Sandia Fire Map: Crews Halt Spread West Of Temecula

DE LUZ, CA — A brush fire that broke out Tuesday afternoon west of the Temecula and Murrieta area threatened structures and prompted evacuation warnings before crews got the upper hand.

The Sandia Fire was reported at 3:20 p.m. on Sandia Creek Road, west of Doville Ranch Road and Lynda Lane, in De Luz, according to Cal Fire.

The blaze was burning in a remote area, with difficult access, and a full air and ground response was called in, the agency said.

The fire perimeter was in San Diego County near the Riverside County line.

The "fire is over 10 acres with a potential to grow to 250 acres. Structures are threatened in the area," Cal Fire reported at 4:30 p.m.

That acreage was updated at 5 p.m.: "The fire is now 50 acres. Additional air and ground resources are en route due to the structure threat," Cal Fire reported.

By 6:30 p.m., the forward rate of spread on the fire was stopped, and aircraft mapped the blaze at 24 acres with 10% containment, according to the agency.

Evacuation warnings were issued for the area affected by the fire. Warnings indicate a potential threat to life and/or property, and residents should be prepared to evacuate or leave immediately if they require extra time or have pets. Click the map below to get the latest evacuation updates.

Residents can also get the latest evacuation updates at https://protect.genasys.com/alert?z=14&latlon=33.44167311469169%2C-117.25915665 and http://emergencymap.sandiegocounty.gov/index.html.

During the firefight, the San Diego County Sheriff's Department posted a reminder on social media: "flying a drone near a wildfire can force Sheriff's ASTREA helicopters and @CALFIRESANDIEGO crews to stop critical aerial firefighting operations.

"This disruption allows wildfires to grow even larger, posing a threat to firefighters, people and communities," the post continued.

"Even if you don’t see aircraft, they could be nearby or arriving soon. Please, always ground your drone during emergencies — if you’re flying, we cannot."

The Sandia Fire was burning near the Cleveland National Forest, which the U.S. Forest Service oversees.

According to Cal Fire, due to the U.S. government shutdown, federal firefighters may face operational constraints; however, the state will deploy crews in any emergency.

"CAL FIRE stands ready to serve and protect the people, property and natural resources in California regardless of state or federal jurisdiction as we remain fully staffed and available during the fire year while the federal government shuts down, jeopardizing the safety and well being of all," a statement on the state agency's website reads.

The cause of the Sandia Fire is under investigation.