Brush Fire Burns Near Otay Lakes Structures

Smoke from an 80-acre brush fire clouded the skies above Otay Lakes Friday afternoon, causing traffic delays in the area.

The fire started just after 4 p.m. near Otay Lakes Road and Woods Drive and was soon upgraded to a second-alarm incident. 

The flames were coming dangerously close to a few structures, but a helicopter was soon on scene to help drop water on the fire. Another two helicopters and a plane were called in to assist, carrying water from the Otay Lakes Reservoir.

Firefighters stopped the fire before it reached any buildings.

By 10:20 p.m., Cal Fire said the fire was 100 percent contained.

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No evacuations were put into place, according to San Diego Fire-Rescue officials.

Chula Vista police helped stop drivers in the area as firefighters attacked the flames, and pedestrians were cleared from walkways on Otay Lakes Road and Wuste, according to Chula Vista police. 

About three dozen residents stood staring at the sky, watching the smoke rise. In all, about 100 fire crews from Chula Vista and Cal Fire helped fight the blaze.

The cause of the fire still has not been determined. Chula Vista fire officials say the area is very dry, thanks to the drought -- a reason the fire spread so quickly.

They are telling people to report fires as soon as possible, especially in this warm, dry weather.

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