SAN DIEGO -- Firefighters battled a brush fire in University City off Interstate 805 and Governor Drive during rush hour Monday afternoon.

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The fire broke out around 4:45 p.m. and grew rapidly. Traffic on northbound I-805 slowed as the flames and heavy smoke could be seen from the freeway.

According to Maurice Luque, spokesman for San Diego Fire Department, the area that burned was extremely dry and winds helped push it toward the east. Approximately 5 acres burned before crews were able to gain the upper hand. There were no structures threatened, Luque said.

Multiple engines responded to tackle the fire and air support was called in. According to the California Highway Patrol, one lane of the I-805 northbound was closed, just north of state Route 52, to accomodate fire crews.

An NBC 7/39 viewer sent in pictures taken of the fire as seen from her neighborhood across I-805, on Maynard St, off Via Capri & Lakewood.

"(It) looked like the neighborhood was going to go up in flames," said Allison Webb. "Neighbors were getting ready to leave. Looks like it was taken care of in time, but very scary," she said.

San Diego fire crews had to battle the fire from the ground, because Copter 1 was in the East County, fighting a separate fire there, Luque said.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

On Monday, fire officials issued a no-burn proclamation for Southern California, including San Diego County. Cal Fire said it is suspending open residential burn permits in 24 counties.

Agricultural, industrial, hazard abatement and forest management burning also is suspended. Campfires are still permitted in organized campgrounds or on private property provided there are safeguards to keep the fire from spreading.

Cal Fire says the proclamation will remain in effect indefinately.