Overview

• The Monte Fire has burned 1,048 acres since igniting Tuesday afternoon near the 15000 block of El Monte Road and is now 25% contained.
• Fire crews are using helicopters to fly more than 100 firefighters into steep, rocky slopes to build and strengthen containment lines.
• Evacuation orders north of El Monte Road and across adjacent rural areas remain in effect after limited returns were allowed overnight.
• Smoke from the blaze prompted air quality advisories in Alpine, Blossom Valley, Ramona and San Diego Country Estates.
• Three firefighters suffered minor injuries and were treated and released, no structures have been lost, and the fire’s cause remains under investigation.