80-Acre Brush Fire in Sorrento Valley Prompts Evacuations

A fast-moving brush fire in Sorrento Valley, San Diego County, grew to 80 acres by Monday afternoon, prompting evacuation orders for more than 2,200 homes and businesses. The San Diego Fire-Rescue Department reported the blaze was 15% contained as of nearly 2 p.m., with CalFire San Diego assisting in the battle.

Dozers were actively working on containment lines.

The fire, dubbed the Sorrento Fire, broke out around 9:20 a.m. at the southwestern end of Los Penasquitos Canyon Preserve and moved rapidly through the area.

The San Diego Police Department announced evacuations in the preserve and surrounding homes in zones SDC-1492-B, SDC-1444-B, SDC-1494, SDC-1444-A, and SDC-1443. Residents were urged to leave immediately, taking essential items, pets, medications, and important documents.

A temporary evacuation point was set up at Mandell Weiss Eastgate Park, at the intersection of Eastgate Mall and Regent Road. San Diego Fire-Rescue said crews were making good progress fighting the blaze, with four helicopters and three fixed-wing aircraft dropping water and retardant.

Officials also warned that a drone had been spotted over the fire area and asked the operator to land it immediately to keep the airspace clear for firefighting aircraft.

Sorrento Valley Boulevard was completely closed between Vista Sorrento Parkway and Camino Santa Fe. The fire was moving east at a dangerous rate of spread, according to officials.

Earlier reports indicated the fire was between 30 and 45 acres, but it quickly expanded to 80 acres by the afternoon update.