A vegetation fire reported in the Dehesa community, east of San Diego County, prompted evacuation orders and road closures as firefighters worked to contain the flames.

The fire, known as the Dehesa 7 Fire, began around 3 p.m. Wednesday near Dehesa Road and Red Gum Road and quickly spread to approximately 93 acres. According to Cal Fire, crews were able to stop the fire's forward progress, and the blaze was reported to be 50% contained by Wednesday afternoon.

Initial Attack Makes a Difference 🚒✈️🔥

The rapid deployment of aerial resources on the Dehesa Fire, combined with the strategic application of retardant and water, played a critical role in minimizing the spread of this incident.

In the first few hours of the fire, aircraft… pic.twitter.com/KsBun17lsQ

— CAL FIRE (@CAL_FIRE) August 20, 2026

Evacuations and road closures

Authorities issued evacuation orders for residents in areas near the fire, while several evacuation warnings were later lifted. However, some areas remained under evacuation orders, prompting authorities to urge residents to stay alert for official updates.

A temporary evacuation center was established at the East Side Lot at Viejas Casino, located at 5000 Willows Road in Alpine.

Road closures were also implemented along Dehesa Road, including sections near Harbison Canyon Road and Tavern Road. Road conditions and closures have changed as firefighters continued their operations, with some roads reopening Thursday morning.

.@CALFIRESANDIEGO firefighters are at scene of a vegetation fire located near Dehesa Road and Red Gum Road in Dehesa. The fire is currently 15 acres and is burning at a dangerous rate of spread. #Dehesa7Fire pic.twitter.com/YWW0sHhe7V

— CAL FIRE/San Diego County Fire (@CALFIRESANDIEGO) August 19, 2026

Durante la emergencia se implementaron cierres en Dehesa Road, incluyendo tramos cercanos a Harbison Canyon Road y Tavern Road. La situación de las vialidades ha cambiado conforme avanzaron las labores de emergencia y algunas fueron reabiertas durante la mañana del jueves.

The County Air Pollution Control District also issued a smoke advisory for communities in East County, including Alpine, Harbison Canyon, Lakeside, Santee and El Cajon.

Authorities continue monitoring the fire and are urging residents in nearby communities to remain informed about potential changes to evacuation orders and road conditions.

#Dehesa7Fire If you live in the Dehesa area, be aware of increased law enforcement and firefighting activity. A brush fire is burning near the 6100 block of Dehesa Road.

An EVACUATION ORDER is in place for the shaded areas in red shown in the map below. It means everyone in the… pic.twitter.com/lYKhJdt8RN

— San Diego Sheriff (@SDSheriff) August 19, 2026