Wildfire breaks out in eastern San Diego County, burning across border

SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — Fire crews are battling a brush fire that is straddling the U.S.-Mexico border after flames erupted at the base of Tecate Peak in San Diego County on Tuesday.

The fire, which was named the "Border 66 Fire," was first reported around 11:15 a.m. roughly two-and-a-half miles west of State Route 188, according to Cal Fire.

As of 1 p.m. Tuesday, the wildfire is estimated to be roughly 296 acres in size and is straddling both sides of the border, according to Cal Fire. By 3 p.m., crews had stopped the forward rate of spread. The fire was 300 acres and 10% contained.

By 9 a.m. Wednesday, the fire was 55% contained.

A large plume of smoke could be seen near the site of the blaze on a nearby camera that is a part of UC San Diego's ALERTCalifornia network. Active flames were also seen by SkyFOX/KUSI in the Sky Tuesday.

It is unclear if any structures are considered threatened at this time or if the wildfire has had any impact on the Tecate Port of Entry. No evacuation notices have been issued at this time.

The Border 66 Fire is the fourth — and biggest — wildland fire to break out in southeastern San Diego County over the last week, following the "Border 65 Fire" which burned through roughly 60 acres in Marron Valley on Sunday.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.