Crews continued to work to contain a brush fire in the Lakeside area on Wednesday morning that has blackened around 870 acres.
Officials earlier had announced a large increase in the number of acres burned, but by Wednesday evening, the Monte Fire was 25% contained.
The fire erupted for unknown reasons at about 2:30 p.m. Tuesday off the 15000 block of El Monte Road., Cal Fire said.
“The main focus for crews today will be on hot spots near residential areas and the northeast side of the fire,” Cal Fire Capt. Robert Johnson said. “Firefighters took advantage of the favorable weather that helped to decrease the spread.”
“Some crews will have to be flown in by helicopter due to the remoteness of the area,” he added.
No structural damage was reported, but three firefighters suffered minor injuries while battling the blaze, Johnson said.
As the flames spread to the east over steep, rocky terrain below El Cajon Mountain, authorities cleared residents out of rural neighborhoods north of El Monte Road, east of Hazy Meadow Lane, south of Featherstone Canyon Rd. and northwest of El Capitan Reservoir.
Lake Jennings Park Road at El Monte Road and Willow Road at Omas Road have since been reopened to all drivers, the California Highway Patrol said.
“Fire activity has decreased significantly, with a slow spread. Wind conditions are favorable for firefighters,” Johnson added.
There were 180 personnel assigned to the Lakeside fire, including 20 engines, seven crews and three helicopters, fire officials said.
The San Diego County Air Pollution Control District advised that the blaze could lead to unhealthy atmospheric conditions in surrounding communities, including Alpine, Blossom Valley, Ramona, San Diego Country Estates and locales around Barona Casino.
Updated at 9 p.m. June 18, 2025.
