Firefighters in Poway reported they have halted the spread of a wildfire on Route 67 that closed the state highway.
The fire erupted around 2 p.m. near the intersection with Poway Road and quickly spread to 25 acres.
Ground crews and personnel aboard air tankers and water-dropping helicopters battled the blaze, which blackened 10 to 15 acres within an hour, said Thomas Shoots, a fire captain.
As of 4 p.m., firefighters had halted the blaze at an estimated 40 acres. No structural damage or injuries were reported.
Crews were expected to remain in the area, dousing hot spots and building lines of containment overnight and through the day Saturday.
San Diego Sheriff‘s deputies closed the highway and portions of Poway Road, Espola Road and Scripps Poway Parkway.
Cal Fire said the blaze caused no structural damage.
The blaze was the 19th to break out in the border area this year, according to Cal Fire. Most have occurred in the last several months, including two earlier this week.
City News Service contributed to this report
Updated 6:35 p.m. June 24, 2022