San Diego

House Fire Spreads to Nearby Brush in El Cajon

A fire broke out on the rooftop of a home in El Cajon Monday night El Cajon police and Heartland Fire officials said. 

The fire started at approximately 8:41 p.m. in the 1370 block of El Rey Avenue.

Heartland Fire officials said the fire appears to have begun in the chimney then quickly spread to the shake shingle roof.

The man living in the house was able to get out on his own, but there were several obstacles
working against firefighters.

The narrow streets with cars parked on either side made maneuvering difficult. The heavy vegetation, limited space between homes, and high wind warnings made containing the fire difficult.

"Any type of wind event will create more issue from fire suppression due to fire travel. We were fortunate in this respect. Firefighters jumped on it quickly and protected the surrounding jurisdiction and contained the fire to the house of origin," Chief Rick Sitta of Heartland Fire said.

Crews said at one point flames shot 40 feet above the house, but they were able to contain the fire to just one house. 

As of 9:18 p.m., no evacuations were issued, and there were no reported injuries. 

A high wind warning was in effect for the desert areas east of San Diego. The warning expired at 3 a.m. Tuesday.  

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