Full Breakdown
Creelman Fire Threatens Homes in Ramona, San Diego County
7/23/2026, 1:46:16 PM
Rapid Spread of the Creelman Fire
A brush fire ignited around 3 p.m. on Creelman Lane in Ramona, California, and quickly moved through steep terrain toward the San Diego Country Estates community. West-southeasterly winds of 20–25 mph and mid-80 °F temperatures accelerated the blaze. Cal Fire officials said the fire “rapidly expanded” within hours, prompting an air-and-ground response and evacuation orders for thousands of residents.
Data & Statistics
- Acreage burned: reports vary—315, 346, 350 and 314 acres.
- Containment: roughly 20 % contained by evening.
- Evacuations: more than 2,000 people ordered to leave; zones SDC-1242 through SDC-1247 were targeted.
- Structures: at least one accessory dwelling unit reported destroyed; no injuries confirmed.
- Shelters: large-animal evacuation site at the Ramona Rodeo; Red Cross shelter at Olive Pierce Middle School.
Official Statements & Responses
Cal Fire Captain Mike Cornette described firefighters as “actively engaged in structure defense,” using fire engines to patrol neighborhoods and deploying retardant. He noted recent upgrades at the nearby Ramina Air Attack Base—expanded aircraft fleet and an upgraded retardant-mix plant—had improved the effort. Local agencies designated Olive Pierce Middle School and Ramona High School as evacuation shelters, while the San Diego County Air Pollution Control District issued a smoke advisory urging residents to limit outdoor activity, especially those with respiratory or heart conditions.
On-the-Ground Reports
Residents described the sudden danger and rapid evacuation. Phyllis Neilson left immediately after hearing the alarm. John Tibbott reported his home felt safe despite nearby flames. Kiki DeVries saw “flames on Spangla Peak” from her bedroom and evacuated her horses, dogs and cats to the rodeo grounds. Kirk Delph said he had his emergency bags packed and was ready to leave if conditions worsened.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Acreage: sources differ by up to 36 acres.
- Structure damage: NY Times reported no injuries and no confirmed loss, while the Union-Tribune cited an accessory dwelling unit destroyed.
- Containment progress: percentages are approximated (“about 20 %”) without a precise timestamp.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We’ve got fire engines patrolling through the neighborhood making sure that we are putting out any spot fires and trying to contain that fire and prevent it from entering into any of those homes,” — Capt. Mike Cornette
- “When firefighters tell me to get out of Dodge, I get out of there,” — Phyllis Neilson
What’s Next
Cal Fire announced two night-capable helicopters will continue retardant drops after sundown, taking advantage of cooler temperatures and higher humidity. Crews plan to build containment lines through the night. The smoke advisory remains in effect for eastern San Diego County, and traffic closures on San Vicente Road, Wildcat Canyon Road, Warnock Drive and Old Julian Road were lifted later on July 22, 2026.
