Another brush fire erupted Wednesday morning within San Diego County's Rancho Bernardo community, leading to urgent evacuation orders. The fire, officially dubbed the Center Fire, was first reported at 8:55 a.m. near the intersection of Bernardo Center Drive and Camino del Norte, close to Interstate 15. Authorities indicated its potential to spread across 100 acres.
Firefighters have been working since shortly after the fire broke out, with approximately 175 personnel from Cal Fire and nearby fire departments, including San Marcos and Rancho Santa Fe, actively combating the flames. Early reports noted the fire had already consumed around four acres by 10:09 a.m., demonstrating its rapid growth and the urgent need for containment.
According to the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department, one individual suffered burn injuries and was transported to the hospital. Meanwhile, officials set up evacuation zones for local residents, particularly those residing west of Interstate 15, as precautionary measures were enforced. Notably, the areas directly adjacent to the fire site were subjected to evacuation orders, with surrounding areas under warning to keep residents prepared.
Evacuees were instructed to gather at the temporary evacuation center located at 12080 Carmel Mountain Road, as multiple agencies collaborated to manage the situation. Both the San Diego Fire Department and the San Diego Police Department were on site, supported by personnel from Poway Fire. The coordinated efforts of these agencies were pivotal as they sought to mitigate risks and safeguard the local community.
Road closures were informed to the public as part of the emergency response; these included closures on the 15 freeway at Camino Del Norte and streets surrounding the fire, like Bernardo Center Drive and Camino del Norte, as well as Paseo Montanoso at Avenida De Los Lobos. Such measures were taken to facilitate the fire response and keep residents safe from the rapidly approaching danger.
At this stage, the cause of the fire remains unclear, adding to the concerns of local officials and residents alike. The San Diego Fire-Rescue Department is actively investigating potential causes. Meanwhile, they emphasized the necessity for residents to stay updated via social media channels, where they can access real-time information. Regular updates have been provided through local news outlets and social media posts from the fire department, informing the public about operational tactics and any developing news on the fire.
The atmosphere throughout the Rancho Bernardo community is tense, with many residents anxiously watching developments and preparing for the possibility of needing to evacuate their homes. Eyewitness accounts have depicted flames shooting up amid dry vegetation, leaving residents worried about their properties and the safety of their families.
Local authorities continue to advise residents to heed evacuation orders and have been proactive about alerting nearby neighborhoods of the situation through door-to-door notifications and emergency alerts. With firefighters focusing their efforts on line-cutting and protecting residential areas, they have urged residents to respect roadblock procedures and maintain distance from the fire zones.
This fast-moving fire presents significant challenges for fire teams, who are working diligently to establish control over the incident. Continuous efforts from hand crews are being implemented to surround and contain the fire effectively, especially as high winds threaten to exacerbate the situation.
Given the type of terrain and dry conditions prevalent this time of year, fire officials are on alert, preparing for trickier firefighting scenarios. Residents have been reminded to prepare emergency kits and have plans should evacuation become more widespread.
Accurate maps outlining the areas affected by the fire have been made available for public access. Residents can check these resources online via fire.ca.gov/incidents/2025/1/22/bernardo-fire to keep informed on restrictions and evacuation routes.
Despite the difficult circumstances, the community has come together, sharing resources and support for one another. Many individuals have expressed gratitude for the hard work of first responders, recognizing the risks they face to protect lives and properties. The outpouring of support adds to the resilience of the Rancho Bernardo community as they navigate this challenging situation.
The Center Fire incident serves as another stark reminder of the increased wildfire risks associated with California's dry seasons, raising broader questions about emergency preparedness and community response. Residents hope for the swift containment of the blaze and safety of their homes as the firefighting efforts continue throughout the day.