San Diego

Dehesa Residents Say Helping Winds Pushed β€˜Vista Fire' Away From Homes

Two firefighters were injured in a small wildfire in Dehesa that forced the evacuation of 30 homes on Wednesday. 

Cal Fire San Diego crews responded to the "Vista Fire" on Vista De La Montana near Sycuan Casino at around 4 p.m. and within an hour, the blaze had grown to 25 acres.

The fire's forward rate of spread was halted by 5:20 p.m. and was 50 percent contained an hour later. Cal Fire fought the fire through the night and had it fully contained by around 4 p.m. Thursday, the agency said. 

Two firefighters were injured battling the blaze, though the extent of their injuries or how they were obtained was not disclosed. 

The blaze threatened about 30 homes near vista De La Montana as flames crept into the backyards of a few homes near Sycuan Casino.

"I heard a crack, a very loud cracking sound. I looked up and there was flames 15, 20 feet," Bob Lein said.

Craig Tanson said the fire came within 100 yards of his home.

Evacuation warnings for Trafalgar Road, Calle De Nicole, and Vista De La Montana were lifted just before 7 p.m., Cal Fire said.

The attack was aggresive. A fleet of fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters made water drops while 20 fire engines and countless firefighters worked on the ground. Six different agencies helped to control the fire. 

Residents say favorable winds pushed the fire northeast, out of the their back yards away from their homes and up the steep hill.

While there were homes threatened on the other side firefighters managed to stop the progress before it reached those houses.

No other information was available.

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