Border 2 Fire Forces Evacuations, School Closures Near U.S.-Mexico Border

SAN DIEGO, CA — A fast-moving and wind-driven wildfire burned thousands of acres and forced evacuation orders and warnings north of the U.S.-Mexico border in San Diego County.

The fire broke out 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 Friday afternoon, the blaze, called the Border 2 Fire, had scorched 5,389 acres and remained 10% contained. Authorities expanded evacuation orders and warnings Friday afternoon.

As of 6 p.m., the fire had spread to 6,273 acres, Cal Fire said.

"Fire crews experienced extreme fire behavior last night with long range spotting," Cal Fire said in a Friday morning update. "The fire has impacted Otay Lakes Road, prompting evacuation order and warnings to the north and west of the Otay Mountain Wilderness. Night flying Cal Fire Fire-Hawk helicopters provided aerial support over the fire, while fixed wing aircraft have been ordered to be over the fire in the morning hours. A substantial augmentation of resources has been ordered and will report for assignment this morning."

The fire sparked amid gusty Santa Ana conditions and moved with a "dangerous" rate of spread. The blaze blackened 20 acres within minutes of erupting. By 8:46 p.m., the fire had scorched 600 acres.

"There is a potential of 200 acres and additional resources have been ordered," Cal Fire said on social media shortly after the fire broke out.

"There is a threat to critical communication infrastructure on Otay Mountain Repeater Site," the agency added.

Crews fought the flames on the ground and aboard air tankers and water-dropping helicopters. A total of 692 firefighting personnel were assigned to the blaze Friday morning, including 24 crews, 23 engines, 16 water tenders, 10 helicopters and eight dozers, according to Cal Fire.

"Numerous firefighting air tankers from throughout the state are flying fire suppression missions as conditions allow," Cal Fire said.

Evacuation Orders and Warnings

Authorities issued evacuation orders and warnings, which were expanded Friday afternoon.

Evacuation orders were issued for the following zones: SDC-2389A, SDC-2464, SDC-2543, SDC-2544, SDC-2466, SDC-2465, SDC-2390, SDC-2545. Evacuation warnings were issued for the following zones: SDC-2389B, SDC-2461, SDC-2462, SDC-2463, SDC-2541, SDC-2542, SDC-2605, SDC-2307, SDC-2391, SDC-2467, SDC-2306, SDC-2393, SDC-2546. See an interactive map here.

• Also see: Otay Mountain Fire: See Border 2 Fire Perimeter, Evacuation Areas

Evacuation Shelters

The temporary evacuation points at Regal Edwards Rancho San Diego and Southwestern College were closed Friday evening.

An overnight evacuation shelter opened at Cuyamaca College Gymnasium at 900 Rancho San Diego Parkway in El Cajon. Anyone affected by the fire can stop by to access services, whether or not they are staying overnight, according to the Red Cross.

Closures

Arroyo Vista, Camarena, Eastlake, Liberty, Marshall, Olympic View, Salt Creek and Wolf Canyon elementary schools in Chula Vista Elementary School District were closed Friday. All other schools in the district remained open but on rainy day schedule due to poor air quality.

In addition, Eastlake High, Eastlake Middle, Olympian High and East Hills Academy in Sweetwater Union High School District were closed Friday. High Tech High Chula Vista and Arroyo Vista Charter School were also closed.

• Also see: Wildfire, Power Outages Force School Closures In San Diego County

Authorities closed Alta Road near Otay Mesa Road. Otay Lakes Road was closed between Wueste Road and state Route 94.

Westbound SR-94 was closed at SR-188 due to the blaze, according to the California Highway Patrol.

Eastbound and westbound SR-94 was closed in both directions from Honey Springs Road to SR-188 due to firefighting activity, according to Caltrans.

The San Diego County Sheriff's Office temporarily suspended all visits to county jails in the Otay Mesa area. The following sheriff's facilities were affected George Bailey Detention Facility, Rock Mountain Detention Facility and East Mesa Reentry Facility.

"The current status of our Otay Mesa detention facilities is to shelter in place. There is an evacuation plan in place if this becomes necessary," the sheriff's office said. "The safety and well-being of those in our custody, as well as jail staff, are a top priority. If you have a loved one in our custody, be assured there is currently no danger to these facilities related to the Border 2 Fire."

Smoke from the fire was visible from miles away.

The San Diego County Air Pollution Control District issued a smoke advisory for Otay Mesa and the surrounding areas. As of Friday morning, wind was blowing the smoke toward the west and depositing ash on the ground in some communities in the South Bay area.

• Also see: Wildfire Smoke Triggers Smoke Advisory For Parts Of San Diego County

"Winds are forecast to decrease later in the morning and shift direction, blowing east and northeast by early this afternoon," the district said. "This change may cause smoke impacts in areas east and northeast of Otay Mountain, including Dulzura and Jamul. Winds are expected to blow the smoke towards the east-northeast through early Friday evening."

The fire broke out amid critical fire weather conditions in the region. A red flag warning was extended until 10 a.m. Friday for the county's inland valleys and mountains, according to the National Weather Service.

The cause of the fire was under investigation.