The San Diego authorities have issued evacuation orders for residents as firefighters address an active brush fire near San Diego State University on Thursday.

The Fairmount Fire, which is described as “large and growing,” has already scorched over 40 acres to the southwest of the university. Fortunately, the campus itself is not currently in danger, according to officials from the San Diego Police Department.

As of 4 p.m. local time, containment efforts are still at 0%.

Officials have shut down roads and mandated evacuations, which will remain in place until at least midnight.

Multiple emergency response teams are currently on-site combating the fire, with air support working to drop water and fire retardant, as reported by the San Diego Fire Department. Residents are being advised to steer clear of the affected area for now.

A smoke advisory is in effect for central and southeastern parts of San Diego County due to the situation, leading to the evacuation of an elementary school.The Fairmount fire is moving southeast as of Thursday evening. Although winds are predicted to die down overnight, smoke will settle closer to the ground, affecting areas such as Lemon Grove, Encanto, and Bonita, as per information from the San Diego County Air Pollution Control District.

Residents in these areas are advised to reduce outdoor activities if they detect smoke.

The district advised residents to remain indoors if possible to reduce exposure to fine particulate matter and ozone. This is especially important for individuals with respiratory or heart conditions, along with the elderly and children.

Although the fire does not pose a threat to San Diego State’s campus, some schools, including Hardy Elementary, were evacuated to Viejas Arena at the university, as reported by local station KSWB-TV.

San Diego Police Lt. Dan Meyer urged the public for patience during this situation. “We have a significant number of resources out,” he informed the station.