Fire crews were able get a handle on a fast-moving brush fire in North County on Friday, stopping the spread of a blaze that had threatened homes and prompted evacuations.

Although the progress of the fire was stopped at 48 acres, crews were still working to get the burn area surrounded and to tamp down hot spots. By the late afternoon, some evacuations had been lifted, but others remained in place.

The Garden fire was first reported about 1 p.m. and in less than two hours had burned 48 acres, chewing through heavy but brittle brush, Cal Fire officials said.

A map of a wildfire burning near Lake Garden Drive in the Fallbrook area as tweeted by the San Diego Sheriff at 1:46 p.m. on Friday. (San Diego Sheriff)

Cal Fire Captain Mike Cornette said firefighters had battled the blaze with ground crews, fire engines and dozers, as well as a full aircraft response.

“It’s steep, challenging terrain with heavy brush and a lot of houses in the area,” Cornette said early in the afternoon.

At one point early on, North County Fire District officials said it had the potential to grow to 100 acres, citing a moderate to dangerous rate of spread.

The was first reported in the area of Lake Garden Drive east of Gird Road. Evacuations orders for the neighborhoods north of state Route 76 and near Pala Mesa Drive remained in effect as of 4 p.m. Friday.

Evacuation warnings were also issued for homes near Laketree Drive and Secret Lake Lane, as well as for homes west of Pala Mesa Golf Course.

An evacuation site was set up at Riverview Church at 4980 Sweetgrass Lane.

The orders issued for homes east of Gird Road had been lifted as of 4 p.m.

California Highway Patrol closed Gird Road at Pala Mesa Road, and is prepared to close Gird further south at state Route 76 if needed, CHP Officer Hunter Gerber said. North County fire officials asked people to avoid Gird Road from Reche Road to state Route 76, and to avoid Pala Mesa Road from Gird Road to Wilt Road.