PLANE CRASH IN LAKESIDE SPARKS BRUSH FIRE

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East County Wildfire and Emergency Alerts

Photo: HP Wren camera, UCSD

Update October 22, 2017 -- An Extra EA 300 plane that took off from GIllespie Field yesterday afternoon with two people aboard was reported missing shortly before the crash, according to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Authorities believe those on board did not survive the crash and fire, the Los Angeles reports.  The identities of the pilot and passenger have not yet been released.  The fire charred about 20 acres before it was extinguished.

October 21, 2017 (Lakeside) – A small plane crash reported shortly before 4:30 p.m. on the East side of the El Capitan Reservoir has ignited dry brush. Air crews are on scene in the remote location near the Featherstone Ranch.

The fire is estimated at 20 acres by retired Cal Fire Battalion Chief Bob Robeson, who lives in Lakeside and says there is fire on the north side of the reservoir. In an email to residents in El Monte Valley and Eucalyptus Hills, Robeson offered this warning: “There’s still an East wind warning tonight be alert to what’s going on throughout the night, visually and be prepared for the worst situation.”

Cleveland National Forest Service, Cal Fire and San Diego Fire have units on the scene. An ASTREA helicopter from the Sheriff Department was used to pinpoint the fire’s location, scanner traffic indicates.

Ground crews were delayed accessing the site due to a locked gate but have now reportedly gained access.

There is no word yet on the fate of the pilot and any passengers who may have been on board the plane, nor what caused the crash.

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