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yesterday

Steele Fire 85% Contained as Evacuations End in Rancho San Diego

Investigators are probing what sparked the 28-acre blaze following 85% containment by firefighting crews.

Fire (10)
In this photo illustration, Froot Loops are on display on Nov. 22, 2024 in Miami, Florida.
Smoke billows into the air from a brush fire in Jamul, July 9, 2025.
A Cal Fire tanker drops fire retardant on a brushfire in the hills above San Marcos and Carlsbad on Thursday. (Hayne Palmour IV / For The San Diego Union-Tribune)

Overview

  • The fire ignited around 2:15 PM Wednesday on Star Acres Drive near Steele Canyon High School and grew to roughly 28 acres with a moderate rate of spread.
  • Cal Fire crews and Watch Duty deployed ground personnel, five fire engines and two air tankers to establish firebreaks around the blaze.
  • Firefighters contained 75% of the burn area by 9 PM Wednesday and achieved 85% containment by 7 AM Thursday.
  • Mandatory evacuations north of Campo Road and southeast of Jamacha Road, along with a requested closure of Steele Canyon Drive, were lifted Thursday morning without any reported injuries or property damage.
  • Steele Canyon High School served as a temporary evacuation center for displaced residents during the incident.