Wildfire Evacuations, San Diego
Rainbow 3 Wildfire Forces San Diego Area Evacuations as Crews Gain Control
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Key Points
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The Rainbow 3 Fire started at about 2:55 a.m. near Mordigan Lane and Gomez Creek Road in the Rainbow community, with the cause under investigation.
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In its first hours, the fire grew from an initial 20 acres with the potential to reach 75 acres; by mid-morning reports indicated about 50 acres burned in steep, rocky terrain.
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Evacuation zones were specified: Level 3 for regions east of Gomez Creek and Level 2 for areas west of the 300 block of Rainbow Crest Road, extending toward Huntley Road and Moonridge Road toward Matt Road.
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A temporary evacuation shelter was set up at the Seventh Day Adventist Church in Fallbrook (address reported as 1200 Old Highway 395 in some outlets).
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By around 11 a.m., ground crews and air support were making good progress toward gaining control of the blaze.
A fast-moving wildfire broke out before dawn in the Rainbow community northeast of San Diego, forcing residents to flee as the blaze scorched roughly 50 acres within 90 minutes of ignition, according to Times of San Diego. The Rainbow 3 Fire started around 2:55 a.m. near Mordigan Lane and Gomez Creek Road, with the cause still under investigation.
About 10 homes are at risk, NY Post reported. Cal Fire rushed nearly 200 personnel to the scene, along with engines, air tankers, and water-dropping helicopters to battle the blaze in steep, rocky terrain.
Fire Jumps From 20 to 50 Acres in Steep Terrain
The fire grew from about 20 acres in its first 20 minutes, according to NBC San Diego. Steep hills and rocky ground helped it spread quickly. By mid-morning, crews had contained the blaze at around 50 acres, though conditions stayed unpredictable throughout the morning hours.
East County Magazine reported the fire burned in rugged terrain that made it hard for ground crews to get close. Air support played a key role early on. By around 11 a.m., crews were making good progress toward gaining control, officials said.
Level 3 Evacuations Ordered East of Gomez Creek
Authorities issued Level 3 evacuation orders — meaning "leave now" — for areas east of Gomez Creek. Level 2 warnings, urging residents to be ready to leave, were issued west of the 300 block of Rainbow Crest Road, stretching toward Huntley Road, Moonridge Road, and Matt Road, according to Times of San Diego.
A temporary shelter opened at the Seventh Day Adventist Church in Fallbrook, located at 1200 Old Highway 395, 10 News reported. Residents in affected zones were urged to follow evacuation orders immediately and monitor updates as the situation changed.
Nearly 200 Cal Fire Personnel Deployed to Rainbow
Cal Fire sent a large force to fight the blaze. The response included roughly 200 personnel, multiple engine crews, air tankers, and water-dropping helicopters, according to Times of San Diego. The air support was critical given how hard the steep terrain was to navigate on the ground.
By late morning, ground and air crews together were making clear headway. Officials said progress was good but warned that fire behavior could still change. Residents in nearby zones were told to stay alert and watch for any updates to evacuation orders throughout the day.
Cause Unknown as Investigators Begin Their Work
Investigators have not yet determined what sparked the Rainbow 3 Fire. The blaze ignited near Mordigan Lane and Gomez Creek Road in the early hours of the morning, East County Magazine reported. No injuries have been reported so far.
Authorities urged the public to stay away from the fire area and to follow any new evacuation instructions. The Rainbow community sits in a rural, hilly part of San Diego County where wildfires can spread fast, especially in dry or windy conditions.
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