San Diego

Brush Fire contained Near Elementary School and Homes in El Cajon

A neighbor is being called a hero after a brush fire sparked behind Magnolia Elementary School in El Cajon Thursday night, officials confirmed.

Around 7 p.m. a brush fire started near East Highway 67 off East Bradley Avenue near an elementary school and a mobile home park, San Diego County Sheriff Lt. Craig confirmed.

The fire managed to grow only three acres before it was fully contained.

Families are feeling grateful for one neighbor who they say saved them from what could have been much worse.

β€œI started knocking on my neighbor’s doors and start asking them to get out,” said Samuel Moreno, a resident of the mobile home park.

The fire burned right next to his house.

β€œI was really scared for my kids, my neighbors, I told my wife forget about everything inside just get out,” said Moreno.

No evacuations were ordered. Due to winds, said Lt. Craig, it prevented the fire to reach nearby homes.

"He was trying to protect us, telling us that there was fire," one neighbor said. 

Neighbors told NBC 7 that they left their houses after hearing Moreno yelling at them to get out, managing to grab what they could.

Officials said two helicopters were brought in for water drops. San Miguel Fire and Rescue, Cal Fire San Diego, Heartland Fire and Rescue, Lakeside Fire Protection and the Santee Fire Department all assisted.

Resident have been let back into their houses.

Lt. Craig said there were reports of juveniles being near the area when the fire began.

No other information was available.

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