Fire Crews Gain Some Control of Lyons Blaze

(CNS) - Crews working to contain a wildfire that blackened about 300 open acres and threatened scores of back-country homes southeast of El Cajon had the job about 80 percent complete by late this morning.

The blaze erupted for unknown reasons off Lawson Valley Road in the rural Lyons Valley area early Monday afternoon, according to Cal Fire. As ground and airborne crews attacked the flames, sheriff's deputies advised residents of about 175 homes to evacuate as a precaution.

The blaze caused no structural damage but left a firefighter and a resident with minor injuries, the state agency reported.

Several dozen crew members remained in the area this morning to finish surrounding the burn area. The cause remained under investigation, Cal Fire Capt. Mike Mohler said.