News
New Wildfire Near Lakeside Forces Evacuations and Road Closures
Firefighters are battling a new wildfire called the Hawick Fire, which ignited on Thursday afternoon. The blaze began shortly after 1 p.m. near the 14000 block of Hawick Drive and has scorched approximately 20 acres.
Cal Fire reported that a plume of smoke could be seen from miles away, even as far as Cowles Mountain. The situation escalated quickly, and by 4 p.m., officials warned that the fire was “burning at a dangerous rate of spread.” As a precaution, evacuations were ordered south of Interstate 8 and north of La Cresta Road.
Residents in the affected areas are being directed to an evacuation center set up at the Walmart located at 13487 Camino Canada in El Cajon. Evacuation warnings are also in place for additional areas marked in yellow on local maps. Road closures have been instituted on Rancho Canada Road, Camino Canada, and at Gaucho and Ridge Hill Road, limiting access to residents.
Firefighters are actively working to contain the flames both on the ground and from the air, with fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters dropping water and fire retardant. Although there are homes in close proximity to the fire’s edge, no property damage has been reported at this time.
The cause of the Hawick Fire is still under investigation. Meanwhile, another nearby wildfire, the Monte Fire, which began on Tuesday, has escalated to over 1,048 acres and is currently 25% contained. Fire officials noted that they are focusing on building containment lines as favorable weather conditions helped some firefighting efforts.
Cal Fire has dispatched crews to the Monte Fire, which has been less aggressive than earlier days. A Black Hawk helicopter is assisting firefighters by transporting personnel directly to remote firelines, reducing their travel time over rough terrain.
“We are making it a priority today for engine companies to seek out those hotspots and extinguish them near residences,” said Cal Fire Capt. Robert Johnson. Approximately 10 structures are at risk but are currently within the fire perimeter or adjacent to it.
Evacuation orders were established for several areas, including regions north of El Monte Road and east of San Vicente Oaks Road. While some evacuation orders were lifted, the Sheriff’s Department emphasized that other orders remain in effect due to the remote nature of the land.
No fatalities have been reported, though two firefighters were treated at the scene for minor injuries. The cause of the Monte Fire is also under investigation.
