Lakeside Blaze Prompts Evacuations, Threatens Structures

Evacuation orders were issued Monday after a brush fire erupted near Interstate 8 and Los Coches Road in Lakeside, California, scorching at least 10 acres and endangering homes and businesses. Fire crews from Cal Fire and the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department raced to contain spot fires and protect threatened structures.

Residents within designated zones were told to leave immediately as the blaze, dubbed the Coches Fire, spread rapidly amid dry vegetation and gusty winds. Viejas Casino in Alpine opened as a temporary shelter for displaced families and their pets.

Nut Graf: The Coches Fire highlights elevated fall fire risk in San Diego’s backcountry, where parched brush and unpredictable winds can turn small ignitions into major emergencies. Prompt evacuations and aggressive firefighting efforts were crucial in preventing greater damage and potential casualties.

Key Developments

  • Fire reported just before 3 p.m. near the I-8 Business Loop east of Lakeside, prompting a second-alarm response for structure defense.
  • Evacuation orders covered multiple zones north of Los Coches Road, with clear maps provided by the sheriff’s office.
  • Cal Fire deployed engines, water tenders, dozers and air assets, including helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft conducting water and retardant drops.
  • As of 6 p.m., crews had achieved approximately 30 percent containment, working through challenging terrain to extinguish spot fires.

Response and Impact

Shortly after the blaze erupted, deputies and fire personnel door-knocked residents in rural neighborhoods, urging immediate departure. Traffic on Interstate 8 was slowed but remained open under sheriff’s supervision. No injuries have been reported, though several outbuildings and sheds caught fire.

Evacuation and Shelter

  • Mandatory evacuations: Zones SDC-1680, -1681, -1682, -1685, -1686, -1770 and -1774.
  • Temporary shelter: Viejas Casino, 5000 Willows Road, Alpine, CA.
  • Animal care: Large animals at Dianne Jacob Equestrian Park; small pets at South Shelter in Bonita.

Ongoing Efforts

Firefighters will continue structure protection and mop-up operations overnight as containment lines are strengthened. Investigators from Cal Fire’s San Diego Unit are probing the fire’s origin, with preliminary indications pointing to an equipment spark along the highway corridor.

Residents in adjacent communities are urged to stay alert for air quality advisories and review evacuation routes. Additional updates will be provided as containment improves and more information becomes available.