The Rock Fire burning in Fallbrook near the Riverside County line spread so quickly Saturday people forced to evacuate had little to grab their valuables.
The about 100 homes immediately affected by the fire live about four miles from downtown Fallbrook and near the place where the fire sparked at about 3:15 p.m. Saturday, at Sandia and Rock Mountain roads.
As Rock Mountain Road was overwhelmed by the fire, the issue that some faced was how to get out of their rural quiet community.
One resident recalled her and her husband's close encounter with flames as she tried to evacuate through Rock Mountain Road.
"As we got closer to Via Ranchitos we saw the flames, and we had to turn back the other way because the fire and the sheriff was there," Meline Giannini said.
She said there is only one paved road leading in and out of the neighborhood.
"The sheriff said, we were heading out Rock Mountain, you have to go out the back way. Rock Mountain is nothing but a mountainous dirt road at that point."
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What would have been a five- to 10-minute drive turned into a 30-minute through Temecula.
The quick-burning fire was first reported at 20 acres and within an hour spread to 50 acres. Firefighters were hampered by the hot weather and steep terrain.
Giannini was one of the few people who stopped by the Red Cross's temporary evacuation center at Fallbrook High School moments after evacuations were ordered.
The center provided a place where evacuees can grab a snack, some water and regroup after being displaced from their homes.
Giannini said many in the community have large animals, such as horses. Riders Field just up the street from Fallbrook High is taking large animals during the evacuation.
