Border 2 Fire Burns Over 6K Acres, Evacuation Orders In Effect In San Diego County

SAN DIEGO, CA — Crews worked overnight to contain a wildfire that has burned thousands of acres and forced expanded 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 Saturday at 9 p.m., the fire had scorched 6,625 acres and remained 10 percent contained.

"Fire activity continued overnight, burning in steep terrain with very low humidity and shifting winds," Cal Fire said in a Saturday morning update. "The fire continues to threaten homes, communities, and infrastructure, but air and ground resources are working day and night to ensure the safety of residents and property. Rain is expected over the fire area late tonight through Monday, lessening fire activity and helping firefighters increase containment."

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. Thursday, 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.

Crews fought the flames on the ground and aboard air tankers and water-dropping helicopters. A total of 1,177 firefighting personnel were assigned to the blaze Saturday morning, including 90 engines, 35 crews, 12 dozers, 12 helicopters and 12 water tenders, according to Cal Fire.

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

In an update Saturday afternoon, State Deputy Fire Marshal Brice Bennett said shifting winds have been pushing the fire uphill, and that vegetation is "very receptive to ignition." Cal Fire aircraft worked night and day to drop both 46,000 gallons of water and 21,000 gallons of fire retardant on the area, he said.

Evacuation Orders and Warnings

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

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

View an interactive map here and here.

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

Evacuation Points and Shelters

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

An overnight evacuation shelter opened Friday 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.

Small animals can be taken to Cuyamaca College at 900 Rancho San Diego Parkway in El Cajon. Large animals can be taken to 5821 Sweet Water Road in Bonita.

Closures

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."

Otay Lakes Road was closed from Wueste to state Route 94. SR-94 was closed from Honey Springs to Highway 188.

Smoke Advisory

The San Diego County Air Pollution Control District issued a smoke advisory for southwestern, central and eastern San Diego County. Affected communities include El Cajon, Alpine, Pine Valley, Jamul and surrounding areas.

"As expected, winds shifted this afternoon, carrying smoke toward the north and east," the district said Friday. "While smoke production has decreased slightly due to ongoing firefighting efforts, smoke is projected to continue affecting communities such El Cajon, Alpine and Pine Valley throughout the evening. A forecasted wind shift overnight will redirect smoke toward the north and northwest, with this pattern persisting into early Saturday morning, carrying smoke toward the north and west."

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

The cause of the fire was under investigation.

Previous coverage:

• Otay Mountain Fire: See Border 2 Fire Perimeter, Evacuation Map
• Evacuation Orders Expanded For Border 2 Fire In San Diego County
• Otay Mountain Border 2 Fire Scorches Hundreds Of Acres
• Wildfire, Power Outages Force School Closures In San Diego County
• Wildfire Smoke Triggers Smoke Advisory For Parts Of San Diego County