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Campo Wildfire Explodes, Crossing I-8 and Forcing Evacuations
16 Jul
Summary
- Wildfire rapidly expanded to 236 acres with no containment.
- Evacuations ordered and warned for several zones.
- Interstate 8 closed in both directions due to fire.
The Thorn Fire, located near Campo in San Diego County, dramatically expanded to 236 acres by Wednesday afternoon, July 15, 2026. This rapidly growing blaze crossed Interstate 8, posing an immediate threat to nearby structures and triggering mandatory evacuations.
Firefighting efforts are underway, with incident commanders requesting multiple engines, hand crews, bulldozers, air tankers, and a helicopter. The fire is spreading at a moderate rate through dense vegetation, increasing the urgency of containment efforts. The cause of the Thorn Fire is currently under investigation by authorities.
Evacuation orders and warnings have been issued for specific zones, and residents are advised to monitor real-time alerts. A temporary evacuation center is operational at the Golden Acorn Casino. Additionally, both directions of Interstate 8 have been closed at Ribbonwood and Crestwood roads, disrupting local traffic.
