CAL FIRE/San Diego County Fire Tackle #SteeleFire

Susan Heavilin
Jul 10
1 min read

The plumes of smoke rose up behind Mount Miguel as I drove on the 125 yesterday around 3:30PM.

The brush fire—dubbed the Steele Fire—had ignited around 2:15 p.m. on Star Acres Drive and nearby homes on Vista Ciello Lane were feeling the heat. It continued burning in an area near the power lines on Mount Miguel.

Above is the road closure update from the California Highway Patrol (CHP).

6:33 PM #SteeleFire [update] 28 acres have burned and the fire is 0% contained." — CAL FIRE/San Diego County Fire

The Steele Fire spread over the hilly countryside near Steele Canyon Road & Jamul Heights Drive in El Cajon. Nearby residents were evacuated to Steele Canyon High School. More evacuations were in the works when they were called off.

Approximately 28 acres burned before ground and airborne crews got the upper-hand on the flames.

9 PM #SteeleFire [update] The fire remains 28 acres and is now 75% contained.—CAL FIRE/San Diego County Fire

Photo credit: CAL FIRE/San Diego County Fire

#SteeleFire [update] Good news: no structures were damaged or destroyed during this incident. However, there was a possible drone incursion in the area, which posed a serious safety risk. Just a reminder, if you fly, we can’t. Drones endanger our pilots, ground crews, and firefighting operations. Please keep them grounded during emergencies. —CAL FIRE/San Diego County Fire