Evacuation Orders Lifted Hours After Crews Began Battling Talmadge Fire That Damaged 6 Homes

Crews on Thursday stemmed the progress of a fast-moving fire in Talmadge that prompted mandatory evacuations in several neighborhoods and damaged six homes, but caused no injuries.

The blaze, spotted in an area off Montezuma Road and Fairmount Avenue before 1:45 p.m., was at 25% containment just under five hours later. The flames, burning in canyons to the southeast, initially generated large plumes of smoke that could be seen for miles.

Units from multiple agencies, including CalFire San Diego, joined the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department in responding to the fire, which had burned 37 acres as of 2:42 p.m. Copter 3 joined the firefight, with more air support called in to drop water and retardant on the flames.

San Diego police officers went door to door behind Lucille Drive at mid-afternoon, evacuating residents there and on Lila Drive and 49th Street, according to SDFD.

Evacuations were ordered south of Alvarado Canyon Road, west of Hewlett Drive, north of Monroe Avenue and east of Montezuma, which authorities shut down in both directions.

“If you are within this area bordered by these streets please evacuate,” the fire department posted to social media.

Stellar work by all firefighters who responded to the #fairmountfire
Your heroic efforts saved neighborhoods during very challenging conditions!
Thanks to all the agencies who arrived from the far reaches of our county to share the work. #firefighter pic.twitter.com/hZ8XGIXW7N— SDFD (@SDFD) November 1, 2024

By 9 p.m, fire officials lifted all evacuation orders, allowing residents in Talmadge and other affected areas to return home. They said that crews would work “through the night” to prevent any embers from re-igniting.

Evacuees had been directed to the Allied Gardens Recreation Center, 5155 Greenbrier Ave. Volunteers provided them with food and water, while the San Diego Humane Society said at least 15 pets had been brought in to the center.

But some streets had re-opened, including Collwood Boulevard. The police department warned that residents should be prepared to show proof of their addresses to gain access to the neighborhood.

Montezuma, however, between Collwood and Fairmount, will remain closed all night, according to SDFD, to keep the roadway clear for fire crews.

By 7 p.m., authorities were re-opening other blocked roads, including the eastbound Interstate 8 off-ramp at Fairmount Avenue. Drivers had faced notable backups on I-8 and surrounding streets during the evening commute.

Along with Montezuma, Fairmount and Collwood, other closures affected areas off Monroe Avenue, 55th Street, Aldine Drive and Camino Del Rio So.

In addition, the San Diego Metropolitan Transit System informed users that Routes 11, 13, 14 and 955 are “currently on detour” due to the blaze. Green Line service on the San Diego Trolley is unaffected, according to MTS.

Earlier, students from Hardy Elementary School on Montezuma were sent to Viejas Arena at San Diego State University, just east of the fire zone. SDSU officials assured the community that the campus remained open.

“There is no threat to SDSU and no SDSU buildings are currently being evacuated,” they posted on the university’s urgent information page.

San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria had been briefed on the fire in the afternoon and said he would stay in close contact with Fire Chief Robert Logan.

“The response has been, and continues to be, coordinated, efficient and decisive, which has led to our Fire-Rescue Department being able to quickly get control of the blaze and protect lives and property,” Gloria said in statement issued late Thursday.

Meanwhile, police reminded those with drones that the devices “are illegal during emergency operations and directly interfere with rescue efforts and helicopter flight paths.”

There is currently no indication of what caused the blaze.

Last updated at 11:25 p.m., Oct. 31, 2024