Watch the live broadcast: Evacuations underway after the Willow Fire breaks out over 15 acres in East County
EL CAJON, California – Firefighters are working to contain the 15-acre Willow Fire early Thursday morning near Willow Glen Drive and Hillsdale Road in Eastern County.
The fire broke out shortly after 10 pm on Wednesday in the 2500 Block of Wind River Road in the Rancho San Diego area near El Cajon. According to Cal Fire San Diego, the fire generally continues over 15 acres and is 0% contained as of 12:40 a.m. as firefighting teams work against high winds and dry conditions.
The agency said that a video clip from the scene of the accident shows at least one building damaged by the fire, and others threatened by the fire.
Cal Fire team captain Thomas Shoots told FOX 5. “That’s important, any time these fires go out, we know the wind conditions there are going to make it very difficult for us and our firefighters.”
Several neighborhoods were evacuated
The Sheriff Department said that an eviction order had been issued for residents of the area. Residents are now required to evacuate to McGrath Family YMCA at 12006 Campo Road next to Regal Edwards Rancho San Diego Cinemas.
Representatives went door to door to get people to leave their homes.
“Start packing your essentials and get ready to leave,” the San Diego County Police Department said in a tweet. “When asked to evacuate, leave immediately.”
With the fire potentially spreading to more than 200 acres, Shoots said firefighters are draining all of its ground resources to put it out. Helicopters were also seen dumping water over the flames.
“We’re taking this really seriously and throwing as many resources into it as possible because we know what the potential is,” Shots said.
There were no reports of injuries. It was not immediately clear what caused the fire.
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