Three small brush fires broke out in the East County around the same time Thursday night, forcing evacuations near Lawson Valley, fire officials said.
Around 6:30 p.m., firefighters received reports that multiple fires were burning near Lyons Valley and Honey Springs roads, east of Jamul, Cal Fire officials said on X.
Within a few hours, the fires — which were being called the Springs fire — had burned close to 50 acres with zero containment.
Forward progress was stopped on one of the three fires, but the other two merged, Cal Fire officials said shortly after 9 p.m.
Evacuation orders were issued for residents north of Lyons Valley Road and Skyline Truck Trail and south of Maguay Road, according to online mapping.
Evacuation warnings were in effect for areas east of Lawson Valley Road and west of Wisecarver Truck Trail. Another warning was in effect for communities north of Barrett Lake Road and immediately south of Skye Valley Road.
A temporary evacuation point was opened at Regal Edwards Cinemas at 2951 Jamacha Road in Rancho San Diego.
Sheriff’s officials closed multiple intersections along Lyons Valley Road to through traffic, including at Japatul Valley Road, Honey Springs Road and Lyons Creek Road. Other closures included Wisecarver Truck Trail at Skyline Truck Trail and Honey Springs Road at Deerhorn Valley Road to allow emergency personnel through.
This was the second day in a row that a brush fire ignited in East County and forced evacuations.
On Wednesday afternoon, a fire was reported around 2:10 p.m. off Star Acres Drive, north of state Route 94 in the Jamul area. That fire charred 28 acres before it was fully contained Thursday afternoon. The cause of the Steele fire is under investigation.
Originally Published: July 10, 2025 at 9:47 PM PDT