150 Evacuated in Spring Valley Fire

Flames came within yards of dozens of homes in Spring Valley

A “human caused” brush fire in Spring Valley burned at a least one home Saturday and threatened dozens more, according to fire officials.

"It took off pretty good and it frightened a lot of people," said San Miguel Fire District spokesperson Leonard Villarreal.

The fire was reported just after 12:30 p.m. just south of the Lamplighter Village Mobile home park near Jamacha Blvd. It took minutes to burn 50 to 60 acres.

"I mean the wind was whipping and it blew by and it blew by really quick," said Spring Valley resident Joe Paine.

About 150 people were evacuated from the mobile home complex.

“Other evacuations were ordered for residents of the Carriage Hills neighborhood where the flames also burned within about 30 yards of some homes,” said San Miguel Consolidated Fire Protection District spokesperson Leonard Villarreal.

One home was damaged when an ember landed on a wood, tinder dry shake shingle roof.

“Very old, very brittle, and really did go up like kindling," said Villarreal.

Damage was estimated at $60,000.

Paine said the flames went right up to the edge of his property. Luckily, his roof was not wood shake shingle.

"We are finding embers on our roof, chunks of trees and blowing debris," Paine said.

Four helicopters, and 90 firefighters on the ground managed to keep the flames from reaching any other houses. Looking at the line where the fire stopped literally a few feet away, Paine was extremely grateful.

"Isn't that something? Those guys are amazing. Those guys are amazing truly," said Paine.

The fire was contained by 3:22 p.m.

“Much has been made about this summer being the coolest in about 70 years, however despite the cooler weather, wildfires and start and travel quickly. In San Diego County we must be prepared year round for the possibility of a destructive brush fire,” said Villarreal. 

The fire was “human caused” according to officials. No injuries were reported.

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