400-Acre Jennings Fire 60% Contained, Evacuations Lifted

LAKESIDE, CA – A rapidly-spreading wildfire that scorched 400 acres near Lake Jennings, shut down the freeway and forced evacuations, is 60 percent contained late Wednesday afternoon, according to fire officials.

The blaze, called the Jennings Fire, broke out about 1:50 p.m. Tuesday off Interstate 8 and Olde Highway 80 in Lakeside, according to Cal Fire. The flames quickly burned 400 acres and threatened nearby homes.

The fire remained at 400 acres and was 30 percent contained by 6 a.m. Wednesday, according to Cal Fire. The blaze was 60 percent contained by late afternoon.

Authorities issued a mandatory evacuation order Tuesday for homes along Viewside Lane in the Alpine area. An evacuation advisory was also in effect for the Peutz Valley and the upper end of Harbison Canyon in the Hunter pass area. All evacuation orders and warnings were lifted Tuesday night.

The fire also prompted the California Highway Patrol to shut down Interstate 8 between Lake Jennings Park Road in Lakeside and Tavern Road in Alpine, which led to hours of gridlock in both directions.

Investigators later determined that engine emissions from a passing vehicle ignited the fire, according to Cal Fire.

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Jennings Fire Burns 400 Acres Along I-8, Shuts Down Freeway, Prompts Evacuation Orders In East San Diego County

Photo courtesy of San Diego County Sheriff's Department