SAN DIEGO (KGTV) — San Diego fire crews say it took more than an hour of intense firefighting to save homes near a fire in a wrecking yard that sent plumes of thick, black smoke in the air in the South Bay Area Saturday.
The blaze, dubbed the Cactus Fire, started around noon at a wrecking yard in the 1900 block Cactus Road, south of state Route 905.
SDFD crews working a fire at a wrecking yard on Cactus Rd south of 905 in South Bay. Many crews on scene along with air support. No evacuations at this time. No injuries. #cactusfire pic.twitter.com/GkbZeQI0JA
— SDFD (@SDFD) October 16, 2021
According to the San Diego Fire Department, 20 people in the area were threatened and evacuated but added that “all structures nearby are protected.”
Due to the fire, Cactus Road between 905 and Siempre Viva and Airway Road from Cactus to Brittania were closed.
A total of 56 SDFD personnel were assigned to the fire, including four water tenders, two trucks, two helicopters, six engines, and two medics.
Cactus Rd closed between 905 and Siempre Viva.
Airway Rd closed from Cactus to Brittania. Please use alternate routes. #cactusfire pic.twitter.com/CcXxjcic6I— SDFD (@SDFD) October 16, 2021
Total of 20 residences evacuated. Please avoid Cactus Road.
Firefighters will be on this incident for several hours.
Thanks to @ChulaVistaFD @CALFIRESANDIEGO and Imperial Beach Fire for their assistance. #cactusfire pic.twitter.com/BlZPhh4Nfb— SDFD (@SDFD) October 16, 2021
Several vegetation fires also started near the yard as a result of the blaze, but have been extinguished.
So far, no injuries have been reported. Drivers are being told to avoid the area until further notice.
10News will continue to keep you updated as soon as we receive more information.
