Fire crews scrambled Sunday evening to contain a five-acre brush fire that erupted in the riverbed near the 100 block of River Rock Court, directly across the San Diego River from Walmart, Michaels, and other Town Center Parkway businesses.

The San Diego Sheriff's Department received the initial call just after 6:30 p.m. At its peak, the fire had burned to within 50 to 100 yards of commercial structures, prompting deputies to evacuate Walmart and Michaels. No residential evacuations were ordered, officials said.

The incident commander called in a Type 1 strike team of five engines, a Strike 3 team of five engines, and a water-dropping helicopter. A City of San Diego helicopter was observed making water drops over the river bottom. Ground crews engaged in structure protection on the south side of the river where direct engine access was limited by terrain.

East County Magazine reporter Patrick Ward, on scene during the fire, reported visible smoke across much of East County and described the fire burning down the river bottom in areas inaccessible on foot. The fire crossed the river at one point, burning directly behind Michaels. Forward spread was confirmed stopped at five acres by approximately 8:30 p.m.

The city of Santee holds a multi-million dollar grant for brush clearance in the river bottom, though the project has been delayed by required environmental studies, according to Ward. Authorities asked the public to avoid the area until further notice.