Fire erupts at water treatment facility in East County

SANTEE, Calif. (FOX 5/KUSI) -- A fire broke out Wednesday at a water treatment facility in Santee.

Around 4:35 p.m., SkyFOX was over 12001 Fanita Parkway, where large flames could be seen shooting out from the structure.

Jeff Hernandez, Battalion Chief with the Santee Fire Department, said the fire started during the installation of a 100 foot long, 42-inch diameter underground pipe at the water reclamation plant that is under construction.

"They were joining a couple of the sections and the process for that involved heat which ended up catching the pipe on fire," Hernandez said.

The pipe's material, which is plastic and is very flammable because it consists of petroleum, contributed to the blaze's intensity, according to the fire official.

There were no reports of any injuries.

Firefighters appeared to have the fire extinguished about an hour later.

Check back for updates on this developing story.