San Diego fire: which areas were evacuated as massive fire in college area damages homes

San Diego fire (Image via Twitter/@SDFD)
San Diego fire (Image via Twitter/@SDFD)

San Diego is facing some harsh times as a brush fire broke out in the college area of the city at around 1:30 p.m. on October 31. The fire, known as the Fairmount fire or Montezuma fire, was zero percent contained as of 3 p.m. and is rapidly moving. Following the massive fire breakout, several areas have been evacuated, and roads have been closed to keep the public safe.

The fire is located near Montezuma Road and Fairmount Avenue in the Grantville community.

Besides the San Diego Fire Department (SDFD), several other agencies are working closely to keep people safe and away from the fire. The city's police department has issued an evacuation order amid the threatening situation.

Moreover, as the Fairmount fire continued to blow in the southeast on Thursday evening, a smoke advisory has also been issued in the central and southeastern areas of the county.

SDFD has been issuing continuous warnings to safeguard lives. Via X (formerly Twitter), they also shared a glimpse of the vegetation fire in the area.

"This is Montezuma near Fairmount. Many crews in the area. Montezuma shut down in both directions. Aldine Dr also impacted. Please avoid the area if possible. Canyon behind Lucille Dr. in Talmadge & Alvarado Estates canyon burning."

Which areas were affected by the fire in San Diego

The agencies imposed mandatory evacuation in the parts of Talmadge south of Highway 8 to Montezuma Road. Moreover, from east of Fairmount Avenue to west of Yerba Anita Drive and south of Montezuma Road to the north of Adams Ave also faced evacuations. Sections east of Fairmount Ave. and west of Colwood Boulevard were also evacuated.

According to the San Diego County Air Pollution Control District, the fire affected the communities near Lemon Grove, Bonita, and Encanto.

According to USA Today, the district advised communities to limit their outdoor activities in case they smell smoke.

"If possible, stay indoors to limit your exposure to fine particulate matter and ozone, especially those residents with respiratory or heart disease, the elderly, and children."

KSWB-TV also reported that schools like Hardy Elementary were also evacuated. However, the fire did not cause any danger to San Diego State University's campus.

Due to the fire, Colwood Road between Monroe and Montezuma, Montezuma Road between Fairmount and 55th, Camino Del Rio South, and Fairmount Road from the i8 to Aldine were closed.

In the latest update, the police department confirmed that the mandatory evacuation has been lifted. Power has also been restored to the areas.

However, a few roads will remain closed for public safety.

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Edited by Priscillah Mueni