Fire In Dehesa Reaches 50% Containment

DEHESA, CA — A brush fire that prompted evacuations in eastern San Diego County was 50% contained Thursday morning as firefighters worked to extinguish remaining hot spots.

The Dehesa 7 Fire remained at 93 acres after firefighters worked through the night to build and strengthen containment lines around the blaze, according to Cal Fire San Diego.

Crews were focusing Thursday on cooling hot spots and eliminating remaining visible smoke, officials said.

The fire was reported Wednesday afternoon near Dehesa and Red Gum roads in the Dehesa community, east of El Cajon. It initially spread rapidly, growing to more than 90 acres within about 90 minutes.

The blaze prompted evacuation orders and warnings for several areas.

Authorities lifted evacuation orders and warnings Wednesday evening after crews stopped forward progress of the flames. Officials urged residents to remain alert as firefighters continued working in the area.

Dehesa Road reopened between Willson Road and Harbison Canyon Road.

No structural damage or injuries were reported.

The cause of the fire remained under investigation.

• Previous coverage: Brush Fire Burning At 'Dangerous Rate' Forces Evacuations In Dehesa