Border 2 Fire Erupts Near U.S.-Mexico Border, Threatens Communication Infrastructure
A wildfire known as the Border 2 Fire erupted on Thursday afternoon, January 23, 2025, in the Otay Mountain Wilderness Area near the U.S.-Mexico border in San Diego County. The fire, reported around 2:20 p.m., quickly grew to 600 acres by 8:13 p.m. and remained 0% contained as of the latest updates. Fueled by strong Santa Ana winds, low humidity, and dry vegetation, the fire spread rapidly across steep, rugged terrain, posing a significant challenge to firefighters.
Cal Fire reported that the blaze threatened critical communication infrastructure on the Otay Mountain Repeater Site, though no structures were immediately at risk. Over 200 personnel, including 23 engines, four helicopters, and four dozers, were deployed to combat the flames. The San Diego Sheriff’s Department closed Alta Road, south of Otay Mesa Road, as a precaution, though no evacuations were ordered.
The fire caused a massive plume of smoke, impacting air quality in Otay Mesa and surrounding areas. The San Diego County Air Pollution Control District issued a smoke advisory, urging residents, especially those with respiratory or heart conditions, to limit outdoor activity and stay indoors if possible.
The Border 2 Fire was one of two fires that broke out in San Diego County on Thursday. The other, the Gilman Fire in La Jolla, burned three acres before being contained, prompting temporary evacuations that were later lifted. Both fires occurred amid a Red Flag Warning, which was extended until Friday morning due to critical fire weather conditions.
The cause of the Border 2 Fire remains under investigation. Fire officials noted that the rapid spread and intensity of the fire were unusual for January, attributing the conditions to prolonged drought and the lack of measurable rainfall during the season. Rain is expected in the area by Sunday, though officials do not anticipate significant flooding or mudslide risks due to the fire’s remote location.
Border 2 Fire continues to burn, Gilman Fire extinguished | 10 p.m. update
CBS 8 has been tracking the Border 2 Fire and the Gilman Fire that burned in San Diego County.
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Gilman Fire, Border 2 fire 4PM update | Fires break out across San Diego County
The Gilman Fire in La Jolla was stopped at 3 acres and evacuation orders have been lifted. The Border 2 Fire continues to spread with little containme
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Border 2 Fire burns 600 acres with 0% containment
Cal Fire crews are battling a brush fire that erupted on Otay Mountain Thursday afternoon.
fox5sandiego.com
Brush Fire With 'Dangerous' Rate Of Spread Burning On Otay Mountain In San Diego County
The blaze, called the Border 2 Fire, was burning in the area of Otay Mountain Truck Trail, according to Cal Fire.
patch.com
Border 2 Fire map: Blaze with 'dangerous rate' erupts at California's Otay Mountain
The Border 2 Fire burning at Otay Mountain near San Diego is yet another blaze in fire-weary Southern California. See the fire map.
www.usatoday.com
Photos captured from fires in La Jolla, Otay Mountain
Multiple fires broke out Thursday in the San Diego area as strong gusty winds and low relative humidity impact parts of San Diego County.
fox5sandiego.com
Border 2 Fire | Fire continues to grow near U.S.-Mexico border in San Diego's South Bay
The fire was reported around 2:20 p.m. Thursday in the Otay Mountains of San Diego's South Bay near the border.
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Border 2 Fire 6 PM update | Wildfire in Otay Mountains continues to grow
The fire was reported around 2:20 p.m. Thursday in the Otay Mountains of San Diego's South Bay near the border.
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