Brush Fire Prompts Evacuations, Road Closures In Santee

SANTEE, CA — A brush fire sparked Wednesday in Santee that threatened homes, prompted evacuations and sent smoke over the city.

The blaze, called the Chaparral Fire, broke out at about 1:30 p.m. in an open area off Cuyamaca Street and Chaparral Drive. By 2:30 p.m., the flames had scorched 25 to 30 acres, according to the San Diego County Sheriff's Department.

Crews battled the flames from the air and ground as the fire burned through brush near homes and power lines. Firefighters halted the spread of the 36-acre blaze by around 4 p.m.

Deputies evacuated some homes on Princess Joann and Dakota Ranch roads as a precaution. Authorities also issued an evacuation warning for residents in the 10,000 block of Chaparral Drive.

A temporary evacuation point was set up at Santana High School at 9915 Magnolia Ave.

"Fire crews are making good progress on controlling the fire," sheriff's officials said on Twitter. "Please be ready to evacuate if asked. Thank you for your cooperation."

Evacuations were lifted by 4:48 p.m.

Northbound Cuyamaca Street was closed at Mollie Lane to prevent access to Chaparral Drive. Authorities advised the public to avoid the area.