Wildfires Destroy Homes as Evacuations Ordered in Southern California

San Diego, CAAt least 20 homes have been destroyed and 10 damaged by wildfires in southern California. Additionally, 2,000 acres of land has been destroyed as firefighters battle to contain the “Shockey" fire raging near the US-Mexico border. The fire began on Sunday in an area east of Campo near the border with Mexico, and evacuations were ordered shortly afterwards.

Hundreds of firefighters are at the scene as are 57 fire trucks, air tankers and water-dropping helicopters.
So far, there have been no reports of injury, but the fire and heat are shifting with temperatures reaching the high 80s and winds gusting up to 25 mph, so risk remains. According to the LA Times mandatory evacuation orders have been ordered for 80 homes in the Tierra del Sol, Jewel Valley and Boulevard areas.

A wildfire is also raging farther north in Riverside County. Affecting some 150-acres, the fire is about 90 percent contained. However, it remains a threat to some 200 homes in the Murrieta area if afternoon winds cause the fire to spread over fire lines, Murrieta Fire Chief Matt Shobert said.

The cause of both fires was under investigation.