BRUSH FIRE IN POTRERO: EVACUATIONS AND HIGHWAY CLOSURE

NOTE: We have posted a new article with the latest updates on this fast-growing fire.  New updates will be posted here:  http://www.eastcountymagazine.org/border-fire-potrero-now-1500-acres-eva...

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Update 7 pm:   Residents can evacuate to any of these locations: Campo Community Center ( Cool Zone ) at 300 Sheridan Rd, Campo Elementary School ( Red Cross Shelter ) at 1654 Buckman Springs Rd, or the Dulzura Community Center at 16985 State Route 94.I f you need emergency assistance in evacuation, call 9-1-1. If you need additional information, check the San Diego County Emergency website at www.sdcountyemergency.com or call the San Diego Sheriff's Department non-emergency line at 858-565-5200.

Information verified by Red Cross and  Campo Community Center employes.

Update 5 pm:  More road closures all the way to Buckman Springs; get latest here: https://cad.chp.ca.gov/Traffic.aspx. 

Update 4:30: Fire is now 200 acres and a mandatory evacuation order is in effect for the entire town of Potrero. Firefighters are working in difficult, steep terrain and 100 degree + temperatures.

Update 3:35 p.m. EastCountyAlert ‏@EastCountyAlert 14s15 seconds ago

Update 3:10 p.m.:

By Miriam Raftery

East County News Service

June 19, 2016--A brush fire that began late this morning near Highway 94 and State Route 188 in Potrero has now swelled to 50 acres.  According to Cal Fire, evacuations and road closures are now in effect.The fire has jumped across highway 94 between Potrero Valley Road and Emery.

A SIG alert has been issued for Highway 94, which is closed from State Route 188 to Potrero.

"It was traveling south toward Tecate," ECM writer/photographer Leon Thompson reports from the scene.  "It looked like it was getting knocked down and then all of a sudden, it exploded."

Aircraft and ground crews are now battling the blaze.

Potrero Planning Group member Jan Hedlun posted on her Facebook page, "May be on the run in a little bit. Fire started a few miles away. Don't have an order to evacuate but have car loaded with some items and animals will be next. Have a place to go. Not how I wanted to spend today. I'm off line. Will catch up with everyone later."

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