A brush fire known as the "Center Fire," also referred to as the "Bernardo Fire," erupted on Wednesday morning, January 22, threatening homes and prompting widespread evacuations in the Rancho Bernardo community of San Diego. Firefighters from the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department, along with local agencies, worked tirelessly to combat the fast-moving flames, which were first reported near the intersection of Bernardo Center Drive and Camino Del Norte around 8:55 a.m.
According to officials, the fire quickly escalated, initially posing the potential to spread up to 100 acres. Jose Ysea, spokesperson for the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department, confirmed, "The fire has the potential to burn up to 100 acres," highlighting the urgency of the situation. By mid-morning, the flames had engulfed approximately seven acres, with containment efforts underway.
Due to the fire's proximity to residential areas, evacuation orders were issued for neighborhoods just west of Interstate 15 and south of Camino del Norte, affecting thousands of residents. A temporary evacuation center was set up at 12080 Carmel Mountain Road, welcoming those fleeing the danger.
Firefighters faced numerous challenges as they battled the blaze, including the need for aerial assistance due to the fire threatening structures and residences. San Diego Fire-Rescue officials reported deploying multiple firefighting helicopters and air tankers, stating, "Homes were threatened, most evacuation orders lifted. Seven acres burned. Crews will be in the area through the afternoon/evening," demonstrating the coordinated effort to control the flames.
One individual suffered burn injuries as a result of the fire and was transported to UC San Diego Burn Center for treatment. While the situation was serious, the unified response by local agencies helped mitigate the damage and protect residences. By around 12:30 p.m., authorities were able to lift most evacuation orders, aside from one remaining zone, which shows how quickly the situation improved.
The Poway Unified School District also responded to the emergency, evacuations impacting local schools, including sending students from Rolling Hills Elementary School to Poway High School for their safety. The district assured parents via email, saying, "We understand this is distressing and we want to assure you we are closely monitoring the situation." Additional precautionary measures included having students at other schools shelter indoors during the crisis.
Despite the rapid growth of the fire and the threat it posed, the fire crews demonstrated remarkable efficiency. By mid-morning, they managed to halt the forward progress of the fire at around seven acres. Assistant Chief Dan Eddy stated, "The cooperation with all of these agencies working together reflects our success—initial expectations were much higher for potential fire spread." This sentiment was echoed by residents who witnessed firefighters' rapid response, indicating their gratitude for the safety measures taken.
Community members, such as Wendy Hoke, shared their experiences of the evacuation. Hoke noted, "I have been in enough evacuations and fires in California; I just don’t wait." Many residents reported similar feelings of urgency, leading them to evacuate quickly, securing their families and pets before the flames reached dangerous proximity.
While firefighters remained vigilant throughout the day, the community worked to adapt to the situation. Yes, several road closures were established, disrupting traffic patterns along major routes such as Interstate 15 at Camino Del Norte and Bernardo Center Drive. San Diego Police urged the public to exercise caution within evacuated zones, maintaining safety as the firefighting efforts continued.
By the time of the article’s publication, most residents had been allowed to return home, with only minor road closures remaining as clean-up and firefighting operations continued. Authorities reiterated the importance of being prepared for wildfire conditions, emphasizing safety measures for any future incidents, especially with regions under continued red-flag warnings. Fire officials remained alert as the evening approached, concerned about the potential for shifting winds.
With the fire’s cause yet to be officially determined, investigations will seek to clarify details surrounding the incident. Residents remain grateful for the quick actions taken by first responders and are hopeful for reduced wildfire risks moving forward. The Center Fire serves as a reminder of the persistent threat of wildfires and the importance of community preparedness and cooperation during emergencies.