Updated
Updated · NBC San Diego · Jun 8
Sorrento Valley Brush Fire Grows to 65 Acres, Triggering Evacuations at 0% Containment
Updated
Updated · NBC San Diego · Jun 8

Sorrento Valley Brush Fire Grows to 65 Acres, Triggering Evacuations at 0% Containment

2 articles · Updated · NBC San Diego · Jun 8

Summary

  • A brush fire near the Interstate 5/I-805 split in San Diego’s Sorrento Valley reached 65 acres Monday and remained 0% contained, with evacuation orders issued for four zones.
  • About 145 firefighters, helicopters and additional engines were deployed as crews worked to protect structures near Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve; Sorrento Valley Boulevard was closed between Vista Sorrento Parkway and Camino Santa Fe.
  • The fire started around 9:30 a.m. and expanded to 30-40 acres within about 45 minutes, spreading at a moderate to dangerous rate before onshore winds pushed flames east.
  • Authorities set up a temporary evacuation site at Mandell Weiss Eastgate Park, while the cause remained unknown after a caller reported hearing an explosion followed by flames near power lines.
  • No injuries or damage were immediately confirmed, underscoring the uncertainty around a fast-moving wildfire burning near homes, roads and utility infrastructure.

Insights

Did a recent utility 'fire hardening' project ironically spark the 65-acre Sorrento blaze near San Diego?
Will the fire in the nature preserve challenge environmental exemptions for utility projects in high-risk zones?
Is San Diego's costly plan to bury power lines moving fast enough to prevent disasters like the Sorrento Fire?