UPDATE (Thursday, 6:20 p.m.): The Thorn Fire is now at 1,234 acres and is 45% contained, according to Cal Fire.
UPDATE (Thursday, 6:30 a.m.): Cal Fire officials said crews have stopped the Thorn Fire's forward rate of spread.
Cal Fire Capt. Oscar Sotelo said night drops and a decrease in the temperature allowed crews to make progress.
As of Thursday morning, the fire has burned 1,201 acres and is 10% contained.
Evacuation orders remained in place, officials said. Per Sotelo, crews want to make sure the area is safe and power is restored before evacuees can return to their homes.
Sotelo said Cal Fire is looking into the possibility a burning trailer or home sparked the blaze.
BOULEVARD, Calif. (KGTV) — A large brush fire near Boulevard forced evacuations Wednesday evening, sending thick plumes of smoke into the air.
The fire erupted near the 2500 block of Buckthorn Trail late Wednesday afternoon. So far, the blaze has scorched 1,201 acres and crossed Interstate 8. There is an immediate threat to structures in the area.
As of Thursday morning, the fire was at 10% containment.
Cal Fire says they received multiple reports of a trailer fire that eventually spread to nearby vegetation. The cause of the trailer fire is unknown.
The No. 1 lane in both directions on Interstate 8 between Crestwood Road and Ribbonwood Road was opened, Caltrans officials said. Ramps will remain closed, according to the CHP.
Fire crews will be working overnight to build containment lines and extinguish the fire using water-dropping helicopters.
Evacuation orders and warnings have been issued. See the map below for areas under evacuation or click here for updates.
A temporary evacuation point has been set up at the Golden Acorn Casino on 1800 Golden Acorn Way. Red Cross volunteers are opening an overnight sehlter at the Golden Acorn Casino.
A smoke advisory has been issued for areas around Live Oak Springs, Boulevard, Tierra Del Sol and McCain Valley, according to the San Diego County Air Pollution Control District. Affected communities are advised to limit physical and outdoor activity.
***ACTIVE SMOKE ADVISORY***INCIDENT: Thorn FireAFFECTED AREA: Extreme Southeastern San Diego CountyAFFECTED COMMUNITIES: Areas around Live Oak Springs, Boulevard, Tierra Del Sol, & McCain ValleyFor more info visit, https://t.co/a4Xyhs1V6j#ThornFire pic.twitter.com/a6cir09F27
— San Diego County Air Pollution Control District (@sdapcd) July 16, 2026
Sky 10 flew over the scene Wednesday evening. Watch video in the player below:
