#GateFire [update] Fire is currently 500 ac 5% contained. pic.twitter.com/J3fYnVFt4w
— CAL FIRE SAN DIEGO (@CALFIRESANDIEGO) May 20, 2017
A wildfire east of San Diego quickly charred 500 acres and forced evacuations Saturday as hot temperatures and low humidity settled into the region, ending a string of cool and soggy weather.
First reported shortly before noon, the Gate Fire had a “dangerous rate of spread” in a remote area near the community of Jamul, Cal Fire reported via Twitter.
Jumpers from @SkydiveSD in the in front of a header from #gatefire #gateIC #wildland #fire pic.twitter.com/orF7jYcW6P
— Pasha Nosrat (@thatdudepasha) May 20, 2017
It was 5 percent contained by mid-afternoon.
Five airtankers and three helicopters were making drops on fire at one point, said Cal Fire Capt. Isaac Sanchez, according to the San Diego Union Tribune newspaper. Fire crews from several agencies were helping on the ground.
Heavy fire activity on Otay Lakes Road near Hwy 94 and yes it's windy #Gatefire #gateic #wildland #fire pic.twitter.com/epwzRQLPKg
— Pasha Nosrat (@thatdudepasha) May 20, 2017
I have booked a flight from Columbia,S.C. to San Diego, Ca. from 12/10/17 -12/18/17 to visit my grandson. Will it be safe/advisable to still go because of all the raging wildfires?
You would not be in any danger from the wildfires. The authorities keep the population safe in almost all cases.
What is dangerous rate of spread? Would that be rapid?
Yep, that would be a fair equivalent. The phrasing came from CalFire during the initial hours. The fire is currently 2056 acres and 75 percent contained.
Ok, don’t agree with Calfires terminology as an accurate description of ROS. Smoldering, creeping, slow, moderate, rapid are the correct terms to describe ROS.