California Casino Opens Shelter for Wildfire Evacuees, Blaze Threatens Residents, Structures

Posted on: October 8, 2024, 08:02h. 

Last updated on: October 8, 2024, 09:17h.

Ed Silverstein @casinoorgedsilv Read More
Expertise: Legal, Tribal Gaming.

Numerous California residents forced to flee their homes because of a threatening wildfire are finding temporary shelter at Golden Acorn Casino.

Posta 3 Fire
The Posta 3 Fire, pictured above. California residents were told to evacuate due to the wildfire. Some found shelter at a casino. (Image: NW Fire Blog)

The wildfire, called the Posta 3 Fire, was spreading quickly in Campo, Calif. on Monday into Tuesday. It involved some 220 acres in San Diego’s East County as of Monday afternoon.

By Monday evening, the wildfire had increased to some 350 acres. It was 10% contained as of early Tuesday, according to a post by Cal Fire.

Firefighters were battling the blaze both by land and by air, according to the Times of San Diego. They spent the night fighting the fire, including the use of air tankers and helicopters.

The wildfire began at about 2:30 p.m. Monday near the intersection of La Posta Road and Old Highway 80 in Campo.

It was described by county officials as a “vegetation fire” and was “threatening structures” as of Monday afternoon.

Evacuation Details

At about 4 p.m. Monday, residents in the immediate area were told to evacuate. An evacuation order requires residents to leave their homes immediately. San Diego County officials explain it means:

  • There is extreme danger in your area.
  • Contact your neighbors and share information.

Others were advised to prepare to evacuate their homes if needed, in the case of an evacuation warning. “An Evacuation Warning means there is a potential threat to life and/or property,” county officials explained in an online post.

The order and warning were issued by the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department and impacted between 200 and 250 residents living in the area.

As of Monday evening, several roads were closed, including Old Highway 80 between Crestwood Road and Kitchen Creek Road, and state Route 94 between La Posta Road and Old Highway 80, San Diego County officials announced in an online post.

As of Monday night, Cal Fire further reported in an online post “Firefighters are making good progress. The fire activity has decreased significantly.”

Two people impacted by the wildfire suffered injuries, according to a report from California TV station KNSD. No details were immediately available on their conditions. The cause of the blaze remains unknown.

The inflamed area is located about five miles west of the Golden Acorn Casino.

Food, Supplies at Casino Shelter

The casino opened up a shelter on Golden Acorn Way soon after the wildfire began to spread. The shelter will provide residents with both food and needed supplies. The American Red Cross is providing assistance to evacuees.

Large animals can be dropped off at the San Diego County Animal Shelter in Bonita, Calif.