Firefighters Make Quick Work Of Brush Fire Near Mission Valley, Save Homes

SAN DIEGO, CA — Firefighters made quick work of a two-acre brush fire that broke out in a Birdland canyon Sunday, threatening homes and causing evacuations.

The San Diego Fire-Rescue Department dispatched a first-alarm response to the 2200 block of Meadow Lark Drive shortly before noon Sunday, where flames were spreading under transmission lines and threatening canyon rim homes in the densely populated area, according to SDFRD spokeswoman Candace Hadley.

"Crews positioned themselves at the top of the canyon due to an immediate threat to structures and called the San Diego Police Department to evacuate residents in the area," Hadley said. "At 1:04 p.m. they had stopped the forward spread of the fire."

More than 80 firefighters, multiple brush rigs and a helicopter responded to the fire that was fueled by strong winds and low humidity. The helicopter did not make water drops due to the power lines, but was able to assist ground crews, according to Hadley.

"This is a really important reminder that in San Diego, we are in year-round fire season," Hadley said. "Residents are urged to register for alerts, download the Watch Duty app and practice their evacuation plans."

No injuries were reported, and the cause of the fire was under investigation.

City News Service