DeLuz — A wildfire that broke out west of Temecula on Tuesday afternoon burned 24 acres before firefighters stopped its forward progress, according to Cal Fire officials.
The blaze, first dubbed the Sandia 2 Fire by Cal Fire, was first reported around 3:19 p.m. Oct. 7 in the 3700 block of West Sandia Creek Trail, west of Doville Ranch Road and Lynda Lane in the DeLuz area. The name then changed to just the Sandia Fire.
At the height of the response, 17 engines, four water tenders, four helicopters, four bulldozers, two hand crews, and 106 total personnel were assigned to the incident. By 6:41 p.m., firefighters reported that the forward rate of spread had been stopped, with final acreage at 24 acres instead of the 50 acres earlier reported.
Valley News photographer Brian Briggs, who was on scene, said the aerial attack included a Very Large Air Tanker (VLAT), a Large Air Tanker (LAT), and several helicopters, including Nine Charlie Union, the night-flying helicopter from Fallbrook Airpark, along with Copter 10, Copter 12, and the Nighthawk from Hemet-Ryan Airport.
The fire prompted a significant response from Cal Fire San Diego, which led operations in coordination with the California Department of Forestry and the North County Fire Protection District.
Thick smoke could be seen from downtown Fallbrook as crews worked to contain the blaze. No injuries or structural damage were immediately reported.
This is a developing story. Updates will be provided as information becomes available.
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UPDATE: As of 6:41 p.m., the forward rate of spread has been stopped, and the final acres burned are reported as 24 acres.
There was an incredible amount of resources that was activated immediately to fight the fire. There were 17 Engines used, 4 water tenders, 4 helicopters, 4 dozers, two hand crews, and 106 total personnel.
Valley News photographer Brian Briggs said, there was one VLAT (Very Large Air Tanker), one LAT (Large Air Tanker), Nine Charlie Union (The night flying helicopter from Fallbrook Air Park), Copter 10, Copter 12, the Nighthawk from Hemet Ryan Airport.
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As of 5 pm The Sandia Fire is now 50 acres. Additional air and ground resources are en route due to the structure threat.
A Wildfire dubbed the Sandia 2 Fire, west of Temecula, was reported at 3:19 pm on October 7, 2025, at 3775 W. Sandia Creek Trl. in DeLuz. It has been reported west of Doville Ranch Rod and Lynda Lane. About 10 acres has burned. Cal Fire San Diego is the lead agency in command, and they are coordinating a strong response with the California Dept. Forestry, and NCFPD. Helicopters were dispatched to fight the fire. A strong header could be seen from downtown Fallbrook. Brian Briggs is on site for Village News. This is a breaking story and more will be reported as details are available.
