Brush Fire At San Diego-Mexico Border Grows To 1,000 Acres, Evacuation Warnings Remain In Place

SAN DIEGO, CA — A cross-border brush fire burning in rugged terrain near Dulzura has blackened hundreds of acres and prompted evacuation warnings as firefighters continue working to slow its spread along the U.S.-Mexico border.

The Border 6 Fire had grown to 1,000 acres and was 5% contained Wednesday morning, according to Cal Fire.

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The blaze sparked shortly before 2 p.m. Monday south of Marron Valley Road near Tecate Peak and spread rapidly through remote backcountry terrain. By Tuesday evening, the fire had burned about 700 acres on the U.S. side of the border and another 520 acres in Mexico while remaining 0% contained.

Fire officials said Tuesday the blaze was spreading at a critical rate and required extended attack operations. Crews worked overnight in steep, rocky terrain with support from a Cal Fire Hawk helicopter assigned to nighttime suppression efforts.

As of Wednesday morning, 130 firefighting personnel were assigned to the blaze, including 10 engines, four crews, four helicopters, four water tenders and 10 other resources, according to Cal Fire.

"Numerous firefighting air tankers from throughout the state are flying fire suppression missions as conditions allow," officials said.

Evacuation warnings remain in effect for residents in zones SDC-2544, SDC-2545, SDC-2605, SDC-2643, SDC-2644 and SDC-2645. Authorities have advised residents in the area to be prepared to leave on short notice if the fire continues moving east.

The American Red Cross opened an overnight shelter at Spring Valley Community Center at 8735 Jamacha Blvd., in Spring Valley. Pets were welcome.

The temporary evacuation point at the Regal Edwards Rancho San Diego parking lot in El Cajon was closed, according to the San Diego County Sheriff's Office.

No structural damage or injuries have been reported.

The cause of the fire remained under investigation.