Authorities said a wildfire ripped through Anza-Borrego Desert State Park on Thursday, destroying 187 acres of land. Dubbed the Great 3 Fire, the inferno was reported at 12:21 p.m. off the Great Southern Overland Stage Route near Agua Caliente, sparking a full-throttle response from fire crews and aircraft to battle the blaze, as per Patch.
With 140 firefighters, 15 engines, and five helicopters in the air, the fire had been corralled to 25% containment by Thursday evening, and Cal Fire reported that one civilian suffered injuries. The aggressive flames threatened no structures. The blaze has since seen improved containment measures, CAL FIRE/San Diego County Fire posted on X. The post also mentioned that firefighters will remain on the scene to strengthen control lines and handle any lingering hazards.
#GreatFire[Update] The fire has been mapped at 187 acres, containment has increased to 50%. FFs will stay engaged today strengthening control lines, mitigating hazards, and providing fire suppression repair. Fact sheet to follow, below:
— CAL FIRE/San Diego County Fire (@CALFIRESANDIEGO) May 31, 2024
According to both sources, the Great Southern Overland Stage Route of 1848—Highway S-2—was shut due to the inferno, causing delays and rerouting of traffic in the area, but the road reopened later that evening. The firefighting effort included the deployment of four water tenders and four hand crews alongside the aerial operations.
As of the last update, fire activity had dwindled, allowing firefighters to double down on containment efforts—bumping the containment to 50%. Although half the fire remains active, the situation has improved significantly since its outbreak. Progress made overnight has been credited to the minimal fire activity and the dedication of the firefighters on site. The cause of the fire remains under probe, with no immediate answers as to what might have sparked it.
