Montezuma Fire
Last updated 8/27/2017 at 12:03pm
The Montezuma blaze began around noon in a field near Montezuma Valley Road at Mile Marker 6.
Due to excessive heat throughout the valley, it quickly grew from 2 acres to 5, then jumped to 15 acres, as Cal Fire crews moved fast to attack it. Despite their quick response, the final acreage burnt has so far reached 62 acres.
Cal Fire San Diego County Fire Chief Tony Mecham said the “Montezuma Fire” was holding at 15 acres, with its forward progress stopped just a few hours after it began, however it soon took hold once again. Montezuma Valley Road was closed so crews could continue tackling the fire.
Cal Fire officials said no structures are threatened, and there have been no injuries. The fire was burning in light and medium fuels with no evacuations. Mecham said crews are working against the high heat in the desert area and low humidity. The cause of the fire is under investigation, but officials said it might have stemmed from a car fire.
The National Weather Service said San Diego County deserts, including Borrego Springs, will be under an excessive heat warning beginning Sunday at 10 a.m. and lasting through 10 p.m. Wednesday. During the heat wave, temperatures in the deserts are expected to hit between 100 and 116 degrees.
