Cause Of Casner Fire In San Diego County Revealed, Investigators Say

RAMONA, CA — A tractor clearing vegetation accidentally ignited a wildfire Wednesday that has scorched about 180 acres, according to a report.

The person who sparked the blaze could be on the hook financially, Cal Fire Capt. Thomas Shoots told The San Diego Tribune. Cal Fire will determine total damage and who will foot the bill.

The blaze, known as the Casner Fire, burned grass, he said. That made it easier to build containment lines and cool the flames.

As San Diego Patch previously reported, the Casner Fire sparked around 12:15 p.m. near Casner Road and state Route 78 in the rural Witch Creek area east of Ramona. Within two hours, the fire charred 156 acres.

As of Thursday morning, the blaze was about 35 percent contained. Deputies evacuated residents from homes near Rancho Ballena Road. A temporary evacuation point was established at Olive Peirce Middle School in Ramona.

Thick black smoke was seen on SDG&E cameras on nearby Black Mountain and Mount Woodson.