A brush fire in the East County threatened a few homes between Lakeside and Alpine Tuesday afternoon and caused a huge traffic backup after Interstate 8 was closed for much of the afternoon. Three fire fighters were injured. Cal Fire says particles from a vehicle's exhaust along the 8 started the fire.
The fire started along the 8 near Lake Jennings Park Road and quickly spread to at least 400 acres. An evacuation order was issued after flames threatened a few homes along Viewside Lane which is on the south side of the 8 near Dunbar Lane. The cause of the fire was under investigation.
A second brush fire broke out late in the afternoon on Camp Pendleton and had burned about 150 acres as of late Tuesday night. A small brush fire in Santee late Tuesday morning caused a brief scare near Mission Gorge Road and West Hills Parkway but was limited to 5 acres before being put out.
(Photos Cal Fire San Diego)