CHULA VISTA, Calif. (KGTV) — For days, many residents in the Eastlake area of Chula Vista could see the flames of the Border 2 Fire from their front yard while others watched the blaze grow from Mountain Hawk Park.
But on Sunday, rain pushed through San Diego County, creating a much different scene. Local neighbors and even fire officials called all the rain a big help.
"Definitely when we saw the rain in the forecast, that was a blessing," said Kanten Russell, who has lived in the Eastlake community for 20 years.
The rainfall brought a sense of relief for many residents who were concerned about how close the Border 2 Fire was coming.
"The fires and smoke, it's been tough on a lot of families out here, but the rain is a big relief, especially for the community," said resident Nathanael Leaana. "We've been on edge a little bit, but just not knowing what the future holds … thank God for the rain."
His family shared photos from their front yard when the Border 2 Fire first ignited on Thursday. Fast forward to Sunday, a much different view and not a flame in sight.
Leaana said all of the rain was long overdue.
"It's probably been almost a year; it's been very dry,” he said.
The change in weather conditions has allowed many in Eastlake to breathe a sign of relief.
"It was amazing to watch but terrifying," said Russell. "But I think everyone's glad to know that it's definitely more under control today and the air feels way better and breathing, for sure."
"We can't underestimate how valuable and how thankful we are to have the firefighters, you know? Not only here locally, but from other areas coming in to help fight these fires, it's very appreciated and amazing to watch them doing their work,” Leaana said.
