIGHWAY 78 FIRE
The Hwy 78 fire started near the Santa Ysabel Indian Reservation. It has grown to 3000 acres.
Highway 78 in the area of the fire was closed, as was Old Julian Highway between Ramona and Santa Ysabel.
Highway 79, north of the reservation, was also closed and traffic was being re-routed to Highway 76.
The Sheriff completed an advisory evacuation Reverse 911 message to 5,461 homes in the area of San Diego Country Estates. Additional advisory evacuations are being considered.
An evacuation center was set up for displaced residents at Poway High School at 15500 Espola Road.
SDG&E reports that 379 homes are without power in the Santa Ysabel area.
THE HARRIS FIRE
A 3000 acre fire is growing near the U-S Mexico border - south and east of San Diego. It has killed at least one civilian… and injured as many as eight. Four firefighters were hospitalized with burns.
The Sheriff has issued mandatory evacuations for Barrett Junction and Lake Barrett… and all homes south of those points. Reverse 911 was used to notify at least 760 homes.
At least twelve homes in Potrero are without power.
Residents should call 2-1-1 for all non-emergency calls related to this fire.
Again, two wildfires burning in eastern San Diego County. A 3000-acre fire near the Mexican border. That has killed one person and injured as many as 12 more.
A 3000-acre fire is burning further north, west of Julian. Dry, Santa Ana winds are continuing and increasing this evening.
