Thorn Fire forces evacuations

CAMPO, Calif.- Outside of the Golden Acorn casino in Campo, the San Diego Fire Department set up ground command stations following the Thorn fire that broke out on July 15.

At this time the fire has burned over 1,200 acres and is at roughly 10% containment. Evacuation orders remain in place.

The Red Cross was also on hand to assist residents who had to evacuate.

One resident named Tammi, who evacuated with her horses and dogs, says they were told to leave their homes as the fire spread rapidly. Her sheep remain at her property, but she says she was told that they were safe.

"Just moved really fast. I mean, it just, we thought, oh, we'd be OK, and then we turn around and it was big and, they weren't getting a hold of it," she told KYMA.

She said she's ready to go home and for things to get back to normal.

Pets and wildlife are especially vulnerable during fires. The heat, fast moving flames, and smoke threaten their well-being. Animal Control was on scene to help care for any evacuated animals, and to help round up any pets that may have gotten lose, or strays that were in harms way.

"Supplies for animals that are loose and running at large during the fire. So, we have dog crates, kitty litter, things of that nature," Animal Control Officer Jared Rutkoff told KYMA in an interview.

"So if we do have to go and rescue an animal from the fire, that we can have them held safely here on scene and get them reunited with their owners," he explained.

This is a developing story, and we will continue to bring you updates as they come into our newsroom.