A wildfire in San Diego County near the U.S.-Mexico border grew to more than 500 acres within hours Thursday night. But the blaze, known as the Border 2 Fire, was miles from any structures or homes, and firefighters said they were making progress.
Firefighters were dispatched to the area just before 2 a.m. local time and were working with air tankers and helicopters to slow the spread, said Capt. Robert Johnson of Cal Fire, the state’s fire agency. were trying to He added that around 200 firefighters were going to work during the night.
Captain Johnson said the fire was burning through the Otay Mountain Wilderness, a remote area with steep and rocky terrain. That makes access on the ground difficult, he said, but also provides a much-needed buffer between the flames and populated areas.
Still, officials in Chula Vista, a city about five miles west of Blaise, said their fire and police departments were monitoring the blaze as some residents worriedly watched the orange glow and smoke billow in the distance.
“The police department has positioned additional officers at specific locations in the city to monitor the situation and be available to assist immediately, should an evacuation be necessary,” the city said in a statement. “
Cal Fire said a plume of smoke was clearly visible across the border in Tiwana, Mexico, although the fire was not threatening to cross the international line at this time. Should that change, Cal Fire says it is in contact with its Mexican counterparts to assist in firefighting efforts.
Officials estimated the closest structures to the fire were in an industrial neighborhood bordering Otay Mesa, about two miles to the southwest — still a safe distance, Captain Johnson said.
According to Cal Fire, crews encountered southwest winds of approximately 25 mph.
