The santee fire drew a swift, multi-layered response Saturday evening as crews battled vegetation burning in the 100 block of River Rock Court, across the river from Walmart and the Town Center shopping plaza, with flames close to commercial buildings.
Where is the Santee Fire burning, and what is threatened?
The incident, identified as the Town Center Fire, is burning in vegetation in the 100 block of River Rock Court. The fire is across the river from Walmart and the Town Center shopping plaza, and it has been described as within 100 feet of commercial structures. Ground crews have engaged in structure protection on the south side of the river due to the threat to commercial structures there.
Smoke has been visible across much of East County, underscoring how quickly a brush fire in the river bottom can affect communities beyond the immediate perimeter.
How big is the fire and what resources are being requested?
As of 7: 30 p. m. ET, the fire had burned 3 acres. The incident commander requested a type 1 strike team of five engines, a strike 3 team of five engines, and a water-dropping helicopter.
On scene, reporter Patrick Ward said the fire was burning behind Michael’s. Ward said crews had been able to keep the fire away from structures so far, while noting it was burning down the river bottom in areas that cannot be reached on foot. Ward also observed one helicopter dropping water from the City of San Diego and said the response could become a long-term commitment for the fire department. The santee fire response has centered on keeping flames from commercial structures as crews work in difficult terrain near the river.
What’s the broader context around brush clearing in the river bottom?
Ward also said the City of Santee has a multi-million dollar grant for clearing brush in the river bottom, but that the work has been delayed due to environmental studies. The delay has become part of the backdrop to the current firefight, as crews contend with vegetation burning in areas that are difficult to access on foot.
In the meantime, the immediate focus remains structure protection and continued suppression efforts as the Town Center Fire burns near commercial areas and smoke remains visible across much of East County.
Image caption (alt text): Fire crews respond to the santee fire near Town Center as smoke spreads across East County.
