San Diego

Alpine Begins to Rebuild After Devastating West Fire

The West Fire burned 505 acres and destroyed or damaged 49 homes

36 Homes were destroyed in the fire. NBC 7’s Megan Tevrizian reports from Alpine.

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.

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.

NBC 7
A fast-moving fire destroyed dozens of homes in Alpine, a foothill community approximately 24 miles east of downtown San Diego.
NBC 7
The fire jumped over some homes but burned others to the ground.
NBC 7
Residents were ordered to evacuate as it became clear to firefighters that the fire was moving at a "critical rate of spread."
Audra Stafford, NBC 7
An official assessment reports nearly 50 homes destroyed or damaged in the West Fire that struck Alpine, California on July 6, 2018.
John Clishem, NBC 7
An additional 26 barns, sheds or outbuildings were damaged or destroyed.
NBC 7
Some residents attempted to fight spot fires with hoses.
News Chopper 7 captured this image of the fire early on Friday.
An image of the fire shared by members of the Cleveland National Forecast firefighting crew.
NBC 7
News Chopper 7 captures one of the homes burning in the West Fire in Alpine, California on July 6, 2018.
Elizabeth Vazquez
Elizabeth Vazquez
Elizabeth Vazquez
NBC 7
Firefighters use an engine to water down one of the hot spots left behind by the West Fire on Saturday, July 7, 2018.
NBC 7

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.

Exit mobile version