Steele Fire update: Evacuations ordered in San Diego County | 26 acres burned, 25% containment

A brush fire near Star Acres Drive in Rancho San Diego prompted immediate evacuation orders and warnings on Wednesday, as fire crews moved quickly to stop the spread of what officials are calling the Steele Fire.

As of this afternoon's latest update, CAL FIRE reported that the forward rate of spread had been stopped. The blaze held at 26 acres with 25% containment, but evacuation orders remained in effect for parts of the area as crews continued monitoring and mop-up operations.

Timeline of Events

Fire Status at 2:55 PM

At 2:55 PM, the San Diego County Sheriff’s Office issued an EVACUATION ORDER for neighborhoods near Star Acres Drive, instructing all residents in the red-shaded zones on official maps to evacuate immediately. A yellow-shaded evacuation warning zone was also outlined, urging nearby residents to be ready to leave if conditions worsened.

The Sheriff’s message was clear:

“If you feel you are in danger, GO!”

Fire Status at 4:12 PM

By 4:12 PM, CAL FIRE confirmed that fire crews had successfully halted forward progress of the blaze. Containment was reported at 25%, and the fire's size held steady at 26 acres. While the immediate threat had diminished, hot spots remained, and authorities had not lifted evacuation protocols pending further assessment.

Track the Steele Fire and Other Active Wildfires in Real Time Across California

While the Steele Fire dominates headlines, it is just one of several wildfires burning across California as the state enters peak fire season.

To help residents stay ahead of fast-moving wildfires like these, NOAA has just launched its Next-Generation Fire System, offering real-time fire alerts within one minute of ignition. This satellite-based system is expected to drastically reduce response times and improve public safety during rapidly evolving fire events.

Most Recent Status of the Steele Fire

By 4:12 PM, CAL FIRE confirmed that fire crews had successfully halted forward progress of the blaze. Containment was reported at 25%, and the fire's size held steady at 26 acres. While the immediate threat had diminished, hot spots remained, and authorities had not lifted evacuation protocols pending further assessment.

The Steele Fire is one of several wildfires burning across California, though it remains relatively small in comparison to more active incidents.

Other Active Fires in California

The Steele Fire is one of several wildfires currently burning across California. The largest is the Madre Fire in San Luis Obispo County, which has scorched 80,610 acres and is 62% contained as of July 9. Other significant fires include the Green Fire in Shasta County (3,847 acres, 0% contained), the Butler Fire in Siskiyou County (2,822 acres, 0% contained), the Wolf Fire in Riverside County (2,387 acres, 95% contained), and the Marble Complex Fire, also in Siskiyou County (515 acres, 5% contained).

Up-to-date information on all California wildfires can be found here.

Public Safety Reminder

If you live in or near a wildfire-prone area, officials recommend having an emergency bag packed, signing up for local alerts, and knowing multiple evacuation routes. Do not wait for an official order if you feel unsafe.

This is a developing story. For verified, real-time updates, continue following local fire agencies and emergency alert platforms.

• CAL FIRE Twitter:
  @CALFIRESANDIEGO
  @CAL_FIRE
• San Diego County Emergency Services:
  @SDSheriff
  @AlertSanDiegoCo
• Evacuation Maps:
  • protect.genasys.com
  • emergencymap.sandiegocounty.gov