A fast-moving wildfire near Ramona Mountain tore across dozens of brushy acres Wednesday, threatening rural homes and forcing evacuations.
Creelman Fire
The blaze, dubbed the Creelman Fire, erupted for unknown reasons shortly before 3 p.m. Wednesday off Creelman Lane in Ramona, south of Hanson Lane and just west of Simon County Preserve, according to Cal Fire.
The flames had blackened roughly 315 acres. "It's burning at a dangerous rate of speed and is impacting San Diego Country Estates," CAL FIRE shared on X.
#CreelmanFire [update 3:56 p.m.] The fire is now 80 acres, burning at a dangerous rate of spread and is impacting San Diego Country Estates. Evacuation updates have been posted on @SDSheriff pic.twitter.com/12UiBYcnCw
— CAL FIRE/San Diego County Fire (@CALFIRESANDIEGO) July 22, 2026
San Diego sheriff's office has advised Ramona residents to be aware of increased law enforcement.
The blaze, which was growing at a "critical" rate, also led to closures of San Vicente Road at Wildcat Canyon Road and Vista Ramona Road at Old Julian Highway, according to Cal Fire.
Evacuations
Authorities directed residents near the burn zone to clear out of their homes at once and advised others who live somewhat farther away to prepare to leave the area on short notice.
See the evacuations zones below.
“Right now, we’ve made incredible progress with this collaboration. It just speaks to the collaborative nature and all of the assets to protect people because this is close to where people live,” said Candace Hadley, a public information officer from San Diego Fire Department.
Hadley added that the incident is “a keen reminder” for the public to “be prepared, talk to their families” and have a “go bag just in case.”
