Dozens Of Homes Evacuated, I-15 Lanes Closed By Brush Fire

SAN DIEGO, CA — More than two dozen homes were evacuated Monday as authorities battled a brush fire in Rancho Bernardo, according to officials.

The incident was reported around 2:30 p.m. in the area of Escala Drive and Chretien Court, authorities said.

Within about 20 minutes of the initial report, 5 acres had burned, but the blaze was holding without much spread as of 3:30 p.m., according to the San Diego Fire Department. The fire was 90 percent contained by 5:10 p.m.

A 16-unit condo complex on Caminito Cantilena was evacuated, as were 10 other homes, authorities said. Residents were cleared to return to their homes around 4:45 p.m. Two lanes on northbound Interstate 15 were closed shortly after 3 p.m. due to the fire, according to the department.

The response included two helicopters, five engines and more than 50 emergency responders, authorities said. As of 4:10 p.m., there were no active flames.

The blaze occurred as San Diego is under a wind advisory until 8 p.m. Tuesday, with gusts of up to 25 mph forecast for Monday afternoon as Santa Ana winds blow through Southern California, according to the National Weather Service.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.