SWIFT RESPONSE SAVES HOMES IN SPRING VALLEY BRUSH FIRE

Story and photos by Josh Stotler

June 8, 2024 (Spring Valley) – A multi-agency response prevented a wind-driven brush fire in Spring Valley yesterday from destroying multiple homes threatened by the flames. The fire was originally dispatched as a residential structure fire near the 9800 block of Ivanho Street.  The first units on scene reported the blaze had extended to the vegetation on the back side of the residence.

As the fire grew, spreading across a grassy field, structures were threatened. The Incident Commander ordered additional engines and helicopter support. An evacuation order for zone SDC-2151 was broadcast as the fire came within a few feet of homes in the area.  Smoke was visible and could be smelled across Rancho San Diego, Spring Valley and parts of La Mesa.

Quick action and fast response kept this fire to two acres. Units from Cal Fire, Heartland, San Diego  Fire & Rescue and San Miguel Fire coordinated the ground attack as helicopters from the San Diego County Sheriff's Dept. and the city of San Diego’s Fire  & Rescue Dept. made water drops.

The flames were knocked down quickly by the combined attack and forward progress was stopped at 2:51 p.m. Evacuations were lifted,though  Maya Street remained closed between Jaeger Rd and Luther Dr. while crews doused hot spots and mopped up. 

The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

 Josh Stotler is a freelance photojournalist with over 15 years in the fire service as a firefighter with multiple local and international fire agencies. 

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