Firefighters are working to gain control of a vegetation blaze that ignited Wednesday afternoon in eastern San Diego County, sending large plumes of smoke into the sky and prompting evacuation orders in nearby communities.
The blaze, now referred to as the Dehesa 7 incident, broke out around 3:20 p.m. near Dehesa Road and Red Gum Road, close to Sycuan Casino and not far from the Alpine and Crest communities. Within roughly an hour, it had grown to more than 90 acres.
Rapid growth and zero containment
As of 4:30 p.m., officials said the blaze had burned approximately 93 to 94 acres, depending on the reporting agency, and remained at 0% containment. At least one structure was reported to be threatened.
Cal Fire officials said the blaze was spreading at a dangerous rate, though aircraft dropping retardant and water helped slow its forward progress through the afternoon.
Road closures and evacuation zones
Several roads have been shut down as crews continue their response. Dehesa Road is closed between Willow Road and Harbison Canyon Road, and additional closures are in effect at Dehesa Road near Tavern Road, according to the California Highway Patrol’s El Cajon office…