Where Is The Coyote Fire?
The Coyote Fire started on August 17, 2023 in the town of Potrero in southeastern San Diego County, California. The wildfire originated near Coyote Holler Road and Round Potrero Road according to CAL FIRE [1]. As of August 17, the Coyote Fire has burned 466 acres and is 100% contained.
The fire was first reported at 2:15 PM on August 17. The cause is still under investigation according to the latest incident update from CAL FIRE [2]. Over 230 firefighters have been battling the blaze with helicopters making water drops to contain the spread of the wildfire.
Fire Location
The Coyote Fire started on Aug 17, 2023 near the unincorporated town of Potrero in southeastern San Diego County, California [1]. Potrero is located about 45 miles southeast of downtown San Diego and about 10 miles north of the U.S.-Mexico border [2].
The fire originated near the intersection of Coyote Holler Road and Round Potrero Road east of Potrero and has spread northeast into the Hauser Mountain area [1]. A map of the fire location and evacuation zones can be found here: [insert map image]
Fire Size
As of August 17, the Coyote fire has burned 466 acres in the East County region of San Diego County. The fire started on August 17 at 12:11 PM on the 23000 block of Coyote Holler Road. Within hours the fire had grown to 466 acres due to critical fire weather conditions, according to CAL FIRE’s incident update.
The Coyote fire is now 100% contained as of August 17, thanks to the efforts of firefighters on the ground and in the air. Containment grew steadily throughout the day as crews were able to establish control lines around the fire’s perimeter.
Structures Threatened
The Coyote fire has threatened over 1,600 structures since it began on August 17, 2023, according to the San Francisco Chronicle. The majority of threatened structures are homes in the rural communities east of San Diego, with clusters located in Potrero, Campo, Boulevard, and Jacumba Hot Springs. Several commercial buildings, barns, and outbuildings are also at risk from the fast-moving brush fire.
As of August 18, fire officials report approximately 1,400 homes are under threat, primarily single family dwellings and mobile homes. Around 200 other buildings, like stores, restaurants, warehouses, and agricultural structures have been evacuated due to the immediate danger from the flames. Crews are actively defending homes and key infrastructure as the fire advances across dry vegetation and hilly terrain, fueled by hot, dry winds.
Evacuations
Mandatory evacuation orders were issued for communities near the Coyote fire. According to CAL FIRE (link), the following areas are under evacuation orders: Pine Valley, Alpine Oaks, Viejas Reservation, Barrett Lake RV Resort, and areas east of Pine Creek Road.
As of the latest incident update on August 17, officials estimated around 200 people have been evacuated from communities in the fire’s path. The Red Cross has opened an evacuation center at Joan MacQueen Middle School in Alpine to assist displaced residents.
Road Closures
Major road closures due to the Coyote fire include State Route 94, which is the main highway running east to west through the area where the fire is burning. All lanes of SR-94 are closed from Forrest Gate Road to Potrero Valley Road, according to CalTrans (Patch).
Access roads that have also been closed due to the fire include Potrero Valley Road, Round Potrero Road, and Potrero Park Road. These road closures have made access difficult for some residents trying to evacuate the area.
Firefighting Effort
According to an update on the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, there are currently 250 firefighters battling the Coyote Fire as of August 17, 2023. The firefighting personnel working to contain the blaze include crews from Cal Fire, as well as local fire departments in San Diego County.
The equipment being utilized on the scene includes bulldozers to cut fire lines and aircraft conducting aerial water and retardant drops. At least 15 fire engines have been deployed to provide ground support. Additionally, helicopters are conducting water drops to cool hot spots near structures and other threatened areas.
Fire officials have reported that the firefighting efforts have been hampered by the extremely dry vegetation and steep, rugged terrain in the area. However, crews are working aggressively utilizing both ground and air resources to try to halt the forward progress of the fire.
Weather Conditions
The weather has played a significant role in the spread and intensity of the Coyote Fire. According to the National Weather Service (link), winds have been gusting up to 25 mph in the fire area. These strong winds have fanned the flames and pushed the fire through vegetation. Low relative humidity around 15-20% has also made vegetation and fuels very dry and prone to burning. The combination of windy conditions and low humidity has produced critical fire weather that has led to extreme fire behavior.
Damage Assessment
According to CAL FIRE, the Coyote Fire resulted in 2 confirmed injuries and no fatalities as of August 20, 2023. The fire damaged 2 structures in the community of Potrero in southeastern San Diego County.
The structures damaged were homes in the area. CAL FIRE has not released details on the extent of damage to the 2 homes at this time.
While the fire was fast-moving initially, firefighters were able to contain it to 466 acres thanks to favorable weather conditions and quick response. This prevented more widespread destruction of property. Officials praised the community for heeding evacuation orders, which also helped limit loss of life and structures.
Looking Ahead
Fire officials are working to fully contain the Coyote Fire in the coming days. As of August 20, the fire is 73% contained, with containment expected to reach 100% by August 25, according to Cal Fire.[1] Full containment depends on favorable weather conditions and the tireless efforts of firefighters on the frontlines.
With the fire slowing down, evacuation orders have been lifted for the community of Potrero. Highway 94 remains closed but is expected to reopen soon as suppression repair crews begin clearing debris from the roadway.[2] Getting residents safely back home is a top priority for officials managing the incident.
Fire crews will remain vigilant and keep putting out hotspots until the Coyote Fire is fully extinguished. The public is urged to stay out of closed areas for their own safety. With some luck from Mother Nature, the region can begin recovering from this devastating wildfire.
[1] https://www.sfchronicle.com/projects/california-fire-map/coyote-fire-2023
[2] https://www.nbcsandiego.com/news/local/coyote-fire-evacuation-orders-lifted-in-potrero-cal-fire-gaining-on-containment/3288299/
