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Photos and Video by Billy Ortiz
July 12, 2012 (Lakeside) – A brush fire briefly threatened homes at I-8 and Los Coches Road near in Lakeside early this afternoon. Thanks to a full wildland fire response, the blaze was extinguished in about 20 minutes.
"As I traveled up Los Coches Road, I spotted flames and smoke near a housing track. I called 911 and they dispatched fire crews. Within 5 minutes fire engine crews were on the scene," said ECM photographer Billy Ortiz, who shot this dramatic video as firefighters battled the blaze and concerned residents looked on.
While bystanders speculated that the fire may have been started by a cigarette, fire officials have not yet determined the cause.
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