Julian's Great Fire Almost Under Control

Firefighters battling "The Great Fire" near Julian said Tuesday they have the upperhand.

The fire is 75% contained with full containment is expected by Thursday, said Nick Schuler with CAL Fire. A favorable weather forecast with the prospect of rain is helping firefighters with the fire.

Nearly 1000 firefighters remain on scene to fight the fire. Crews from as far away as Northern California are helping fight the fire east of Julian near Scissors Crossing. They expect to start sending firefighters and resources home as early as Tuesday.

The fire dubbed by crews as “The Great Fire” has scorched 2,000 acres. The 25 residences that were threatened at one time over the weekend are no longer in danger according to CAL Fire.

As of 10 a.m. Monday, Cal Fire lifted an evacuation advisory along with the road closure of Highway 78 at Wynola, Schuler said.

CAL Fire has nearly 1500 firefighters on the lines working 24-hour shifts.

Schuler said fire crews made “excellent progress” Sunday night battling the fire that’s moving over extremely steep terrain.

During daylight hours, they're getting help from the air with air tankers and helicopters to stay ahead of the shifting winds.

“It doesn't put it out, you need people on the ground to actually put it out,” said firefighter Romaldo Navarro. “That is pretty much just to slow it down and to give you an advantage to get there and put it out."

The San Diego County Sheriff's Department worked with CAL Fire to send out a reverse 911 evacuation advisory Sunday to about 1,100 homes in the area just as a precaution.

The evacuation advisory was for the following areas: Shelter Valley, Kentwood #1 and #2, Whispering Pines, Pine Crest Campground, Banner, KQ Ranch and Harrison Park.

"This is only an advisory and the public should not panic. We are asking that these areas please be prepared if asked to leave and not wait until the last minute," CAL Fire Captain Mike Mohler said Sunday.

The blaze was first reported at 12:53 p.m. near the community of Scissors Crossing, Saturday.

The fire was said to be centered on the south side of Highway 78, officials said.

California Highway Patrol closed down Highway 78 at the Scissors Crossing and made a hard-road closure at Wynola Road, east of the Banner side to west of S-2 at Scissors Crossing, according to CHP reports.

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