What to Know: McCain Fire
- The fire has burned 903 acres; 0% containment
- Evacuation orders and warnings have been issued
- A shelter is at the Golden Acorn Casino in Campo
Evacuation orders and warnings have been issued after a vehicle crash sparked a brush fire, which burned more than 900 acres in east San Diego County on Monday, fire officials said.
The “McCain Fire” broke out after a traffic collision near Interstate 8 and McCain Valley Road near Jacumba at around 3:30 p.m.
A 48-year-old man was driving a Toyota SUV westbound on I-8 when he lost control, according to the California Highway Patrol. His car flipped over and burst into flames, which then spread to nearby vegetation, CHP logs say. Investigators said the driver suffered head injuries but is expected to survive.
The 903-acre blaze was described by Cal Fire San Diego as having a moderate rate of spread with the potential to burn 1,000 acres. By 7 p.m., the agency said the fire was at 0% containment. Structures remain threatened.
Fire officials ordered the immediate evacuation of De Anza Springs Resort, an RV campground. A map showing other evacuation orders and warnings can be found here.
A designated shelter is located at the Golden Acorn Casino at 1800 Golden Acorn Way in Campo, according to the County of San Diego. Members from the American Red Cross are there, providing food and supplies, the county said.
All lanes of westbound I-8 west of Carrizo Gorge were closed following the crash and fire, Caltrans San Diego said in an X post. By 10:20 p.m., the left lane had reopened.
A smoke advisory was issued over the extreme southeast part of San Diego County, which includes east of Boulevard and north of Titus, according to the San Diego County Air Pollution Control District.
No other details were immediately available.
This is a developing story that will be updated as more information arrives.
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