Wildfire in rural San Diego County threatens 150 homes, prompts evacuation

CAMPO, Calif. – A wildfire in eastern San Diego County on Sunday forced the evacuation of 150 homes, destroyed one structure and shut down the main road to a casino.

The fire began in a rural area northeast of Campo and near the Golden Acorn Casino and quickly burned 450 acres, said Tom Piranio, a spokesman for the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.

He said erratic winds have made it difficult for firefighters to contain the fire.

Capt. Daryll Pina said the fire destroyed one structure, but he hasn’t been able to confirm what it was.

Officials shut down public access to the casino, whose parking lot was set up as an evacuation centre. Patrons were urged to stay inside. Calls to the casino went unanswered.

Meanwhile, a 2,200-acre wildfire that erupted Saturday in a remote area of Riverside County was 70 per cent contained. Authorities said they expect full containment of the blaze burning between Beaumont and San Jacinto Monday morning.

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