### Rapid Fire Threatens College Area: Mandatory Evacuations Ordered

A swiftly moving wildfire, known as the Fairmount Fire, erupted in San Diego's College Area on Thursday afternoon, leading to immediate action from fire crews and local authorities. The blaze, which ignited off Fairmount and Montezuma Roads, has consumed an estimated 37 acres as of 2:42 p.m.

San Diego Fire-Rescue (SDFD) quickly dispatched several units to the scene, with helicopters dropping water and ground crews working diligently to contain the flames. The fire was reported to be spreading across the canyon behind Lucille Drive in Talmadge and Alvarado Estates, prompting urgent evacuations.

Jose Ysea, a spokesperson for SDFD, confirmed that San Diego State University (SDSU) police and fire crews were evacuating residents from homes positioned above the threatened canyon. The affected evacuation zone includes areas south of Alvarado Canyon Road, west of Hewlett Drive, north of Monroe Avenue, and east of Montezuma Road.

A temporary evacuation center has been set up at the Allied Gardens Recreation Center, located at 5155 Greenbrier Avenue, to assist displaced residents. Additionally, Hardy Elementary School began evacuating its students to the Aztec football practice field, advising parents to use Canyon Crest for pick-up.

Community members like Bipan Shrestha expressed the urgency of the situation, describing how they had to quickly leave their homes. "We live a block away, and the fire is right across our street. So we had a mandatory evacuation," Shrestha shared. "I grabbed my dog and started walking to pick up my son first."

Several key roads have been closed due to the fire, including Collwood Boulevard between Monroe Avenue and Montezuma Road, Montezuma Road between Fairmount Avenue and 55th Street, and Fairmount Avenue from Interstate 8 to Aldine Drive. Additionally, the Fairmount Avenue exit on eastbound Interstate 8 is also closed.

Residents in nearby areas are urged to stay informed through updates from San Diego Fire-Rescue as crews continue their efforts to control the blaze and ensure public safety.