Willow Fire Threatens Homes, Prompts Evacuations In Lakeside

LAKESIDE, CA — A wildfire briefly threatened homes and prompted evacuations Wednesday afternoon in San Diego's East County.

The blaze, called the Willow Fire, sparked shortly before 12:30 p.m. off the 14000 block of Willow Road in Lakeside, north of Lake Jennings, according to Cal Fire.

Within about an hour, officials reported that crews stopped forward progress of the fire at about two acres, but a short time later, flames erupted again near the initial burn area and began moving across more open terrain toward nearby homes. Ground and airborne crews worked to douse the flames.

By 2 p.m., the fire had scorched 20 acres and was 0 percent contained, according to Cal Fire. Crews stopped forward progress again at about 2:15 p.m.

The blaze briefly threatened about 20 homes, fire officials said. Authorities issued an evacuation order for 14402-14470 Willow Road. Willow Road was closed in the area of the fire. By 3:15 p.m., all evacuation orders, warnings and road closures were lifted.

No structural damage or injuries were reported.