An aggressive brush fire blazed through half an acre of a National City canyon Tuesday, threatening several nearby homes before crews quelled the flames.
National City Fire Department (NCFD) officials said the brush fire broke out on 2600 block of Rachael Avenue at approximately 2:25 p.m., northeast of the where Interstate 805 and State Route 54 meet. The flames started a few blocks away from Granger Junior High School and Lincoln Acres School.
Fire crews from National City, Chula Vista, Bonita, San Diego and Federal Fire Departments rushed to respond. The fire quickly burnt through half an acre, sending heavy white smoke into the air that could be seen for miles.
San Diego's Copter 1 was dispatched, dumping two water drops on the fire.
One bystander was evaluated by paramedics on scene for minor smoke inhalation and released.
Several structures were threatened during the fire, but none were damaged. No evacuations were issued.
The front of a non-working truck was damaged and a non-working air compressor and plastic pipe used for the installation of underground gas lines were also damaged.
Local
Fire officials determined the fire was caused by homeless living in the immediate area of the canyon.
