A recreational vehicle fire shut down eastbound lanes of State Route 76 near Magee Road Saturday afternoon, prompting a full SigAlert and a large emergency response, according to the California Highway Patrol.
The fire was first reported around 4:05 p.m. when an RV stopped in the middle of the highway and caught fire. Initial reports said the back of the vehicle was burning and the occupants were trying to extinguish the flames themselves. Moments later, dispatchers confirmed the RV was fully engulfed, with parties safely getting out of the vehicle.
By 4:10 p.m., Cal Fire and CHP units were en route, including crews from Fallbrook responding "code" to the scene. At 4:22 p.m., CHP officers closed the eastbound lanes of SR-76, issuing a SigAlert and diverting traffic as the fire spread toward nearby brush.
Firefighters reported heavy smoke and flames extending up a hillside, and air support units were dispatched to drop water on the area. Crews worked to contain flames spreading toward the roadside vegetation.
Tow trucks were requested but later canceled as the fire made the area inaccessible for several hours. CHP officers turned vehicles around at Adams Street to prevent traffic from entering the closure.
As of 5 p.m., fire crews remained on scene, and eastbound lanes were still closed. Officials said they expected extended delays while firefighters and Caltrans crews continued mop-up operations and road cleanup.
No injuries were immediately reported. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.