Wildfire Prompts Evacuations, Threatens Homes In Ramona

RAMONA, CA — A wildfire blackened dozens of acres, prompted evacuations and threatened homes Wednesday in Ramona.

The blaze, called the Bunnie Fire, sparked at about 11:35 a.m. near Chuck Wagon and San Vicente roads, in the area of Barnett Ranch County Preserve, according to Cal Fire. Crews battled the blaze on the ground and aboard firefighting aircraft as flames threatened structures in the area.

Evacuation orders and warnings were issued for residents in the area, according to the San Diego County Sheriff's Department. (Click here for real-time updates.)

A temporary evacuation point was established at Olive Pierce Middle School at 1521 Hanson Lane. Officials said the safest evacuation route was north on San Vicente Road or south on Barona Road.

San Vicente Road was closed from Warnock Drive to Wildcat Canyon Road. Wildcat Canyon Road was closed from Barona Speedway to San Vicente Road.

"Please obey road closure signs and avoid these areas and don't forget to pull over for emergency vehicles," officials said on social media.

As of shortly after 3 p.m., crews had halted the spread of the flames at 184 acres, according to Cal Fire. The blaze was 20 percent contained by 7 p.m.

As of 8:20 p.m., all evacuation orders and warnings were lifted, sheriff's officials said. Roads were also reopened.

"If you had to leave, it is now safe to go back home," officials said. "Drive slowly and carefully. Be mindful of firefighters, deputies, road and utility crews working in the area."

No structural damage was reported.

One firefighter was treated in the field for heat-related trauma. The fire resulted in no other reported injuries, Cornette said.

The cause of the fire remained under investigation.

City News Service contributed to this report.