A fast-moving brush fire erupted Sunday afternoon in San Diego’s Penasquitos Creek area, near Interstate 15, growing to 131 acres with no containment by late Sunday.
Fire crews responded to the blaze around 1:30 p.m. in a canyon surrounded by homes. Aerial attacks were launched immediately while ground crews prepared for structure protection. The response scaled up to include multiple fire engines, brush rigs, helicopters, Cal Fire aircraft, bulldozers, and a Type 3 Strike Team, with San Diego police managing traffic and street closures.
Evacuation orders were issued around 3:30 p.m. for areas near the flames, and a temporary evacuation point was established at Mandell Weiss Eastgate Park. Authorities urged nearby residents to be prepared to evacuate if necessary. The cause of the fire is under investigation.