A wildfire burning near the U.S.-Mexico border on Otay Mountain has grown to 4,250 acres, with 10% containment as of early Friday morning. The Border 2 Fire, also known as the Otay Fire, which began Thursday afternoon, is spreading at a moderate rate and has prompted evacuation orders, warnings, and road closures in southwestern San Diego County.
First reported on Thursday, January 23, at around 2pm, the fire ignited on a hilltop near Otay Mountain Truck Trail, initially covering 20 acres with a dangerous rate of spread, according to Cal Fire San Diego. By nightfall, it had expanded to 600 acres and could be seen from downtown San Diego, Pacific Beach and the La Jolla hills. By 5am Friday, the fire had grown to 1,000 acres. By 6:15am, it was reported to be 4,250 acres with 10 percent containment. Fire crews are actively battling the blaze, supported by two night-flying helicopters and a night Air Attack.
Evacuation orders are in effect for areas closest to the fire, with warnings issued for nearby zones. Residents are urged to prepare for potential evacuation and to consult the County’s Alert San Diego page for detailed maps of the affected regions. Temporary evacuation centers have been established at the parking lot of Edwards Cinema at 2951 Jamacha Road in El Cajon and at Southwestern College, located at 900 Otay Lakes Road in Chula Vista…