Border 2 Fire: Evacuation Orders Reduced, Road Closures Remain In Place

SAN DIEGO, CA — Rain helped firefighters continue to increase containment on a wildfire that burned thousands of acres and forced evacuation orders and warnings north of the U.S.-Mexico border in San Diego County.

The blaze, called the Border 2 Fire, sparked around 2:30 p.m. Thursday in a remote area near Otay Mountain Truck Trail, west of Doghouse Junction in the Otay Mountain Wilderness Area, according to Cal Fire San Diego. As of 5:46 a.m. Monday, the fire remained at 6,625 acres and was 43% contained. The fire was 74% contained Tuesday morning.

"Significant rain showers throughout the day led to a reduction of fire activity. With nearly a half inch of rain falling over the area, fire activity is now not expected to spread," Cal Fire said in a Monday morning update. "Fire crews continue to work in steep and remote terrain requiring containment lines to be constructed by hand crews. Crews are also patrolling existing containment lines and suppressing any hot spots."

The fire sparked amid gusty Santa Ana conditions and moved with a "dangerous" rate of spread. Crews fought the flames on the ground and aboard air tankers and water-dropping helicopters. A total of 2,540 firefighting personnel were assigned to the blaze Monday morning, including 151 engines, 87 crews, 18 dozers, eight water tenders and four helicopters, according to Cal Fire.

All evacuation warnings were lifted on Sunday due to improved containment. Evacuation orders were reduced Monday morning. See the latest maps here and here.

The overnight shelter at the Cuyamaca College gym was closed Monday. Anyone in need of assistance was advised to contact the American Red Cross Southern California Region at 1-800-RED-CROSS (733-2767).

Otay Lakes Road, from Wueste Road to state Route 94 remained closed, according to the San Diego County Sheriff's Office.

"Please drive carefully, as firefighters will continue to work in the area to mitigate the hazards and strengthen control lines," the sheriff's office said. "Dust and noise will be present throughout the day and night. Smoke may be seen from areas where the fire is still burning, but there is no threat to the public."

The cause of the fire remained under investigation.