Evacuation orders lifted for brush fire in northeast San Diego County

Evacuation orders have been lifted for the brush fire east of Julian in northern San Diego County but the Julian Fourth of July parade has been canceled, Cal Fire said.

Evacuation orders were issued in early afternoon for the Kentwood and Whispering Palms areas. But at 8 p.m. Thursday, Cal Fire announced those orders were lifted.

The fire, which broke out about 10:30 a.m. in the Banner Grade area between Julian and the Anza-Borrego Desert, has burned 150 acres, destroyed two homes and is 15% contained, Cal Fire said.

Six air tankers, four helicopters and several hundred firefighters fought the blaze during daylight. No injuries have been reported, Cal Fire said.

State Route 78 is closed between Julian High School and Scissors Crossing.

The annual Independence Day parade down the main street lined with flags is a major event in Julian both for residents and tourists. But Cal Fire and the California Highway Patrol canceled it due to road closures and the continuing danger posed by the fire.