Brush Fire Prompts Evacuations, Threatens Structures In North County

BONSALL, CA — A brush fire burned dozens of acres, threatened structures and prompted evacuations Friday afternoon in northern San Diego County.

The blaze, called the Garden Fire, sparked at about 12:45 p.m. in the 3800 block of Lake Garden Drive in Bonsall, according to Cal Fire and North County Fire Protection District.

By 2:10 p.m., the fire had blackened 48 acres and was burning "with a moderate to dangerous rate of spread," according to the district. Cal Fire said the blaze had the potential to spread to more than 100 acres.

As of 4:50 p.m., the fire was roughly 50 acres and 10% contained.

Firefighters battled the fire on the ground and aboard air tankers and water-dropping helicopters.

Authorities issued evacuation orders and warnings for residents near the fire. People in the area were told to evacuate to Riverview Church at 4980 Sweetgrass Lane in Bonsall.

"An evacuation order requires immediate movement out of the affected area due to an imminent threat to life," the San Diego County Office of Emergency Services said.

The evacuation orders and warnings were lifted around 9:40 p.m., according to the San Diego County Sheriff's Office.

There were no reports of structural damage or injuries.

Authorities asked people to avoid Gird Road from Reche Road to state Route 76, as well as Pala Mesa Road from Gird Road to Wilt Road.

For an interactive map with updated emergency evacuation information, visit the OEC Emergency Map.