A fast-moving wildfire west of Interstate 15 in North County threatened dozens of homes and prompted evacuation orders in the Fallbrook area Friday afternoon.

The garden fire was first reported around 1 p.m. and within an hour had spread to about 50 acres, according to officials with the North County Fire Protection District.

Fire officials reported it could potentially grow to 250 acres due to its “moderate to dangerous rate” of spread. “The wind is coming from the south and pushing the fire north,” said Fire Chief John Choi.

A map of a wildfire burning near Lake Garden Drive in the Fallbrook area, as tweeted by the San Diego Sheriff’s Office on Friday at 1:46 p.m. (San Diego Sheriff)

Cal Fire Captain Mike Cornette said firefighters fought the blaze with ground crews, fire trucks and bulldozers, as well as a full aircraft response.

“It’s steep, challenging terrain with heavy brush and lots of houses in the area,” Cornette said.

It was first reported in the area of ​​Lake Garden Drive east of Gird Road. Evacuations were ordered for neighborhoods north of state Route 76 and near Pala Mesa Drive. Around 1:30 p.m., officials updated the evacuation zone to include a few neighborhoods near Gird Road and Knottwood Way.

Evacuation warnings were also issued for homes near Laketree Drive and Secret Lake Lane, as well as homes west of the Pala Mesa Golf Course.

Footage from Fox 5 showed a person outside a home using a garden hose to try to put out the flames as the fire raced up the hill toward him.

An evacuation site was set up at Riverview Church at 4980 Sweetgrass Lane.

California Highway Patrol has closed Gird Road at Pala Mesa Road and is prepared to close Gird further south at state Route 76 if necessary, CHP Officer Hunter Gerber said.

Originally published: November 8, 2024 at 1:47 PM PST