RAMONA, Calif. — A brush fire in Ramona burned nearly 200 acres and prompted temporary evacuations Wednesday.
Around 11:20 a.m., crews responded to the fire, dubbed the “Bunnie Fire,” near Bunnie King Lane and San Vicente Road. Officials say the fire was burning at a moderate rate of spread and warned that structures on Chuck Wagon Road were threatened.
By 2 p.m., the fire had grown to 183 acres.
More than 300 firefighters from departments across San Diego County worked to stop the spread of flames, Cal Fire Capt. Mike Cornette said to FOX 5. By 7 p.m., the fire was 184 acres and 20% contained.
The fire remained at 184 acres and was 65% contained Thursday, until Friday when Cal Fire announced the blaze was 100% contained.
Authorities issued an evacuation order around 3:30 p.m., but as of 8:23 p.m., all evacuation orders and warnings in Ramona were lifted.
“If you had to leave, it is now safe to go back home. Drive slowly and carefully. Be mindful of firefighters, deputies, road and utility crews working in the area,” the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department tweeted.
A temporary evacuation point was set up at Olive Pierce Middle School located at 1521 Hanson Lane, SDSO said.
In Ramona, San Vicente Road and Wild Canyon Road reopened after being closed for several hours, local officials said.
One firefighter was treated for heat-related injuries, Cornette said.
There were no reports of structure damage.
Cal Fire is investigating the cause of the vegetation fire. Throughout the night, they will mop up hot spots and strengthen control lines to make sure the fire does not grow bigger.
First responders advise to report any flare ups by calling 9-1-1.
Alex Irwin and his brother Allen were eating lunch at their Ramona home, when they got interrupted by the fire blazing across the hills of their backyard.
“It was a big rush, we didn’t know at first. The first alarm, then my dad said to pack up some stuff, get some snacks, get some water. And then the police cars started driving and telling us to go, so we got all our stuff, got in the truck and driving around until we got here (Olive Pierce Middle School),” Alex said.
The fire had forced dozens of people to evacuate the San Vicente Road area between Warnock Drive and Wildcat Canyon Road.
“We were getting into the car and my heart was rushing because it was something new and it was something I haven’t experienced before,” Alex said.
Misty Amarillas, who lives in the evacuation zone in Ramona, evacuated during the middle of working from home.
“I called my boss when I headed on out, and I was like ‘there’s an evacuation, I’m going to have to call out sick,’” Amarillas said. “When it’s down to the wire, and you’re like oh my gosh, and definitely in fear, and everything else just fell to the waist side.”
Nearby San Diego Humane Society Ramona Wildlife Center was on standby, ready to leave if needed.
“Having trailers, ready vehicles, ready equipment, ready crates, kennels to relocate, to evacuate animals. Irrigation sprinklers, hoses,” Campus Director Andy Blue said.
Blue says the team is well trained for fire danger.
“Being in Ramona and being in the country, we know these fires are a year-round threat to us, we have drills for days like today four times a year,” Blue said.
In an update at 7 a.m. Thursday, Cal Fire reported that crews made good progress overnight with an increase to 30% containment.
FOX 5’s Alani Letang and Kasia Gregorczyk contributed to this story.
