Brush Fire Near U.S.-Mexico Border Prompts Evacuation Warning

Imperial Beach CA

15 July, 2021

5:47 PM

Description

SAN DIEGO COUNTY, CA — A brush fire burned dozens of acres and prompted an evacuation warning Thursday just north of the U.S.-Mexico border. The blaze, called the Border Fire, sparked near Tecate Mission Road, west of the Tecate Port of Entry, according to Cal Fire. By 3 p.m. the fire had scorched 60 acres, destroyed an outbuilding and was 5 percent contained, fire officials said. Firefighters soon after halted the spread of the flames. "Firefighters will remain at scene through the evening," Cal Fire said on Twitter. Authorities issued an evacuation warning for the community of Tecate. A temporary evacuation point was established at Potrero Elementary School at 24875 Potrero Valley Road in Potrero. Downed powerlines in Mexico sparked the blaze, which spread to vegetation on the U.S. side of the border, according to Cal Fire. #BorderFire [update] Fire spread has been stopped. Cause was determined to be an electrical failure (powerlines down) in Mexico right along the border fence that quickly spread to vegetation on the U.S. side of the border. Firefighters will remain at scene through the evening. pic.twitter.com/27MNX2pliU— CAL FIRE/SAN DIEGO COUNTY FIRE (@CALFIRESANDIEGO) July 15, 2021 #BorderFire in Tecate [update] Fire is 60 acres, 5% contained. One outbuilding destroyed, Evacuation Warnings issued for nearby Tecate community. Temporary Evacuation Point is Potrero Elementary School. Firefighters making good progress from ground and air.— CAL FIRE/SAN DIEGO COUNTY FIRE (@CALFIRESANDIEGO) July 15, 2021 .@CALFIRESANDIEGO is at scene of a vegetation fire near Tecate Mission Rd west of Tecate Port of Entry. 20 acres, moderate rate of spread burning northeast. Has not crossed into Mexico. #BorderFire (Photo is from our fire partners in Mexico, looking north into US). pic.twitter.com/UBfKw27QZn— CAL FIRE/SAN DIEGO COUNTY FIRE (@CALFIRESANDIEGO) July 15, 2021