Evacuations, Road Closures In Wildfire In Ramona Area Lifted

RAMONA, CA — A wildfire that prompted evacuation orders and road closures just east of Ramona was nearing full containment Friday.

As of Friday morning, the Rancho Fire remained at 105 acres and was 85% contained, according to Cal Fire.

"Forward rate of spread has been stopped," Cal Fire said in a Friday morning update. "The fire is burning in medium brush and annual grasses. Firefighters are focusing on building and improving on containment lines as well as searching for and extinguishing hot spots within the perimeter. All evacuation warnings, orders and road closures have been lifted."

• Also see: Vegetation Fire Forces Evacuations, Shuts Down Highway In Ramona Area

The blaze sparked Thursday afternoon near state Route 78 and Casner Road, just east of Ramona, according to Cal Fire. By 5 p.m., the fire had scorched 105 acres and was 15% contained.

Evacuation orders, warnings and road closures were in place, but were later lifted due to improved containment, according to the San Diego County Sheriff's Office.

A temporary shelter for the displaced was in operation at the grounds of Ramona Rodeo on Aqua Lane.

A crash led to the fire, the CHP said on social media. An occupant of the truck that crashed and started the fire suffered moderately serious injuries in the accident.

City News Service contributed to this report.