A vegetation fire has broken out near Sorrento Valley in San Diego, prompting road closures and evacuation orders, officials say. The fire was first reported at about 13:30 local time on Sunday near a canyon between Sorrento Valley Boulevard and Carmel Mountain Road.

The San Diego Fire-Rescue Department said the blaze had grown to about 6-7 acres shortly before 15:00. Cal Fire San Diego crews were also deployed, with fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters being used to fight the fire.

The blaze was later mapped at 71.1 acres by FIRIS OES Intel 24, although an air attack assessment cited by Watch Duty estimated the fire at between 20 and 25 acres, with a moderate rate of spread.

San Diego police closed several roads in the area, including:

Evacuation warnings have been issued for zones SDC-1443, SDC-1492 and SDC-1494. An evacuation order is in place for zone SDC-1444.

Officials have established a temporary evacuation point at 4161 Eastgate Mall, Mandell Weiss Eastgate Park.

An additional evacuation site has been set up at 4201 Eastgate Mall in University City. Residents in areas under a mandatory evacuation order have been told to leave immediately because of an imminent risk to their safety.

Officials have urged residents to monitor evacuation alerts and maps for updates as firefighters continue to battle the blaze.