LEMON GROVE–Firefighters were called to a brush fire in Lemon Grove Sunday afternoon that damaged several homes and temporarily disrupted trolley service.
The blaze occurred about 5 p.m. Sunday afternoon, Heartland Fire and Rescue units from Lemon Grove and La Mesa, with assistance from San Diego Fire, San Miguel Fire, and Cal Fire/SDSO, were dispatched to the blaze at the Lemon Grove Trolley Station in the 1500 block of San Altos Place.
Fire crews arrived within 5 minutes to find two palm tree crowns on fire near a house.
The fire traveled along the trolley tracks and nearby vegetation, briefly threatening around 20 homes. A water dropping helicopter and additional engines were called in to minimize the threat. Fire crews had the fire contained in about 40 minutes. Fire crews remained on scene for another hour in order to ensure all of the fire is out.
The fire damaged some power lines and railroad ties to the trolley. The trolley was shut down temporarily. In addition, there was some minor damage to a residential fence and the eaves of some houses.
The cause of the fire is currently under investigation by Sheriff’s Bomb and Arson.
