Four Small Brush Fires Keep Firefighters Busy

The recent dry weather in San Diego County helped fuel several small brush fires Friday, but all were controlled within hours after starting, authorities said.

The California Department of Forestry reported three fires. The worst, near Wildcat Canyon Road one mile north of Willow Road in Lakeside, broke out at 1:10 p.m., spokeswoman Jill Kremensky said.

The fire, which burned about 25 acres, was brought under control with the help of about 100 firefighters, three air tankers, a helicopter and nine engines, she said. The blaze burned in an open area and did not threaten any homes. There were no injuries reported.

The Forestry Department also reported two smaller fires in Alpine. The first was a 15-acre fire at Bullard Lane and Harbison Canyon Road, the second an eight-acre fire at Arnold Way. Both started about 12:30 p.m and were contained within the hour, Kremensky said.

Authorities are investigating the cause of the fires.

Another brush fire also flared in a steep canyon near Scripps Ranch, the San Diego Fire Department reported. The fire, which began about 3 p.m., burned eight acres before it was brought under control about an hour later, spokesman Larry Carlson said. Several houses near Rue Chamberry and Fairbrook Road were threatened, but none was damaged, he said.

Carlson said 75 firefighters and 17 fire departments were sent to the area.