ROAD FIRE CLOSES WB I-8, PROMPTS EVACUATIONS IN PORTIONS OF DESCANSO & VIEJAS RESERVATION

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Update: 7 p.m.: Caltrans San Diego reports all lanes re-opened to traffic 
 
#RoadFire removed from CHP Incidents page
 
No official public updates found on acres burned or % contained since 3:30 p.m.
 
Update: 3:30 p.m.: Initial Attack was successful according to retired fire captain Scott Culkin. Out of town air resources released.
 
Thank you: United States Forest Service (U.S.F.S.), Calfire/S.D. County, Alpine, Viejas, and others. Firefighters will be present throughout the night to contain the fire and put out any hotspots.
 
"Forward spread has stopped," according to Cleveland National Forest, lead agency on the #RoadFire, yet also reporting only 5% contained, as of 3:30 p.m.
 
Update 1:50 p.m.: Per Cleveland National Forest on Twitter, the #RoadFire is now 70 acres and holding, with a moderate rate of spread. The Humane Society urges pet owners to take pets with you if you evacuate, since you may not be able to return to provide food and water during the fire and intense heat.
 
By Jonathan Goetz
 
Photos: #RoadFire by James Cecil (Pic 1: Mountain, Pic 2: SDG&E Helicopter)
 
July 10, 2021 (San Diego’s East County) – All lanes westbound on Interstate 8 west of State Route 79 are closed due to a brush fire, reports Caltrans San Diego.

Cleveland National Forest (CNF) reports the vegetation fire began as a Vehicle Fire, and reported at 12:15 p.m. that the fire was at 20-30 acres with a rapid rate of spread. They also report that evacuations are in place for portions of Descanso and Viejas Reservation. CNF is the lead agency on this fire.

 
ECM News Partner 10News reports that according to the California Highway Parol, the fire was caused by a semi-truck tanker that caught fire on I-8 near SR-79.
 
According to the California Highway Patrol, the incident was first reported at 11:19 a.m. However, it is unclear whether or not the car was on fire at 11:19 a.m., as at least one reputable news source reported the fire starting closer to 12 noon.
 
We are in an excessive heat warning for San Diego County’s inland areas, with temperatures forecast to reach up to nearly 98 degrees, and begin a Flex Alert (conserve electricity) today, between 4-9 p.m.
 
People are asked to pre-cool their homes while solar power is still online, and then set their air conditioning thermostat to 78 degrees or above, around 4 p.m.
 
Gusty winds and thunderstorms are possible in local inland areas today.
 
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