Overview

• The blaze ignited around 2:30 p.m. Tuesday near El Monte Road and has charred approximately 400 acres of steep, brush-covered terrain below El Cajon Mountain.
• Fire response involves 153 personnel, 25 engines, seven hand crews and two helicopters working to secure the fire’s northeastern flank.
• Two firefighters sustained minor injuries and no structural damage has been reported as calmer weather aided containment efforts.
• Evacuation orders persist for rural neighborhoods north of El Monte Road, with El Cajon’s Walmart Supercenter and the Lakeside Equestrian Park serving as shelters for residents and livestock.
• Authorities reopened Lake Jennings Park Road at El Monte Road and Willow Road at Oma’s Road, and a smoke advisory covers eastern Lakeside, northwest El Cajon and Alpine while the fire’s cause remains under investigation.