SAN DIEGO (KGTV) — The San Diego Fire-Rescue Department says evacuations are underway in the College Area as multiple crews work to put out a rapidly moving fire.
WATCH LIVE: ABC 10News is on the air bringing you the latest developments about this fire and the evacuation order
According to SDFD, the fire sparked in the area of Montezuma Road and Fairmount Avenue around 1:45 p.m. Several units were at the scene, and helicopters attacked the fire from above.
Here's a map of the evacuation area as of 4 p.m. Thursday:
Mandatory evacuations are underway in the following areas:
- South of Alvarado Canyon Road
- West of Hewlett Drive
- North of Monroe Avenue
- East of Montezuma Road
The Allied Gardens Recreation Center at 5155 Greenbrier Ave. is acting as a temporary shelter for people under the evacuation order.
As of 2:42 p.m., the fire was about 37 acres large.
SDFD says Hardy Elementary School, located at 5420 Montezuma Drive, was evacuated, and the people there are headed to Viejas Arena on the San Diego State campus. Parents can access the arena via Canyon Crest Drive.
SDFD says Lucille Drive, Lila Drive and 49th Street are under evacuation orders as officers are going door to door to notify people.
SDPD says the following roads will be closed until at least midnight:
- Collwood Boulevard, between Montezuma Road and Monroe Ave.
- Montezuma Road between Fairmount Ave. and 55th St.
- Fairmount Ave. from I-8 to Aldine
- Camino Del Rio south at Fairmount
- Eastbound I-8 at Fairmount exit
SDFD says Montezuma Road is shut down in both directions, and Aldine Drive is also impacted. The canyon behind Lucille Drive in the Talmadge and Alvarado Estates area is burning, per firefighters.
The San Diego State University alert page says there is no immediate threat to the campus community since the fire is located southwest of campus. No SDSU buildings or residence halls were evacuated, and classes continued. University Police assisted SDFD in proactive evacuations off campus in neighborhoods closer to the fire.
SDFD Public Information Officer Jose Ysea told City News Service that as of 4:30 p.m., at least 10 residential properties sustained minor damage. The damage included scorched patios, burned fences, and broken windows. Ysea also said firefighters were making good progress in containing the fire.
This is Montezuma near Fairmount.
— SDFD (@SDFD) October 31, 2024
Many crews in the area. Montezuma shut down in both directions. Aldine Dr also impacted.
Please avoid the area if possible.
Canyon behind Lucille Dr. in Talmadge & Alvarado Estates canyon burning. pic.twitter.com/KpNwNgomNB
Below, you'll find pictures from the public:
This is a developing story. Stay with ABC 10News as our team of journalists works to gather the latest information. City News Service contributed to this report.
