Church 2 Fire triggers evacuations in Campo, California

The Church 2 Fire, a brush fire in the rural southeastern region of San Diego County, erupted near Church Road in Campo on the afternoon of August 17, 2026. The blaze, which started for unknown reasons shortly before 2:30 p.m., grew rapidly from 20 acres to approximately 132 acres within an hour.

Authorities issued evacuation orders for several zones, including areas around the intersection of Live Oak Springs Road and Old Highway 80, as well as locations east of the ignition point and south of Live Oak Springs to State Route 94. Residents in other zones, including areas extending toward Manzanita and north of Interstate 8, were advised to prepare for potential evacuations. A temporary shelter has been established at the Golden Acorn Casino in Campo.

Firefighting efforts are being conducted by ground and air crews under difficult conditions, including temperatures in the 90s and low humidity. The fire has impacted local travel, with a closure on Old Highway 80 between Church Road and Tierra Del Sol. Additionally, the San Diego County Air Pollution Control District has issued a smoke advisory for Live Oak Springs, Boulevard, Manzanita, and McCain Valley.