GROSSMONT–About 70 firefighters fought a brush fire Friday that burned 12 acres on a hillside just north of Grossmont College.
The fire was reported to Heartland Fire Dispatch at 10:43 a.m. burning just north of Grossmont College Drive, west of State Route 125. It spread north toward the 8900 block of Clifford Heights Road threatening homes, so residents were evacuated for a short time.
Firefighters on the ground received air support from two water drop helicopters from the San Diego Sheriff’s Department and two air tankers from Cal Fire. The fire was contained by 12 noon, but fire crews stayed on scene until 3 p.m. watching for hot spots. No structures were damaged and no injuries were reported. The cause of the fire was said to be accidental.
Workers near the area had been installing a fence and had been cutting metal when sparks started the blaze.
Classes at Grossmont College were not affected, although a Grossmont College Official said about 50 employees were temporarily evacuated from their offices on the northern end of the campus.
