Firefighters Combat Rapidly Spreading Brush Fire Near San Diego’s College Area, Evacuations in Place
San Diego, CA – October 31, 2024
Firefighters battled a rapidly moving brush fire outside the College Area of San Diego, forcing evacuations and the closure of streets as strong winds spread the fire. The fire broke out this afternoon near Montezuma Road, racing across dry, brush-covered hillsides with the help of gusty Santa Ana winds and uncommonly dry conditions for this time of year. The longer it spreads, the more regional leaders take urgent action to protect area residents and key infrastructure.
Swift Spread Prompts Immediate Response
the fire was called in at around 2:00 PM, quickly summoning resources from San Diego Fire-Rescue and Cal Fire, along with air support that has been dropping water and fire retardant to stem the fire’s advancement. Fire officials characterized the initial blaze as “small but intense,” with high winds and dry vegetation combining to make the flames spread at a dangerous clip. Within just a couple of hours, the fire had grown large enough to menace homes and businesses in the College Area-a densely populated region that lies just east of the SDSU campus.
The fire, by mid-afternoon, had come “alarmingly close” to residential areas, Captain Jacob Rodriguez of San Diego Fire-Rescue said. Crews were racing against time to create firebreaks in an effort to stop the fire’s advance. “Our number one priority is resident safety and structure protection,” he said. “Firefighters are working hard to prevent the fire from encroaching into the heart of the College Area.”
Evacuations and Precautionary Measures
As the fire continued to spread, officials in San Diego ordered the immediate evacuations of neighborhoods surrounding El Cajon Boulevard, Montezuma Road, and portions of 70th Street. Authorities asked those people to head out to local high schools, community centers, and other appointed centers, where the Red Cross teams and local officials coordinate their relief efforts, for evaluation. This is done to safeguard lives and provide free access routes for emergency vehicles going into the area.
Local officials warned the residents that people must heed the orders for evacuations and not return until it was safe to do so. “It’s important that everybody heeds these orders,” Fire Chief Lisa Mendez said. “The speed of this fire, combined with high winds, makes staying in an evacuation zone extremely dangerous.”
Traffic Disruptions and Road Closures
Firefighting operations have led to the closure of roads in and around the College Area and surrounding neighborhoods. Sections of Montezuma Road, El Cajon Boulevard, and College Avenue were temporarily shut to avert congestion of traffic and to give easy access to the emergency personnel. San Diego Police are diverting traffic at the scene. Local transit officials warn commuters to plan an alternate route as delays are expected throughout the evening.
Precautions have also been taken by San Diego State University, which is in proximity to the affected area. University officials have cancelled evening classes and events and have advised students and faculty to avoid traveling near the College Area.
Operations of Firefighting and Challenges
Firefighters operate in dangerous conditions to try and box the fire. The Santa Ana winds, common for Southern California during the fall months, have contributed to extreme fire behavior: Flames run several feet high, jumping natural barriers. Additional firefighting units, along with air support, have been brought in from other areas, and crews are working around the clock to protect property and stop the fire’s spread.
Despite all these factors, firefighters remain optimistic that they can beat the fire well before it reaches any heavily populated areas. “We have significant resources deployed, and we’re making every effort to control this fire,” said Captain Rodriguez.
A Stark Reminder of Wildfire Season
The wildfire is a severe reminder of the risks associated with Southern California, especially during the fall when the Santa Ana winds are at their strongest and conditions are dry. The need for emergency preparedness measures to have been raised by some recent fires in San Diego and other communities, and people residing in areas where this fire has struck should take extra precautions and be alert, always ready with an emergency plan.
They have urged all residents to be aware, have their respective emergency supplies at hand, and regularly check the conditions in their areas that could pose fire hazards.
Firefighting extending into the night, all are cautioned against haste by officials as the situation is highly dynamic, and this report will continue to update as firefighters seek to get control of this unplanned and destructive fire near San Diego’s College Area.
