SAN PASQUAL VALLEY, Calif., (KGTV)— Fire crews continue to monitor the brush fire that began Friday afternoon in San Pasqual Valley. As of Saturday, 5:53 pm, CAL FIRE announced that the Pasqual Fire is 365 acres and 40% contained. All evacuations warnings and orders have been lifted.
Hours of aggressive, overnight firefighting proved to be extremely effective for the Pasqual Fire. But crews said it is not over yet.
“We still have to mop up the fire, construct containment lines, essentially we have to render this a safe community again,” CAL FIRE Captain Isaac Sanchez said.
Cheering them on all yesterday was James Roy, who just purchased several parcels of land atop the mountain in December.
He lives in a temporary trailer now. But he plans to build his forever home here soon.
“I smelled a little bit of smoke, and saw ash, and I was like oh no!” Roy said.
As the action grew closer to his home, Roy immediately packed his car. But he decided to stay. He walked up to the very top of his property, where there are two old lawn chairs cemented on top of a rock.
“I just enjoyed the finest of Southern California here battling this fire,” Roy said.
More than a dozen times, aircrews dumped water and fire retardant around Roy’s home. Roy watched while sitting on the lawn chairs.
“It was absolutely a front row seat,” he said.
Fire crews continued for hours. Because of their aggressive air and ground attacks, Roy believes his home was saved.
“The cost for me was just getting fire retardant on stuff, but that is a small price to pay,” he said. “I’m very grateful.”
As for his plans to build his home sweet home, Roy says it’s still a go.
“We got this place, starting with the guest house. Nice and small, keep it easy and cheap. Trying to be responsible.” Roy said.
Fire crews will continue to monitor the hillside for at least one more day.
Fire investigators have not determined the cause of the fire.
