SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — Firefighters continue to monitor hotspots after a fast-moving brushfire threatened homes in the Talmadge area. The Fairmount Fire burned approximately 40 acres along Montezuma Road, damaging several properties.
The fire came dangerously close to homes, as firefighters, along with local residents and a few Good Samaritans, worked to keep the flames at bay.
Cellphone video shot by brothers James and Louis Pendley shows them arriving at the scene on Lucille Drive. The Pendley’s, who do not live in the neighborhood, said they headed to the fire after seeing smoke.
“It was just a massive plume of smoke,” said James Pendley.
‘Fairmount Fire’ now 80% contained, mop-up efforts continue
The Pendley brothers arrived on Lucille Drive even before the fire engines.
“People were fleeing their homes, putting stuff in their cars. This was a real firestorm,” said Louis Pendley. He recalled seeing a woman sitting in her car visibly upset.
“She looked helpless, so we decided to stay and help as best we could,” Louis added.