Brush Fire Burning At 'Dangerous Rate' Forces Evacuations In East County

SAN DIEGO, CA — A brush fire prompted evacuations and threatened homes Wednesday afternoon in eastern San Diego County.

The Dehesa 7 Fire was reported at 3:19 p.m. near Dehesa and Red Gum roads in the community of Dehesa, a rural area east of El Cajon, according to Cal Fire.

The fire was spreading at a dangerous rate, officials said. By 4:14 p.m., the blaze had blackened 30 acres and was 0% contained.

As of 4:44 p.m., the fire was 94 acres and remained 0% contained.

Firefighters were attacking the flames from the ground and air.

The San Diego County Sheriff's Office issued evacuation orders and warnings for nearby areas.

Evacuation orders were issued for zones SDC-1867 and SDC-1868. Evacuation warnings were issued for zones SDC-1780, SDC-1781, SDC-1783, SDC-1861, SDC-1865, SDC-1867 and SDC-1944.

A temporary evacuation point was established at the east side parking lot of Viejas Casino and Resort at 5000 Willows Road in Alpine.

Dehesa Road was closed from Willson Road to Harbison Canyon Road.

The cause of the fire was under investigation.