A fast-moving brush fire broke out in Fallbrook Friday afternoon, forcing evacuations and threatening homes, officials said.

The so-called Garden Fire broke out around 1:30 p.m. in the 3800 block of Lake Garden Drive and has burned 47 acres so far, according to Cal Fire San Diego.

“We had a dangerous rate of spread, so the fire was moving very quickly, pushed by the dry brush and the wind,” Cal Fire Capt. Mike Cornette told NBC 7.

Fire officials said that as of 16:00, the fire was 10% under control and its forward spread was stopped.

#UPDATE ALL EVACUATION ORDERS AND WARNINGS #GardenFire removed. If you had to leave, it is now safe to return home. Drive slowly and carefully. Be on the lookout for road and utility crews, as well as firefighters and deputies working in the area.

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Evacuations were ordered north of state Route 76, east of Grid Road and nearly as far as Interstate 15. Other areas north of the flames were placed under an evacuation warning. Cornette said about 40 homes had been evacuated as of 4:15 p.m.

A temporary evacuation point has been set up at Riverview Church at 4980 Sweetgrass Lane.

Officials said all evacuation orders and warnings were lifted as of 9 p.m.

Roads were closed on Gird Road and Reche Road; Wilt Road and Pala Mesa Road; and Gird Road and State Route 76.

A huge cloud of dark smoke dwarfed the surrounding neighborhood, which contained very large properties, many with tile roofs that could have saved the homes. At least one structure, possibly outbuildings, appeared to have been destroyed in the fire.

Aircraft, including fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters, as well as ground crews from Cal Fire and the North County Fire Protection District were involved in fighting the fire. Many of the larger houses are clustered together and it looks as if helicopters and planes are guarding the dwellings by painting around the bush areas. Many fire trucks and ground crews were also seen ensuring the protection of the structure. By 2:30 p.m., the once-thick smoke cloud appeared to be shrinking as fire crews battled the blaze throughout the afternoon.

“We will be here for several days to make sure we eliminate hot spots and reduce hazards,” Cornette said.

The cause of the Garden Fire is being investigated.

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A second brush fire broke out near residential areas in the San Pasqual Valley on Friday afternoon. The fire started near the San Diego Zoo Safari Park in the 14800 block of San Pasqual Valley Road. Officials said the fire had the potential to burn an area of ​​10 acres, but remained in an area of ​​1-2 acres.

The Red Flag Warning for San Diego, which had been in place for days, ended at 11:00 am, but the fire risk did not decrease.

“We’re lucky we weren’t in a Santa Ana wind event with a Red Flag Warning. The wind was blowing onshore, which was tough for us, but the firefighters were able to put in a good job today,” Cornette said. Garden Fire.

Check back here for updates on this breaking news story —Ed.