A fast-moving brush fire crossed Interstate 8 and was forcing evacuations in Campo on Tuesday, Cal Fire officials said.
The blaze, called the Tusil fire, broke out around 1:15 p.m. near Tusil Road on the Campo Reservation, just north of I-8, Cal Fire officials said in a post on X.
Within four hours, the fire’s “critical rate of spread” had burned about 1,000 acres, and flames had begun to burn brush south of I-8, Cal Fire officials said. It was 10% contained as of 7:30 p.m.
Evacuations are ordered for homes and businesses immediately north and south of I-8, between La Posta Road and Tusil Road, according to online Genasys mapping.
Firefighters battle the Tusil fire on I-8 as it burns on both sides of I-8 on Tuesday, May 19, 2026 near Campo, CA. (Michael Ho / For The San Diego Union-Tribune)
An evacuation center was set up at Golden Acorn Casino at 1800 Golden Acorn Way.
Freeway closures along I-8 were slowly lifting by late Tuesday night, although some eastbound lanes were closed due to firefighting activity in the area.
“Motorists should expect significant delays, use alternate routes when possible and remain alert for emergency personnel and active fire conditions,” California Highway Patrol officials said on X.