Witch Fire is halfway to the Pacific Ocean

Fire officials are trying to stop the fast-moving Witch Fire from racing westward down the San Dieguito River Valley to the ocean. Some of the priciest communities in San Diego County lie in its path: Fairbanks Ranch, Rancho Santa Fe, Del Mar and Solana Beach. The communities include gated communities, country clubs, golf courses and a polo field.

From the origin of the fire near Ramona, it is 35 miles to the ocean. "It's already halfway there," said San Diego Fire Department spokesman Maurice Luque. "We're expecting the worst."

-- Tony Perry