Crews Halt Brush Fire In Santee

SANTEE, CA — A brush fire prompted evacuations Sunday evening in Santee.

The fire sparked in a riverbed near the 100 block of Town Center Parkway, according to the San Diego County Sheriff's Office.

The fire was burning within 100 feet of businesses on the northern side of the San Diego River, according to Watch Duty.

As of 7:30 p.m., the slow-moving blaze had burned about 3 acres, according to Watch Duty. Crews stopped forward progress of the flames by 8:40 p.m. The fire scorched about 5 acres.

Authorities evacuated shoppers from nearby stores, including Walmart and Michaels, according to reports. Residents reported that the Dollar Tree was also evacuated.

Heavy smoke was seen from the nearby Parc One apartment complex.

Authorities advised the public to avoid the area.