A brush fire in Ramona, California, prompted evacuation orders on July 22, 2026, as firefighters battled the rapidly spreading Creelman Fire, which threatened homes and required emergency resources. A separate fire in Rainbow Crest was also contained, according to reports.
Evacuation Efforts and Fire Response
Residents in the Ramona area faced increased law enforcement presence as firefighters deployed multiple resources to contain the blaze. A Cal Fire helicopter rescued two civilians from the fire zone, the outlet reported. The fire occurred amid a heat advisory across San Diego County, with a heat warning for the region’s deserts. Black smoke and brush could be seen burning at the top of a hill not far from homes at Ramona Country Estates, according to reports. Large plumes of black smoke were visible on AlertCalifornia/UC San Diego wildfire cameras, and the San Diego County Air Pollution District issued an active smoke advisory for all of East County, affecting residents near the San Diego Country Estates. The Ramona Air Attack Base, part of a $20 million infrastructure improvement project, reopened with additional ground and aerial support to protect the region. NBC 7’s Todd Strain showed how Cal Fire is now better equipped than ever, citing the base’s new resources.
Meanwhile, a separate brush fire in Rainbow Crest, located in the northern part of San Diego County, prompted evacuation orders and warnings earlier in the day. Cal Fire confirmed the fire started shortly before 10:30 local time in a remote area near Rainbow Crest Road, though the cause remains under investigation. Both fires were later contained, with the Rainbow Fire’s evacuation orders lifted, according to the outlet. NBC 7’s Dave Summers was headed to the scene of the Ramona fire, while Steve Tally, a Ramona Country Estates resident, captured photos of the Creelman Fire from his backyard on July 22, 2026. Multiple firefighting resources have been requested to fight the fire, according to Cal Fire.
Community Impact and Safety Measures
The San Diego County Air Pollution District warned of hazardous air quality due to the fire’s plumes, urging residents to monitor updates and follow evacuation instructions. The Ramona High School evacuation site served as a critical hub for displaced residents, while the Ramona Rodeo provided a designated area for large animals. Firefighters faced challenges due to the fire’s rapid spread and the region’s high temperatures. The fire broke out amid a heat advisory for the entire San Diego County and a heat warning for the region’s deserts, according to the source material.
The reopening of the Ramona Air Attack Base, part of the $20 million project, reflects efforts to enhance wildfire preparedness. The base’s resources included ground crews and aerial support, which were deployed to protect San Diego County.
Infrastructure and Preparedness
The Ramona Air Attack Base, which reopened with new resources on the ground and in the air, is part of a $20 million infrastructure improvement project. This expansion aims to better protect San Diego County from wildfires, as noted by NBC 7’s Todd Strain. The base’s enhanced capabilities include additional ground crews and aerial support, which were deployed to combat the Creelman Fire.
As of the latest update, both the Creelman Fire and the Rainbow Crest fire have been contained, though the full extent of the damage and the cause of the Rainbow fire remain under investigation. The San Diego County Sheriff’s Office advised residents to stay aware of increased law enforcement activity and to follow all evacuation directives.
Sources: nbcsandiego.com.
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