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

LAKESIDE, CA – Automobile exhaust sparked a rapidly-spreading fire Tuesday that burned hundreds of acres near Lake Jennings, shut down the freeway, threatened nearby homes and prompted evacuation orders.

The blaze, dubbed the Jennings Fire, broke out about 1:50 p.m. off Interstate 8 and Olde Highway 80 in Lakeside, according to Cal Fire. Within about 90 minutes, the fire had scorched 300 acres and threatened five homes.

As of roughly 4:20 p.m., the wildfire had reached 400 acres. By 5 p.m., forward progress of the fire had been stopped.

Authorities issued a mandatory evacuation order for homes along Viewside Lane in the Alpine area. The street runs parallel I-8 to the south. An evacuation advisory is also in effect for the Peutz Valley and the upper end of Harbison Canyon in the Hunter pass area.

Temporary shelters for evacuees were established at Joan MacQueen Middle School at 2001 Tavern Road in Alpine and Granite Hills High School at 1719 E. Madison Ave. in El Cajon.

The California Highway Patrol closed I-8 in both directions between Lake Jennings Park Road in Lakeside and Tavern Road in Alpine due to the fire. The closure resulted in hours of gridlock for miles to the east and west.

By 5 p.m., crews had stopped the spread of the fire, allowing the westbound lanes to reopen in the area, according to Cal Fire. Officials asked the public to avoid the area around Flinn Springs and Harbison Canyon as there were multiple road closures.

Bus Route 864, which normally heads to Viejas Casino, ended at East County Square on Los Coches Road in Lakeside, according to San Diego Metropolitan Transit System.

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

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Photos credit Cal Fire San Diego