Grassfire Burned Along Freeway in Rancho Bernardo

A grass fire burned about a quarter of an acre along Interstate 15 in Rancho Bernardo on Thursday, apparently started by a vehicle's catalytic converter or brakes, a fire official said.

No one was injured and the only structure damaged was a fence, said fire Capt. Chris Babler, from San Diego Fire-Rescue Department Station No. 33 in RB.

Babler's crew spotted the fire just north of Rancho Bernardo Road, near the Rancho Bernardo Racquet Club on Bernardo Terrace, as they were driving and arrived on scene just before dispatchers called around 4:46 p.m., he said.

The fire was out within about 10 minutes, he said.

While that small fire came and went, a much larger fire raged in east county, . Babler, speaking at the RB Community Council meeting Thursday night, said the two fires are a good reminder that residents must be prepared for wildfires starting with clearing brush around their homes.

Wildfire Safety Links

How to prepare (San Diego Fire-Rescue Department)

Evacuation checklist (RB Community Council)

Maintaining defensive space around your home (CAL FIRE)