East County Wildfires and Emergency Alerts

Update July 18, 2022:  This group of fires was halted at 100 acres.

Update 12:32 p.m.:  Incident commander indicates the fire is now 40 acres. At least 10 aircraft have been assigned including helitankers, helicopters and fixed wing aircraft. 

July 17, 2022 (Otay) – Multiple small brush fires totaling approximately 10 acres are burning southeast of Otay Reservoir, about 1.5 miles south of Otay Lakes Road.

The fires, collectively called #Border27Fire,  are within the San Diego National Wildlife Refuge.

Update May 21, 2017, 8 a.m.  -- The Gate fire nearly doubled overnight to 1,500 acres,  but firefighters made good progress overnight and the wildfire is now 30% contained. Road closures remain in effect.

Update 9 p.m. - An overnight shelter is opened at Otay Ranch High School,  250 Olympic Parkway in Chula Vista for those who have evacuated.  Pet supplies and RV parking are available.

East County New Service

Photo by Cyndy Hoffman, taken from her home, looking toward Otay

May 20, 2017 (Dulzura) -- The fast-moving Gate Fire has charred 800 acres and is 10% contained.

Tonight at 6:30 p.m., the following emergency message was sent to 77 contacts by the San Diego County Sheriff's Department:  “There is a fire in the area of Dulzura. The wind is blowing to the East and there is a concern that the fire may spread to your area.  You are being advised to be ready to evacuate if notified to do so.  You may evacuate now if you choose to do so.  The evacuation route is Highway 94 East to Buckman Springs North to Interstate 8 West.  Take interstate 8 West to East Willows Road.  Exit East Willows Road and turn right(north).  Continue West on East Willows Road to the Viejas Casino.  The Red Cross will have a temporary evacuation center located in the casino parking lot. This a fire warning only, not an evacuation order"

If you have an emergency call 9-1-1.  Monitor local television and radio stations, or call the San Diego County Information line by calling 2-1-1 for updated information. For animal emergencies related to this fire please contact Animal Services Dispatch (619) 767-2675.

East County News Service

Photo: View from atop Lyons Peak,  via UCSD HP Wren webcam

Upate 1:20 p.m. :  Brush fire is now 300 acres. Pio Pico campground has been shut down. There is  a hard closure of  highway 94 from the Dulzura Cafe to State Route 188, per CHP site. Take alternate routes and avoid this area.

May 20, 2017 (Jamul/Otay) --  A brush fire that started on Otay Lakes Mountain south of Jamul has burned 100 acres, per Cal Fire, and is spreading at a dangerous rate of speed in the vicinity of State Route 94 and Otay Lakes Road.

California Highway Patrol has ordered Otay Lakes Road shut down due to the fast-moving fire.

East County News Service

November 23, 2014 (Jamul) – A motorcycle fire caused a brush fire that burned approximately one acre today at Pio Pico Thousand Trails in Jamul on Otay Lakes Road.

Story and photos by Nadin Abbott

June 20, 2012 (Jamul)-- The fire that started this afternoon around the Thousand Trails Campground damaged no structures, and burned about 30 acres. According to Mike Mohler, Public Information Officer for Cal Fire, it was "wind driven, with light fuel."

Early reports mistakenly informed media that the fire started in a structure, based on a caller who reported the fire and believed it to be in a structure.

October 12, 2011 (Otay) – A three-acre fire off Highway 94 near the Otay Lakes area Border Patrol checkpoint was caused by target shooting, Cakl Fire reports. The fire was held to three acres, with no injuries or property damage.

Update 2:55 p.m.:  The fire is now 5-10 acres, burning at Otay Truck Trail.

June 29, 2011 (Otay Mesa) – A brush fire that originated in Mexico has burned three to five acres in Otay Mesa along Alta Road, Cal Fire reports. Currently one air tanker, one helicopter, one air attack plane, three engines and two handcrews are at the scene.