DESCANSO, Calif. (KGTV) -- Crews are working to contain a large brush fire that broke out in Descanso Saturday afternoon.
According to CHP, the fire, named the Road Fire, started near Interstate 8 and Japatul Valley Road around noon. Photos of the fire show thick smoke rising into the air.
Officials with the Cleveland National Forrest say the fire has so far scorched 100 acres and was 17 percent contained, as of 5 p.m. on Saturday. While the blaze initially had a rapid spread and forced evacuations for areas of Descanso and the Viejas Reservation, fire crews had stopped its spread by late Saturday afternoon.
View from the #RoadFire on Japatul Valley RD and I-8W. Currently 70 acres and 0% contained. @10News pic.twitter.com/7QjyNdw0Uq
— Mimi Elkalla (@10NewsMimi) July 10, 2021
The westbound lanes of I-8 were partially closed late Saturday near SR-79 and Japatul Valley Road due to the fire.
Great work by air and ground resources on the #RoadFire. Forward spread has stopped. Fire is 70 acres 5% contained. pic.twitter.com/xBv1t8PJKo
— Cleveland NF (@ClevelandNF) July 10, 2021
Authorities say the blaze started as a vehicle fire before spreading to nearby brush.
10News will continue to keep you updated as soon as we receive more information.
