Sorrento Valley Fire Firefighters Battle Intense Blaze As Evacuation Orders And Road Closures Take Effect

The Sorrento Valley Fire sparked a major firefighting operation Sunday as crews worked to contain a vegetation fire that rapidly expanded across the San Diego area. Road closures were implemented, while evacuation orders affected several nearby residential communities, according to San Diego Fire-Rescue officials cited by multiple media outlets. According to Fox 5 San Diego, authorities received the first report at about 1:30 PM. The fire was burning in the Peñasquitos Creek area between Sorrento Valley Boulevard and Carmel Mountain Road. Initially covering an estimated 1 to 2 acres, the blaze was spreading slowly toward the east.By around 2:50 PM, officials estimated that the fire had grown to between 5 and 10 acres as flames continued moving through medium brush. By approximately 4:44 PM, the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire) reported that the fire had expanded to 131 acres. According to the outlet, San Diego Fire-Rescue Deputy Chief Dan Eddy said light winds combined with the canyon terrain were creating challenging conditions for firefighters working on the ground.Cal Fire crews joined the response, bringing the number of personnel fighting the blaze to about 200. Aircraft were also deployed to support firefighters and help slow the fire's spread.NBC San Diego reported that an evacuation order had been issued for zone SDC-1444, with a temporary evacuation site established at 4161 Eastgate Mall. Evacuation warnings were also in effect for zones SDC-1399, SDC-1400, SDC-1401, SDC-1442, SDC-1443, SDC-1446, SDC-1492 and SDC-1494. Residents in the affected areas were advised to stay alert, follow official instructions and be prepared to leave if evacuation orders were expanded.The San Diego Police Department has closed roads in the area, including 10800 Vista Sorrento Parkway, Sorrento Valley Boulevard and Jasmine Crest Lane, as crews continue responding to the fire.