UPDATE: Arson Suspected in Brush Fire Just South of Lemon Grove

This story was originally posted at 9:08 p.m. July 18.

Investigators say the cause of a brush fire that burned near homes Thursday just south of Lemon Grove was arson, according to a report by UT San Diego. 

Ground crews aided by a fire helicopter quickly extinguished the blaze that started about 6:45 p.m., according to the newspaper, which quoted San Diego Fire-Rescue Department spokesman Maurice Luque as saying the water drops were instrumental in quickly eliminating the threat to homes. 

Flames burning near structures prompted an evacuation of residents as a precaution.

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A fire that broke out Thursday night burned three acres of brush in the Lomita neighborhood of San Diego just south of Lemon Grove, according to fire officials.

The fire started around 6:45 p.m. near the 8100 block of Jamacha Road, said Brian Anderson of the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department.

Anderson said the fire was under control by 7:30 p.m. No structures were threatened or damaged, and no one was injured.

An evacuation of some residents was prompted when the fire burned close to structures, according to a 10News report. Crews knocked down the flames in about 30 minutes.

This story was updated at 10:18 p.m. July 18.