Firefighters Contain Sorrento Valley Fire Amid Evacuations and Drone Disruption
A brush fire in Sorrento Valley, San Diego, prompted evacuations as it spread rapidly due to dry conditions and heavy winds. The fire, reported around 9:20 a.m. near Sorrento Valley Drive, grew to 90 acres by late Monday afternoon. Firefighters managed to stop its forward progress by 3 p.m., containing 40% of the blaze. Over 2,200 homes and businesses were evacuated, with orders lifted by 8 p.m. The fire's spread was exacerbated by the area's dry conditions, with San Diego receiving significantly less rainfall than usual. A drone in the area temporarily grounded firefighting aircraft, highlighting the dangers drones pose to aerial firefighting efforts. Approximately 200 firefighters, including those from Cal Fire, were involved in the operation.