A large vegetation fire, known as the Border 2 Fire, has erupted on Otay Mountain in San Diego County, sparking widespread evacuations as it quickly expands. What started at around 2:30 p.m. on Thursday has now grown to cover more than 6,200 acres, raising concerns for the local community and firefighters working tirelessly to contain it.
What to Know
The Border 2 Fire began with a small blaze but has since shown extreme fire behavior, escalating rapidly as firefighters continue to battle the flames. Currently, it is only 10% contained, which underscores the urgency and seriousness of the situation for residents and firefighters alike. Evacuation orders and warnings have been put in place to ensure the safety of everyone in the affected areas.
Evacuation Orders
Several evacuation orders have been issued for communities surrounding the fire. Areas affected include:
- North, East, and West of the fire’s location
- Parts of eastern Chula Vista
These evacuation orders are identified as SDC-2389-A, SDC-2390, SDC-2464, SDC-2465, SDC-2466, SDC-2543, SDC-2544, and SDC-2545.
Evacuation Warnings
In addition to the mandatory evacuations, several evacuation warnings are in place, impacting additional zones. These include:
- SDC-2306, SDC-2307
- SDC-2389-B, SDC-2391, SDC-2393
- SDC-2461, SDC-2462, SDC-2463, SDC-2467
- SDC-2541, SDC-2542, SDC-2546, and SDC-2605.
Residents in these areas are advised to stay alert and be prepared to evacuate if conditions change.
Evacuation Centers
For those who have been forced to leave their homes, the American Red Cross has opened evacuation shelters. One of the main shelters is located at the Cuyamaca College Gym in El Cajon, California. There, displaced residents can find a safe place to stay, food, and support during this difficult time.
Road Closures
Due to the fire, several roads have been closed to keep the area safe and to facilitate the firefighting efforts. Road closures currently include:
- Alta Road
- Otay Lakes Road
- Portions of State Route 94 (SR-94)
Travelers are urged to avoid these routes and heed the instructions of local authorities.
Smoke Advisory in Effect
With the fire raging, a smoke advisory is affecting areas such as Otay Mesa, El Cajon, Alpine, Pine Valley, Jamul, and other surrounding communities. Residents are encouraged to stay indoors when possible, keep windows closed, and use air purifiers as needed. Smoke can be harmful, especially for those with respiratory conditions.
Firefighting Efforts
Efforts to control the Border 2 Fire include a strong presence of over 600 personnel along with aerial support from helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft. Authorities are relying on these resources to combat the fire’s rapid growth and prevent further spread into nearby areas.
Continued Monitoring
The cause of the fire is still under investigation, and officials are keeping a close eye on the situation as it unfolds. It’s important for residents to stay updated via local news outlets and government announcements, as conditions can change rapidly. The safety and well-being of the community remain the top priority.
