RAMONA, Calif. — Cal Fire has provided updated information regarding the Casner Fire on Thursday.
According to Cal Fire:
- The fire was started by a tractor that was clearing vegetation and struck a rock
- It's "very obvious" that the cause of the fire was accidental
- Cal Fire said it is too warm, breezy to be clearing brush
- Crews are still working on containment
- Fire is 35% contained as of 7 a.m. on July 28
- 180 acres burned
For the most updated information on the Casner Fire, click here.
Name: Casner Fire
Acreage burned: 180
Fire start time: Wednesday, July 27 at 12:30 p.m.
Evacuation Warnings lifted: All Evacuation orders have been lifted according to CalFire
Roads Reopened: Hwy 78 and Old Julian Hwy roads are reopened to traffic
A wildfire blackened large swaths of hilly open terrain east of Ramona Wednesday, prompting residential evacuations as ground and airborne crews worked to subdue the flames.
The blaze erupted for unknown reasons shortly before 12:30 p.m. near Casner Road and state Route 78 in the rural Witch Creek area, Cal Fire reported.
Just after 3:30 p.m., Cal Fire gave an update that the fire spread has been stopped at 180 acres burned. More than 200 firefighters and law enforcement remain on the scene and could remain for multiple days putting out hot spots.
The closure of the highway had been lifted as of shortly before 4 p.m., according to sheriff's officials, who asked motorists to exercise extra caution in the area until emergency personnel could clear the scene.
There were no immediate reports of structural damage or injuries.