SANTEE FIRE NOW 259 ACRES

Update 3:15 p.m.  The fire has jumped to 259 acres, Viejas Fire Chief Don Butz has informed ECM. "It's in a very inaccessible area," said Butz, adding that the forward spread of the fire has been slowed.

June 26, 2010 (Santee) - A vegetation fire that began late this morning north of Santee is now approximately 70 acres in size, according to Heartland Fire dispatch.  The fire is burning westward into federal property in the adjacent Miramar area.

The blaze is not yet contained, however the forward spread of the fire is slowing, Heartland informed East County Magazine. Currently there are 100 firefighting personnel, five hand crews and three helicopters battling the blaze. Fixed wing aircraft have been released. 

No structures have burned and none are currently threatened. Cause of the blaze is unknown at this time.