Sorrento Valley brush fire prompts evacuations

A brush fire, identified as the Sorrento Fire, broke out Sunday afternoon in the Penasquitos Creek area east of Interstate 15 in Sorrento Valley. The fire began around 1:30 p.m. and grew rapidly, reaching 20-25 acres within 90 minutes. Later reports indicated the fire had burned approximately 131 acres.

Emergency responders, including the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department and Cal Fire, deployed an extensive firefighting effort involving multiple engines, brush rigs, helicopters, and fixed-wing aircraft. As the fire reached a canyon bed near residential areas, bulldozers and a Type 3 Strike Team were dispatched to assist with structure protection.

Evacuation orders were issued at approximately 3:30 p.m. for areas in close proximity to the flames. A temporary evacuation point was established at Mandell Weiss Eastgate Park. San Diego police assisted with traffic control and street closures. The cause of the fire remains undetermined.