A wildfire blackened large swaths of rolling terrain east of Ramona on Wednesday, prompting residential evacuations as ground and airborne crews worked to bring the flames under control.
The fire broke out for unknown reasons shortly before 12:30 p.m. near Casner Road and State Route 78 in rural Witch Creek, Cal Fire reported.
Deputies advised residents of homes on or near Rancho Ballena Road to evacuate as a precaution while ground crews and personnel aboard water tankers and helicopters fought the blaze, according to the state agency and the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department.
A temporary shelter for displaced people has been established at Olive Peirce Middle School on Hanson Lane in Ramona.
Authorities also closed SR-78 from Rancho Santa Teresa Drive to the town of Santa Ysabel, the California Highway Patrol reported.
Within three hours, firefighters stopped the blaze from spreading to about 180 acres, Cal Fire said. There were no immediate reports of structural damage or injuries.
The highway closure was lifted shortly before 4 p.m., according to sheriff’s officials, who asked motorists to be extra careful in the area until emergency personnel can clear the scene.