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Watch Live | Fire in College Area at Fairmount Ave & Montezuma Rd: Evacuations, road closures underway

San Diego Fire-Rescue describes the fire as rapidly moving. They said that there are several units at the scene along with air support.

SAN DIEGO — A fire has ignited in the College Area Thursday afternoon. The fire is at Fairmount Avenue and Montezuma Road. San Diego Fire-Rescue described the fire as rapidly moving. They said there are several units at the scene along with air support. Residents in the Rolando and College Area neighborhoods are reporting ash falling from the sky.  The fire started in a canyon along Montezuma Road, according to CBS 8's Steve Price who is live on the scene of the brush fire.

Evacuations

Mandatory evacuation area: South of Alvarado Canyon Rd, West of Hewlett Dr., North of Monroe Ave, East of Montezuma If you are within this area bordered by these streets please evacuate.

Officers went door to door to alert residents. Please use caution when leaving the area.

Students at Hardy Elementary School are being evacuated to Viejas Arena on SDSU's campus.  Parents should use Canyon Crest to access the arena and should avoid College Ave.

A temporary evacuation point is located at Allied Gardens Recreation Center at 5155 Greenbrier Ave. At the rec center, people can get food, water and make a plan for Thursday evening. SDFD will reassess the evacuations at 6:00 p.m.

Drivers are asked to avoid the area.

Credit: Cal Fire
Evacuation Map for Montezuma Fire (4pm)

Road closures

Montezuma Road is shut down in both directions and Aldine Drive is also impacted. Eastbound Interstate 8 at College Avenue is backed up to Interstate 805. The EB I-8 off-ramp at Fairmont Ave is closed.

Fairmount Avenue North between Montezuma Road and Camino Del Rio South and I-8/Alvarado Canyon Road.

Fairmount Avenue South between I-8/Alvarado Canyon Road and El Cajon Blvd

Montezuma Road between Fairmount Ave/Camino Del Rio South and Collwood Blvd.

Click here to view the interactive traffic map.

San Diego State University

SDSU posted the following on their website:

"The San Diego Fire Department (SDFD) is responding to brush fire that is located off campus between Fairmount Avenue and Montezuma Road. The fire is located just southwest of campus. There is no threat to the campus community. University Police Department and SDFD are conducting proactive evacuations near the immediate area. Anticipate traffic delays and road closures. Be attentive to and follow directions provided by officials."

Weather Impact

San Diego has seen below average levels of rain over the last few months. By this time in a normal October we would have half an inch of rain on the ground. That = dry brush.

Temperatures are mostly in the low 70s, which is below average, however the sun is still out and that doesn’t help fire crews who could possibly get overheated.

Over the last several hours sustained winds have been between 5-10 mph. Gusts have been between 10-15 mph and in some cases closer to 20.

The westerly component of wind is good to have in that it’s not totally dry. We will likely see offshore (Santa Ana) winds into next week which will keep crews on high alert.

Watch: This is video shot on a rooftop at SDSU of the fire. Credit: Tanner Wederstrant

Cal Fire is assisting San Diego Fire-Rescue in battling the fire near the College area.

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Prepare for a Wildfire evacuation

CalFire has built a list of things to have ready in case you and your family are evacuated during any wildfire or disaster. 

Ensure your wildfire ‘Go Bag’ includes:

  • A 3-day supply of non-perishable food & 3 gallons of water per person
  • A map with at least 2 evacuation routes
  • Necessary prescriptions or medications
  • A change of clothes & extra eyeglasses/contact lenses
  • Extra car keys, credit cards, cash, or traveler’s checks
  • A first aid kit & sanitation supplies
  • A flashlight & battery-powered radio with extra batteries
  • Copies of important documents (birth certificates, passports, etc.)
  • Pet food & water

Always have sturdy shoes and a flashlight near your bed, ready for sudden night evacuations.

If time allows, consider adding:

  • Valuables that are easy to carry
  • Family photos and irreplaceable items
  • Personal computer data on hard drives and disks
  • Chargers for cell phones and laptops

Before You Leave, Check This Out