Arson Suspected in 4 Grass Fires

Several grass fires threatened homes in San Diego County on Monday, but no one was injured, firefighting agencies reported.

The largest fire of the day, which burned more than 100 acres just west of Flinn Springs County Park, was reported by the California Department of Forestry.

Spokeswoman Audrey Hagen said the fire, which began about 12:40 p.m., was fought by 150 firefighters for about three hours before it was contained. Three helicopters and five aerial tankers were dispatched. The park is east of El Cajon. Forestry officials said the fire was set.

San Diego Fire Department spokesman Larry Carson said a fire at Carmel Valley and Shaw Valley roads in Rancho Penasquitos started at 11:46 a.m. The fire, which charred about seven acres, was brought under control by 65 firefighters and three aerial tankers.

Another grass fire started at 1:42 p.m. in nearby Rancho Bernardo, between Matinal Road and Matinal Drive, Carson said. Eight acres were burned, and about 20 houses were threatened. He said 100 firefighters were called.

Elsewhere, a 20-acre fire raced up steep terrain and threatened newly built homes in Poway, near Poway and Espola roads, but it was contained by 50 firefighters within two hours.

Fire Department spokesman Larry Stewart said the three fires the department responded to are under investigation by the Metro Arson Strike Team.