Alpine residents who lost homes and property to the West Fire will begin to receive help Monday as San Diego County officials open a Local Assistance Center at the Alpine Library.
Over the weekend, San Diego Gas & Electric said its crews were working to restore power to more than 500 customers affected by the wildfire that burned 505 acres and destroyed or damaged 49 homes.
An additional 26 barns, sheds or outbuildings were damaged or destroyed.
There are an assistance hotline and website for those impacted by the fires. Residents can call (858) 495-5200 for help or information.
All evacuations and road closures were lifted as of Sunday evening.
Fire crews working to extinguish the fire are bracing for another day of extreme heat.
Cal Fire announced Tuesday at 5 p.m. that firefighters had 100 percent of the fire surrounded.
The fire sparked at about 11:30 a.m. Friday near Willows Road and Alpine Boulevard and quickly spread, prompting the evacuation of anyone living south of I-8 and east of S. Grade Road. The cause of the fire was under investigation.
Local
The fire damaged the electrical system servicing several communities in the East County.
Two circuits were out due to smoke damage, according to SDG&E. One circuit was de-energized as a precaution, a spokesperson for the utility told NBC 7. SDG&E said several power poles were also damaged.
[G] West Fire Destroys or Damages Nearly 50 Homes in Alpine
The Department of Environmental Health issued a Boil Water Advisory for the community until further notice due to water system damage.
One Alpine firefighter suffered slight burns to the side of his face and spent the night in the hospital but was said to be in very good spirits. Another firefighter of an unknown agency also suffered heat-related injuries.
Alpine is a small community in the foothills east of San Diego located approximately 24 miles from downtown. The population is estimated at just over 14,000.
