"Last updated: October 22, 2007 10:29 AM

San Diego County Fires:

At least 7 fires are burning around San Diego County
Officials are ordering mass evacuations between I-5 and I-15
Officials are not able to fight the fires with air support because of the dangerous conditions
Flames are approaching the Wild Animal Park; Some animals are being moved
Qualcomm Stadium has been opened as an evacuation center
County Supervisor Ron Roberts:
"100,000 acres have burned and 250,000 people have been evacuated"

San Diego Fire Chief Tracey Jarman
"Emergency officials are stretched thin in San Diego"

360 firefighters
75 engine companies
10 ambulances
That leaves the city with 3 engines, 7 trucks and 2 batallion chiefs
Mayor Sanders:

The fire is moving quickly and fire officials are unable to use air assets because it's too dangerous.

The strategy is to evacuate areas ahead of the fire. The Witch fire is burning in a north-west direction and moving quickly. Many homes are burning, but no official count. San Diego residents are asked to stay off the roads, stay at home and minimize cell phone usage.

Fire Chief Bill Metcalf

The Witch fire is getting worse. The wind has increased during the last hour (between 9-10 a.m.). This fire is the most active and dangerous, but there are fires in other areas around the county, including: Escondido, Rancho Bernardo, North Poway, Forest Ranch area, and fire has crossed the I-15 north of Lake Hodges.

The Harris fire is at 20,000 acres burned."