Evacuations Lifted as Firefighters Stop Growth of Stubborn 19-Acre Del Mar Reserve Fire

San Diego Fire-Rescue crews doused a stubborn brush fire on a hillside in Del Mar Tuesday that reignited several times and grew to 19 acres, prompting brief mandatory evacuations of thousands of nearby residents.

The fire broke out after 10 a.m. at the north end of Del Mar Scenic Parkway in the Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve Extension.

The blaze was reported under control shortly after noon, though helicopters were still dropping water and smoke remained visible.

Just after 3 p.m., firefighters tweeted, “Spot fire started outside the fire lines. Adding resources including a fixed-wing aircraft & strike teams.”

The giant Skycrane was seen dropping water, while fixed-wing aircraft dropped retardant and crews sprayed water from nearby streets.

Evacuations were ordered for Del Mar and Carmel Valley west of I-5 from Carmel Valley Road to Del Mar Heights Road, an area encompassing 2,500 people.

A temporary shelter for the displaced was in operation in the late afternoon at Del Mar Fairgrounds.

The evacuations were lifted at 7:20 p.m., but four streets in the area remained closed for several hours.

Two firefighters were treated for heat exhaustion, but no structural damage or injuries were reported,

Updated at 7:55 a.m., Wednesday, June 26, 2024