(Updated 6:20 p.m. October 21) Erratic Santa Ana winds continue to push two wildfires out of control in rural eastern San Diego County. One civilian is reported dead at least 8 are injured, and four firefighters are in hospital with burn injuries.
State fire officials are now referring to the fire near Santa Ysabel as the Witch Fire. And that fire has now grown to at least 8000 acres. Highway 78 in the area of the fire was closed, as was Old Julian Highway between Ramona and Santa Ysabel.
The Sheriff deparment has advised evacuations of some 5000 homes around 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. There are about a dozen people there... and more expected overnight.
THE HARRIS FIRE
There are two Red Cross shelters set up for people evacuating the Harris fire. One is at Steele Canyon High School on Campo Road in Spring Valley. The other is at the Campo Community Center on Sheridan Road in Campo. There are about 80 people now at the Steele Canyon site... according to the Red Cross.
Officials urge residents to stay tuned to media reports on the fire movements and as much as possible avoid breathing the smoke.
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.
An 8000-acre fire is burning in the hills east of Ramona.
Dry, Santa Ana winds are continuing and increasing this evening.
