The Thorn Fire had burned 1,200 acres and was 10% contained as of Thursday afternoon, prompting evacuation orders and warnings near Boulevard while raising concerns among residents in the Live Oak Springs community about limited evacuation routes. People who live in the area said the wildfire has highlighted the challenges they face when fires break out, particularly because they have few ways to leave the community if roads are closed. “Any fire up here is a scare,” said Audra Burgio, owner of Burgio Feed Supply. Residents said they spent a tense night as the Thorn Fire continued burning into a second day. “It was just, it was real upsetting. Nobody could move anywhere. And we only have one way in and one way out. So when the I-8 is shut down and everybody, including semis, are being detoured down 80 and where it turns into 94 — it’s, it’s bad,” said Deborah Gonzales, a Live Oak Springs resident. Neighbors also emphasized the importance of being prepared for wildfire season. “You have to feel comfortable yourself. And if you’re not prepared, you can’t relax,” said Daniel Chapman, a Live Oak Springs resident. Despite the danger, residents said the wildfire also brought out the community’s willingness to help one another.Daniel Khawri, who works in Live Oak Springs, said families gathered in the parking lot of the market where he works after leaving their homes. “A lot of family, they were staying outside because everybody [left their] house,” Khawri said.Burgio said she opened her home to evacuees and their pets. “We have spare guest rooms, we have a travel trailer, so that makes that pretty easy to accommodate extra guests. As far as the animals, I already have large animal enclosures. I keep cattle,” Burgio said.Residents said supporting one another has become part of life during wildfire emergencies. “This is like no other place I’ve ever lived in my life. Everybody comes together, especially during fires. Everybody. People knock on each other’s doors. They check on each other,” Gonzales said. Evacuation warnings and orders remain in effect for some areas on both sides of Interstate 8. Officials said the evacuation shelter is located at Golden Acorn Casino. This story was originally reported for broadcast by NBC San Diego. AI tools helped convert the story to a digital article, and an NBC San Diego journalist edited the article for publication. This story uses functionality that may not work in our app. Click here to open the story in your web browser. ...read more read less