Brush Fire Burns East of Julian Community

1,019 firefighters on the scene as "Great Fire" grows to 2,000 acres

On Sunday, CAL Fire officials sent out an evacuation advisory for areas near a brush fire burning in a community east of Julian.

"The Great Fire" has grown to 2,000 acres and is now 25 percent contained,  officials said.

An evacuation advisory was put into effect for the following areas: Shelter Valley, Kentwood #1 and #2, Whispering Pines, Pine Crest Campground, Banner, KQ Ranch and Harrison Park.

"We are only advising people to leave right now, not ordering them," Cal Fire Captain Mike Mohler told City News Service.

"This is only an advisory and the public should not panic. We are asking that these areas please be prepared if asked to leave and not wait until the last minute," Mohler added.

The blaze was first reported at 12:53 p.m. near the community of Scissors Crossing, Saturday and the flames continued to be active overnight, officials said. 

The wind is said to be pushing the fire to the northeast, however officials are concerned that the wind will again shift and push the fire towards the west.

The fire was said to be centered on the south side of Highway 78, officials said. "The fire is burning on BLM and State Park land," said an official, " firefighters are constructing hand line, bulldozer line and contingency lines."

California Highway Patrol has closed down Highway 78 at the Scissors Crossing and made a hard-road closure at Wynola Road, east of the Banner side to west of S-2 at Scissors Crossing , according to CHP reports.

Currently 79 engines, 15 fire crews, five bulldozers, eight air tankers, five helicopters, 13 water tenders and 1,019 firefighters were battling the flames, officials said.

On Saturday, firefighters said the blaze had slowed it's pace as the flames were being slowly being pushed by east winds to the west away from structures.

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