A brush fire possibly ignited by a burning vehicle spread over nearly three dozen open acres in Ramona Thursday, threatening homes for a time but causing no reported structural damage or injuries.
The fire started at about 11:30 a.m. off state Route 67 and Rancho Maria Avenue, east of Highland Valley Road, according to Cal Fire.
#HopeFire [update] Both lanes of Hwy 67 are now open, please drive slowly. 1 home suffered minor damage in this fire.
— CAL FIRE SAN DIEGO (@CALFIRESANDIEGO) June 14, 2018
Please visit https://t.co/JAbWW99mup for tips on how you can prevent wildfire. pic.twitter.com/fTbLnIOocD
Preliminary reports indicated that it was sparked by a fire that engulfed a big rig.
Authorities advised residents of nearby Etcheverry Street and Etcheverry Place, south of state Route 67, to prepare to clear out of their homes if the fire continued advancing toward their neighborhood.
One lane of SR-67 was closed in the area as firefighters worked to bring the flames under control.
As of 12:30 p.m., crews had halted the spread of the fire at about 35 acres.
#HopeFire [update] Adter more accurate GPS mapping, the IC has updated the fire’s size to 35 acres and is currently 35% contained. Crews will remain at scene into the evening. pic.twitter.com/5bblGFBvkv
— CAL FIRE SAN DIEGO (@CALFIRESANDIEGO) June 14, 2018
Soon thereafter, Cal Fire lifted the evacuation warning.
Firefighters had the smoldering burn area about one-third contained by 1:30 p.m., the state agency reported. The personnel were expected to remain in the area into the evening hours, working to fully surround the charred terrain and snuffing out hot spots.
