Homes evacuated as wildfire quickly spreads
Firefighters are battling a fast-moving wildfire east of Julian in San Diego County that has burned 1,000 acres and forced the evacuation of about 100 homes.
California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection Battalion Chief Nick Schuler says the blaze was reported shortly before 2:15 p.m. Thursday near Banner Grade on Cigarette Hill.
He says more than 200 firefighters are at the scene, along with 40 engines, six air tankers and six helicopters.
Schuler says the fire is moving east toward the community of Shelter Valley.
He said winds are pushing the fire rapidly to east, with flames hitting Granite Peak at 4 p.m. Thursday. .
Schuler says the fire broke out in the same area where a wildfire scorched more than 2,000 acres last year. No homes were damaged in that blaze.
State Route 2 is closed between Scissors Crossing and Shelter Valley, Highway 78 and State Route 22 are also closed in the area.
The American Red Cross has set up an evacuation center at Borrego Springs High School, where a Banner Fire information number has also been set up: 619-590-3160.
