San Diego

Car Fire in Ramona Spreads to Brush, Shuts Down State Route 67

State Route 67 in Ramona was shut down in both directions on Friday afternoon after a vehicle fire jumped into nearby brush.

The fire, dubbed the "Rock Fire" by officials, started at approximately 2:34 p.m. on the SR-67 at Rockhouse Road, Cal Fire confirmed.

As of around 3:45 p.m., the fire had spread to 12 acres. According to a tweet by Cal Fire, winds had caused the fire to extend. By 4:45 p.m., the fire was burning 30 acres.

The San Diego County Sheriff's Department (SDSO) said there was a concern the fire could spread to nearby homes. Residents in the area were being advised to evacuate.

RAW VIDEO: A vehicle fire jumped to nearby brush on the State Route 67 at Rockhouse Road. The fire had spread to 30 acres and nearby residents were being advised to evacuate.

A temporary evacuation point was set up at Ramona Branch Library located on 1275 Main St. An evacuation shelter for large animals was also set up at the Ramona Fairgounds on Aqua Lane.

The fire had reduced to 20 acres and was five percent contained by 6:20 p.m. Friday. At that point, the evacuation advisory for residents was also lifted.

One resident told NBC 7 he had been getting off of work when a neighbor called him and told him there was a fire.

"It's very humbling. Never had that experience," Eddie Hajas said, adding that he wants to thank the firefighters for their work.

Some firefighters were treated for heat exhaustion but there were no major injuries.

"These guys are the heroes of the day and they came through. I'll be paying them a visit, thanking them personally," he said.

 Eric Webb, who was in town on a job site when he got a call when the fire came dangerously close to a home he had built.

"It could have got nasty, you know. We were very fortunate," he said.

Crews planned to remain at the scene of the fire Saturday tending to hot spots and making sure there were no more flare-ups.

San Diego County has been experiencing sweltering temperatures this week as a heat wave lingers. The hot weather is a cause for concern for firefighters.

As of 7:30 a.m. Saturday, the Rock Fire had burned 28 acres and was 50 percent contained, Cal Fire officials said, as crews continued to make solid progress.

By Sunday, the fire was 100 percent contained, and the acreage was still at 28 acres. 

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