Progress Reported, but Fire Still Poses Threat
Air and ground crews have made progress against a wildfire burning in the mountains east of San Diego for more than a week, but homes were still threatened in at least one small community, a California Department of Forestry spokeswoman said Monday.
Firefighters were working to keep flames away from the town of Ranchita, and the approximately 340 residents have been evacuated, said department spokeswoman Audrey Hagen.
The fire also threatens other small communities in the mountains north of the former mining town of Julian, about 60 miles east of San Diego.
The so-called Pines Fire, which has burned across nearly 35,000 acres, was 80% contained as of Monday morning and authorities expected to have it fully contained by Wednesday evening.
The wildfire has destroyed 16 homes, and caused minor injuries to 15 firefighters, officials said.
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