U.S. News

Actions

Officials Gaining Control Of San Diego Wildfire

Officials say it's likely wind will pick back up Wednesday morning, but evacuations have been lifted. The fire if 5 percent contained.
Posted at
and last updated

Firefighters in California are gaining control of an 850-acre wildfire that started Tuesday morning and caused mass evacuations.

The winds and hot weather got so bad Tuesday, officials in San Diego ordered more than 5,000 homes to be evacuated and the mayor declared a state of emergency.

KFMB reports the evacuation order was lifted Tuesday evening as the winds died down and firefighters put out most of the flames.

"I still can't believe that nobody lost a home, nobody was injured."

One man who evacuated told U-T San Diego it's the third time flames have gotten dangerously close to his house since 2005. He said the flames from this fire got closer than they ever had before.

KNSD notes the Bernardo Fire is only 5 percent contained at this point. Firefighters are still working on putting out hot spots. Making the fight a little more difficult — officials say the wind might pick back up Wednesday morning.

The hot temperatures are expected to stay for a while, too. KUSI is forecasting temperatures close to 100 and windy conditions through at least early this weekend.

Fire officials say fires that spread quickly like this one are generally uncommon during the spring. Most fires like this are expected in the warmer summer months.

Police say the cause of the fire is under investigation.