Brush Fire Sparks Near Ramona

A brush fire that broke out Tuesday near Highland Valley Road in Ramona burned 7.3 acres before firefighters stopped its spread in about 45 minutes. (nbcsandiego.com) The fire started shortly after 1 p.m. near Highland Trails Drive, in a rural area near the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, according to Cal Fire. Ground crews, air tankers and water-dropping helicopters responded as flames moved close to one structure. (nbcsandiego.com) Cal Fire captain Mike Cornette said firefighters halted forward progress by about 1:45 p.m. No structural damage or injuries were reported. (sandiegouniontribune.com) Ramona sits in inland San Diego County, where dry brush, grass and scattered homes can turn a small ignition into a structure threat within minutes. Cal Fire said the state agency protects more than 31 million acres of privately owned wildlands across California. (nbcsandiego.com) (fire.ca.gov) That helps explain why local agencies push residents to follow evacuation notices and stay off narrow rural roads when aircraft and engines are moving into fire zones. In past Ramona-area fires, officials have issued evacuation orders, opened temporary shelter points and closed State Route 78 to clear access for crews. (patch.com 1) (patch.com 2) By late Tuesday, Cal Fire’s fire investigator had identified the cause as a metal grinder, updating earlier reports that said the cause was under investigation. The agency urged people using equipment near dry brush to keep a water source or fire extinguisher nearby and call 911 if a spark escapes. (nbcsandiego.com) The Ramona fire ended without damage, but it fit a familiar pattern in backcountry San Diego County: a brief spark, a fast initial run and a heavy response to keep the flames from reaching homes. (sandiegouniontribune.com)