Story and photos by Nadin Abbott
July 25, 2012 (Jamul)-- A brush fire that began at or near 128480 Proctor Valley Road in Jamul shortly after 4 p.m. was knocked down by a massive, multiple agency response that included over 100 firefighters from at least a half dozen fire departments.
The road at Proctor Valley Road and Echo Valley Road was hard- blocked, preventing access to the scene this evening. It is a narrow road, and heavy fire equipment needed the room to maneuver. Authorities indicated it was also shut down on the Chula Vista side.
This reporter witnessed units from San Diego, La Mesa, Lakeside, Cal Fire and BLM, as well as Viejas. There were three helicopters doing water drops upon arrival at the scene, and a healthy wind coming from the mountain, at about 20 miles per hour. By 7 p.m. the road was still closed, but firefighters were in mop-up stage.
According to a Sheriff’s deputy at the roadblock, the fire burned between 20 and 30 acres, but at no time were structures were in danger. Cal-Fire put the estimate at 20 acres.
The blaze caused some nervous moments for neighbors in an area that has experienced several wildfires in the past few weeks. One called ECM to report that "the entire valley is dark with smoke."
Residents congregated around to watch the show, but said they didn’t feel afraid. This reporter witnessed residents thanking the fire units, as they passed by.
One even offered avocados to a fire crew--as long as they brought their ladder.
Recent comments