Border 2 Fire: 6,625 Acres Burned, 74% Contained In San Diego County

SAN DIEGO, CA — Firefighters continued to increase containment overnight 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. Tuesday, the fire remained at 6,625 acres and was 74% contained.

"With the fire area receiving nearly an inch of rain the the last 36 hours and favorable humidity there is now significantly reduced fire activity," Cal Fire said in a Tuesday morning update.
"Ground crews will continue constructing fire lines in remote, steep areas, mopping up hotspots and patrolling existing lines. Crews are also collecting hose and working with multiple agencies to prioritize suppression repairs and ensure public safety."

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 2,193 firefighting personnel were assigned to the blaze Tuesday morning, including 99 engines, 83 crews, six dozers, three helicopters and two water tenders, according to Cal Fire.

All evacuation warnings were lifted on Sunday due to improved containment. Evacuation orders were reduced Monday. As of Tuesday morning, evacuation orders remained in effect for zones SDC-2464-B and SDC-2543-A. 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.

The cause of the fire remained under investigation.