EAST COUNTY — A wildfire that charred 1,900 acres, destroyed four outbuildings and prompted about 100 home evacuations near the East County community of Potrero is only five percent contained, fire officials said Monday morning.
By midday, the Sheriff's Department had issued additional evacuation orders for the nearby areas of Forest Gate, Star Ranch, Cowboy Ranch, Dog Patch and Canyon City because of "extreme fire behavior and activity." Residents were being encouraged to go to Buckman Springs Rest Area at Buckman Springs Road and Interstate 8.
The blaze broke out north of Tecate and the U.S.-Mexico border late Sunday morning amid record-setting temperatures across San Diego County. Temperatures soared to 104 degrees near Potrero, and three firefighters suffered heat-related injuries while battling the blaze.
It was expected to reach 107 degrees in the area on Monday, Cal Fire Capt. Kendal Bortisser said.
"The heat is going to be the biggest factor today," he said. "And if the winds kick up, it’s going to be a whole new ball game."
The fire also caused a power outage that is affecting several hundred people near the communities of Potrero, Dulzura and Campo, according to the San Diego Gas & Electric website. Service is expected to be restored by 6 p.m.
The fire broke out in brush near state Route 94 and state Route 188 about 11:30 a.m. Flames quickly spread and jumped Route 94. Within hours, the fire had scorched hundreds of acres.
Homes east of Route 188 were the first to be evacuated. Soon after, the entire community of Potrero, which has a population of more than 650 people, received evacuation orders.
An overnight shelter was created for evacuees at Campo Elementary School at 1654 Buckman Springs Road. Two other locations, the Campo Community Center on Sheridan Road and Dulzura Community Center on Community Building Road, had served as temporary evacuation centers a day earlier.
Mountain Empire Unified School District campuses were closed Monday due to the blaze.
For a number of homes off the 94, fire had charred brush up to people's doorsteps. Still, there were some people who chose not to leave right away, despite the mandatory evacuation orders.
Even though the power was out, Sandra Gallegos showed up to work at the Potrero General Store off state Route 94 to provide what she could for residents who stayed.
"People have been coming by and picking up ice, picking up water, Gatorades, snacks -- anything they can get their hands on, really," she said. She explained that residents who decided not to leave can't go east into town because they won't be let back to their properties until the evacuation order is lifted. She said that's especially problematic for people who live off the grid.
"Trying to get gas has been difficult," Gallegos said. "Once you go down they aren't letting people back up. People are running out of gas for their generators, their cars."
Bob Uribe, who stopped by the store to talk with other residents, said he and his wife decided to stay put. They live in the northwest corner of Potrero.
"We're watching the smoke and if that starts moving our way, we're bugging out," he said. "We are ready to go."
Uribe said about 100 people leave near him and about half had evacuated by early Monday afternoon. Communication in the area was difficult when the power went out, so residents started visiting each other's houses, he said. Those who decided to stay made an evacuation plan and identified a safe space in case the fire got out of hand.
"I think we did a pretty good job on fireproofing our home," Uribe said. "We think it's safe, but if the fire came close, we're out of here. The house can be replaced."
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