A fast-moving brush fire sparked Friday in a canyon University City, initially threatening surrounding homes.
Amid hot temperatures and a Red Flag fire weather warning issued for San Diego County, the fire started at around 12:20 p.m. in Rose Canyon, near Nobel and Towne Centre drives, west of Miramar and Interstate 805.
The San Diego Fire-Rescue Department (SDFD) said the blaze was burning brush in a canyon, uphill, tearing through heavy vegetation at a rapid rate of spread. Sixty fire personnel rushed to the scene to battle the blaze.
There are several condomimium complexes in the area, including the Westwood Apartment Homes. The fire in Rose Canyon burned between the Westwood complex on the north side of th railroad tracks and University City High School on the south side of the railroad tracks.
Brush fire in UC stopped at 2 acres. 60 fire personnel on scene. Investigators en route. pic.twitter.com/HVa8EMuXYT
— SDFD (@SDFD) August 19, 2016
Initially, fire officials said the blaze was threatening structures. SDFD Battalion Chief Ed Kinnamon told NBC 7 officials evacuated residents in about 50 apartment units, as a precaution.
The fire reached the base of some of the buildings, Kinnamon said, but firefighters were able to protect the homes.
Within 20 minutes, SDFD officials said the fire had burned two acres but the fuel in which it was burning was lighter, reducing its rate of spread.
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By 1:20 p.m., the SDFD said the forward rate of spread of the fire had stopped and crews had gained the upperhand. The fire held at two acres.
No structures were damaged and residents were soon allowed back in their homes. No injuries were reported.
Firefighters planned to remain at the scene mopping up hot spots and monitoring for any potential flare-ups.
Kinnamon said fire units were very aggressive in tackling the blaze, which prevented it from spreading to the buildings. He said the fire sparked near power lines and train tracks, making it a bit more challenging crews.
The battalion chief said the flames did not reach power lines, but SDG&E temporarily shut off power to residents to check the lines for damage.
Residents were grateful the fire was knocked down quickly but the incident was still very alarming.
Locals Amy Sui and Tania Delgado moved into an apartment complex in the area just a couple of weeks ago and were worried they would be evacuated. The women were happy to learn the fire had not spread.
University City resident Brenton Maisel send he was heading home from brunch when he noticed several fire trucks surrounding his complex.
"There was a ton of smoke coming out of the ground [in the canyon]," he told NBC 7.
As a precaution, Maisel loaded up his belongings in his car, including his books for studying and his computer, and a bag of cookies.
"I'm relieved. It looks like they've taken pretty good care of [the fire]," he added.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.
