All evacuations orders, warnings and road closures lifted as firefighters continue progress on Valley fire – The San Diego Union-Tribune

Authorities on Friday lifted all evacuation orders, warning and road closures arising from the Valley fire, as crews continued to make gains in a blaze that destroyed 30 homes in East County and damaged several other structures.

As the battle moved into its seventh day, Cal Fire reported that the Valley fire was 39 percent contained and remained at 17,665 acres.

The fire ignited Saturday afternoon in the Japatul Valley southeast of Alpine, and spread rapidly in record heat that in many areas of San Diego County reached triple digits.

The weather has been more favorable over the last couple days as temperatures cooled, and Santa Ana winds that authorities feared would fan the flames and push them east to west were not as strong as anticipated.

San Diegos weekend weather forecast is in the mid-70s, with a warm up expected late Sunday into Monday.

While firefighters keep watch for fire growth, crews on the ground will spend the day continuing to build and strengthen fire lines, as well as dousing hot spots that may flare up.

The Cleveland National Forest remains closed. However, the countys parks department announced that it reopened the Lake Morena and Potrero campgrounds.

As of noon Friday, all evacuation orders were lifted and residents were allowed to return. That includes the reopening of:

Also gone are the evacuation warnings for Pine Valley, Descanso, Alpine, Viejas, Dulzura, Barrett Junction, Potrero, Carveacre, Japatul Valley, and Lyons Valley Road East to Barrett Lake Road.

The temporary evacuation shelter at Steele Canyon High School the last of the evacuation centers still open has been closed.

Although the roads are open, authorities ask that non-residents steer clear, noting that there could be traffic congestion while fire crews and utility teams continue their work.

Plus, extra deputies are move through the area, to provide public safety and prevent looting.

And for those who are in the area, authorities warn everyone to be careful around trees, power poles or any other tall items that the fire may have weakened.

Cal Fire said that with every day the fire stays within its current footprint, the threat to surrounding communities diminishes.

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All evacuations orders, warnings and road closures lifted as firefighters continue progress on Valley fire - The San Diego Union-Tribune