Brush Fire Erupts at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Smoke Visible for Miles

SAN DIEGO, Calif. — A brush fire broke out at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar on Monday afternoon, sending plumes of smoke into the sky that were visible from nearby neighborhoods and freeways. The fire, reported around 2:20 p.m., ignited on the north side of the base near Kearny Villa Road and Miramar Road.

Firefighting crews from the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department (SDFD) and the San Diego County Sheriff's Department responded to the scene, deploying ground engines and water-dropping helicopters to combat the flames. As of Monday afternoon, the fire had burned approximately 3 acres, with a slow rate of spread and no immediate threat to structures, according to SDFD officials.

“The wind is favorable, and currently, no structures are threatened,” an SDFD spokesperson said. Helicopters were seen scooping water from nearby reservoirs to douse the flames, while ground crews worked to contain the fire’s perimeter.

Smoke from the blaze was visible from as far south as North Park and along Interstate 15, prompting concerns from nearby residents and businesses. NBC 7‘s SkyRanger 7 captured aerial footage showing red flames engulfing dry brush on the base.

Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, a key military installation in San Diego, is no stranger to brush fires due to its expansive, dry terrain. The cause of Monday’s fire remains under investigation.

This is a developing story. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available.