SAN MARCOS, Calif. (KGTV) — CAL FIRE San Diego firefighters quickly knocked down a brush fire in San Marcos on Thursday, amid Santa Ana winds and dangerous fire weather conditions throughout the county.
The 3-acre fire, dubbed the Sycamore Fire, ignited near Sycamore Dr. and Cox Rd. just before 12:30 p.m., according to CAL FIRE. Fire crews reported the fire began in heavy fuel and had a moderate rate of spread, but were able to halt its spread within about 30 minutes.
Firefighters will remain on the scene for several hours to mop-up and further contain the fire.
Thursday, dry Santa Ana winds created high fire danger throughout the county. A Red Flag Warning was in effect Thursday through 10 p.m. on Saturday for the county's valleys, foothills, and mountains. The combination of near-record low fuel moisture, strong winds, and low humidity dropping between 6 and 12% will create critical fire conditions.
A High Wind Warning will be in effect for the same areas until 6 p.m. on Thursday. Northeasterly wind gusts of 30 to 60 mph are expected with isolated higher gusts in the wind-prone areas. Winds will be strong enough to bring down trees and power-lines.
At least 70,000 San Diego Gas & Electric customers were without power Thursday morning due to public safety power shutoffs amid the high winds.
