Public Safety

Brush Fire Ignites Near San Diego-Riverside Border as Heat and Low Humidity Create Fire Danger

By Santee Pulse Staff ยท Published March 20, 2026 ยท 3 min read

A brush fire near the San Diego-Riverside County border erupted Thursday afternoon at a time when soaring temperatures, low humidity, and gusty winds created near-ideal conditions for fire spread, according to Cal Fire.

The Crosley Fire ignited at approximately 11:48 a.m. at state Highway 79 and Crosley Truck Trail in the far reaches of North County. Cal Fire crews moved quickly to contain the blaze, stopping its forward progress shortly after 12:30 p.m. The fire burned approximately two acres of brush before being brought under control. No injuries were reported and no structures were destroyed, though Cal Fire noted structural threats existed in the area.

The blaze broke out amid this week's historic March heat wave, which brought triple-digit temperatures to San Diego County's inland valleys and deserts. Firefighters and public health officials had been warning residents throughout the week that the combination of record heat, wind, and dry air created dangerous fire conditions across the region.

Cal Fire officials said the cause of the Crosley Fire remains under investigation. The agency continues to urge East County residents to clear defensible space around their properties and be vigilant about potential ignition sources during the ongoing high-temperature pattern. The National Weather Service has maintained fire weather watches and heat advisories for San Diego County through Saturday, March 21.

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