As firefighters battle the Bernardo Fire into the night, people evacuated in Fairbanks Ranch and Eastern Rancho Santa Fe are being allowed back into their homes. The evacuation order was lifted around 8:00 p.m. tonight (May 13). Also, the CHP has reopened all roads in the area that were closed because of the fire.
The Bernardo Fire broke out just before 11:00 a.m. in the 4S Ranch area within the city of San Diego. The dry and hot weather, as well as high winds, pushed the fire west toward Fairbanks Ranch and Eastern Rancho Santa Fe. These areas fall under the jurisdiction of the Sheriff's Department. More than 5,000 homes and businesses in this area received phone calls to evacuate. Deputies also went door to door to make sure people left their homes.
As nightfall came, the high winds died down, which allowed firefighters to make good progress in putting out the flames. As of tonight, the Bernardo Fire has torched around 850 acres. No structures have been destroyed or damaged within Sheriff's jurisdiction. No word yet on what caused the fire.
Right now, the Bernardo Fire has been contained to the following area:
• East of Via De La Valle
• West of Dove Canyon Road
• North of Carmel Valley Road
• South of Camino Del Sur
No further evacuations are expected overnight in the Fairbanks Ranch and Eastern Rancho Santa Fe areas.
Dozens of Sheriff's Deputies will work through the night to assist with fire operations.
You can follow the Sheriff's Department on Facebook, Twitter and Nixle for regular updates on the Bernardo Fire.
To receive text or e-mail alerts from Nixle, text your zip code to "888777." Standard text messaging rates will apply.
For any non-emergency issues, call the Sheriff's Department at (858) 565-5200.
For additional information on the Bernardo Fire, visit the San Diego County Emergency Site at: www.sdcountyemergency.com.
