Border 2 Fire Quickly Gains Momentum

The Border 2 fire ignited at 2:31PM yesterday and twelve hours later, is still at 0% containment and has burned 600 acres.

Official Facebook account for CAL FIRE/San Diego County Fire Protection District

Firefighters are on scene of a vegetation fire located near Otay Mountain Truck Trail within the Otay Mountain Wilderness, west of Doghouse Junction. There is a threat to critical communication infrastructure on Otay Mountain Repeater Site.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

View from camera on Mt Miguel

Official Facebook account for CAL FIRE/San Diego County Fire Protection District

Plenty of resources have been assigned: twenty three fire engines, three water tenders, four dozers and four helicopters are scooping water from the Lower Otay Reservoir and dousing the fire. Four crews are on site and approximately 200 personnel are actively fighting the flames.

Official Facebook account for CAL FIRE/San Diego County Fire Protection District

After days of watching television coverage of fires taking out the Los Angeles area north of us, San Diego County residents are understandably on edge.

"An EVACUATION ORDER has been issued for people who live in the red shaded areas as shown on the maps above. It means there is an immediate threat and you need to leave right now.

An EVACUATION WARNING has also been issued for the areas in yellow. Be prepared to evacuate should conditions change. If you feel you are in danger, GO!" —San Diego Sheriff's Office

The temporary evacuation point is at Southwestern College located at 900 Otay Lakes Road in Chula Vista.

Road closures currently list:

• Alta Road, near Otay Mesa Road. 

• Otay Lakes Road, Wueste to Pio Pico Campground

  
  

"We have a road closure to report due to the #Border2Fire in the Otay Mesa area. Alta Road is closed to traffic just south of Otay Mesa Road. Please avoid the area until further notice. Thank you for your cooperation." —San Diego County Sheriff Department

As the Santa Ana winds blow to the west, neighboring communities of Bonita, Chula Vista (Eastlake) and Tijuana are anxiously awaiting for the fire to be contained.

Last night, local newscasters reported that a fog will be rolling in from the coast in the morning and could calm the fire. Also rain is expected this weekend.

But until the smoke clears and no new black smoke appears, local residents will be warily eyeing those eastern skies.

Photo Source: CAL FIRE / San Diego County Fire

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Update 01.24/25 10:15AM

As of this morning's report, the #Border2Fire has 692 personnel assigned, supported by air and ground resources and overhead staffing. It has now burnt 4,250 acres and is 10% contained.

Fire crews experienced extreme fire behavior last night with long range spotting. The fire has impacted Otay Lakes Road, prompting EVACUATION ORDERS and WARNINGS to the North and West of the Otay Mountain Wilderness. Night flying CAL FIRE Fire-Hawk helicopters provided aerial support over the fire, while fixed wing aircraft have been ordered to be over the fire in the morning hours. A substantial augmentation of resources has been ordered and will report for assignment this morning.

EVACUATION ODERS: Immediate threat to life. This is a lawful order to LEAVE NOW. The area is lawfully closed to public access. Zones: SDC-2389A, SDC-2464, SDC-2543.

EVACUATION WARNINGS: Potential threat to life and/or property. Those who require additional time to evacuate, and those with pets and livestock should leave now. Zones: SDC-2389B, SDC-2461, SDC-2462, SDC-2463, SDC-2541, SDC-2542.

EVACUATION SHELTERS:

Southwestern College - 900 Otay Lakes Road, Chula Vista, CA 91910

Edwards Theater - 2951 Jamacha Road, El Cajon, CA 92019

Update: 01/25/25 1:26PM

6,625 acres burned and 10% containment.

Fire activity continued overnight, burning in steep terrain with very low humidity and shifting winds. The fire continues to threaten homes, communities, and infrastructure, but air and ground resources are working day and night to ensure the safety of residents and property. Rain is expected over the fire area late tonight through Monday, lessening fire activity and helping firefighters increase containment.

EVACUATION SHELTERS:

Southwestern College - 900 Otay Lakes Road, Chula Vista, CA 91910

Cuyamaca College - 900 Rancho San Diego Parkway, El Cajon, CA 92019

ANIMAL EVACUATION SHELTERS:

Small Animals: Cuyamaca College - 900 Rancho San Diego Parkway, El Cajon, CA 92019

Large Animals: 5821 Sweet Water Road, Bonita, CA 91902

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