Reignited Brush Fire in Del Mar Heights Spurs Evacuations, Firefighting Efforts Continue

A wind-driven brush fire reignited in Del Mar Heights on Tuesday afternoon, leading to the evacuation of nearby residents. The fire, initially subdued by the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department, flared up again in the area of Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve, emitting a large plume of smoke visible over Interstate 5.

The rekindled fire, estimated to be 19 acres with 5% containment, was challenging to tame due to dense undergrowth and onshore winds, as mentioned by SDFD spokesperson Mónica Muñoz during a press briefing.

Two firefighters were hospitalized for heat exhaustion as crews battled the reinvigorated flames that prompted the evacuation of about 2,500 residents in Del Mar Heights. An evacuation warning was issued to an additional 1,400 individuals as a precautionary measure. The Del Mar Fairgrounds served as a temporary evacuation point during the emergency.

The forced evacuation, impacting thousands, was eventually lifted at 7:20 p.m., marking progress in the firefighting efforts. While the Del Mar Heights Road and Carmel Valley Road off-ramps on Interstate 5 were temporarily closed, they have since been reopened for normal traffic.

The incident, which saw the closure of several roads, including Del Mar Heights Road and Carmel Valley Road off-ramps on Interstate 5, highlighted the challenges faced by first responders in containing the blaze. The collaboration between various agencies, including San Diego Fire-Rescue Department, the police, and the sheriff’s department, was essential in coordinating evacuations.