Hundreds of people are under a mandatory evacuation order from Mission Valley following a devastating blaze in San Diego - as dozens of emergency services battle to put out the flames. According to local reports, a hillside brush fire near Avenida De Las Tiendas in Mission Valley is prompting some evacuations in the immediate area.
Dozens of firefighters are on the scene battling the flames and air support has been called in to help stop the spread. Smoke can be seen billowing from the hillside and an evacuation order is in place for the neighbourhood behind the fire. The first crews arrived within 6 minutes, according to San Diego Fire-Rescue. Local businesses have been forced to shut and the public is being urged to avoid the area.
An evacuation order from the County of San Diego states: "The San Diego Fire Department is at the scene of a vegetation fire near Friars Rd and Via de la Moda in Mission Valley. The San Diego Police Department has issued Evacuation Orders and Warnings for nearby areas. The fire is currently at 1.5 acres and is threatening structures.".
An Evacuation Warning means there is a potential threat to life and or property. San Diego Fire-Rescue posted on X: "Fire crews are making quick work on Friars Fire. Please avoid the area of Friars Rd., west of 163. Heed all warnings and orders from police and fire officials.".
There are also mass power outages in the area that started. It is estimated around 3,000 people were without power as of 12:30 p.m local time. Local police said on X: "The San Diego Police department is currently assisting SDFD with a large fire North of Fashion Valley in Mission Valley. The areas in pink on the map above have continued ORDERS to evacuate at this time. The following roads are closed to the public.".
