Banner Fire Grows to 217 Acres

A Banner Fire in eastern San Diego County grew overnight to 217 acres and was 40 percent contained, authorities said.

Evacuation orders for the Whispering Pines and Kentwood neighborhoods near Julian were lifted at 8 p.m. Thursday, Fire Capt. Kendal Bortisser said. But state Route 78 continues to be closed between Julian High School and Scissors Crossing.

The blaze erupted for unknown reasons shortly after 10:30 a.m. Thursday off state Route 78 in the rural Banner Grade area, authorities reported.

The flames spread rapidly to the west, leveling two residences and threatening at least 200 others,  Bortisser said. An outbuilding also was destroyed, he said.

—City News Service