Wildfire Burns near San Diego State University

San Diego State University evacuation

SAN DIEGO (KUSI) - A wildfire broke out near San Diego State University Monday afternoon, prompting evacuations and road closures in the College Area neighborhood.

SDSU campus evacuated

SDSU tweeted just after 4:30 p.m., "The San Diego Fire-Rescue Department has issued an evacuation order for the SDSU campus due to a brush fire near the dorms on the east end of campus near 55th Street and Hardy Avenue. Please evacuate immediately."

San Diego Fire Dept response

The San Diego Fire-Rescue Department tweeted shortly after 5 p.m. that the fire was burning near the 5500 block of Hardy Avenue, and that aircraft were responding. By 5:30 p.m., the department reported the fire was 1.5 acres with a slow rate of spread. By 6:15, the department said the fire was at 3.5 acres with a moderate rate of spread, and that air tankers were assisting ground crews.

Evacuations and road closures

SDSU tweeted that the evacuation order covered the entire campus, including dorms, apartments and the Viejas Arena. The university said it was working with the Red Cross to open an evacuation center at the San Diego Convention Center.

The San Diego Fire-Rescue Department said College Avenue was closed between Montezuma Road and El Cajon Boulevard, and that 55th Street was closed between Campanile Drive and Aztec Circle.

Cause of fire under investigation

The cause of the fire is under investigation.