Vegetation Fire Threatens Homes, Prompts Evacuations in East County’s San Miguel Area

A brush fire moved toward homes Monday while charring about a dozen open acres in a rural area south of El Cajon, prompting evacuations as ground and airborne crews worked to douse the flames.

The blaze erupted for unknown reasons about 1:30 p.m. off Millar Anita Lane and Millar Ranch Road, south of state Route 94 and west of Jamul in the San Miguel area, according to Cal Fire.

Authorities evacuated people out of houses closest to the burn area and advised other nearby residents to shelter in place until crews could the get the flames under control, said Thomas Shoots, a fire captain with the state agency. A makeshift shelter for the evacuees was in operation at Regal Edwards Rancho San Diego, a movie multiplex on Jamacha Road in Rancho San Diego.

As of 3:45 p.m., firefighters, including personnel aboard air tankers and water-dropping helicopters, had the spread of the blaze halted, Cal Fire advised.

Though the flames moved to within a few hundred feet of some homes, they caused no reported structural damage or injuries, Shoots said.

The cause of the blaze was under investigation.

Updated at 5:20 p.m. Monday, Aug. 12, 2024

City News Service contributed to this article.