Border Fire: 120 Acres Burned, 15% Contained

DULZURA, CA – A wildfire erupted on a remote hillside in the far southern reaches San Diego County early Friday, blackening about 120 acres before ground and airborne crews were able to subdue it.

The blaze, which caused no reported structural damage or injuries, began spreading for unknown reasons through heavy vegetation near Campo and Marron Valley roads in the Dulzura area shortly before 4:30 a.m., according to Cal Fire.

About 220 personnel battled the flames on the ground and aboard air tankers and water-dropping helicopters, according to the state agency.

While helping douse the fire, the pilot of the one of the choppers made a safe precautionary landing in a nearby field. It was not immediately clear why the unplanned grounding was deemed necessary.

By early afternoon, crews had halted the spread of the blaze, dubbed the Border Fire. As of 4:30 p.m., they had the smoldering burn area roughly 25 percent contained.

The cause was under investigation.

– By City News Center

Screenshot via Cal Fire San Diego