Several wildfires that have ignited across San Diego County in recent weeks remain under investigation, with officials yet to determine the causes for most, authorities said Monday.
Among the largest and most recent is the Border 2 Fire, which has burned over 6,600 acres and was 55% contained as of Monday evening. The fire began Thursday around 2 p.m. on Otay Truck Trail, a remote area within the rugged Otay wilderness.
“This area is difficult to access, with steep, rocky, mountainous terrain and dirt truck trails,” said Cal Fire Capt. Robert Johnson.
A UC San Diego camera atop Otay Mountain captured the fire’s rapid spread from a brushy, isolated canyon downhill from Otay Mountain Truck Trail. Cal Fire investigators are currently working to determine its cause. “The investigation is ongoing, and the cause is still under review,” Johnson said.
Since January, at least seven wildfires have been reported across the county, including the Lilac Fire in Bonsall, the Center Fire in Rancho Bernardo, and others in Pala, Poway, La Jolla, and Mission Valley. Most of these fires remain under investigation, and agencies have yet to release final findings.
“Wildland fire investigations can be a lengthy process,” Johnson explained. “Investigators must analyze fire direction indicators over a wide area to track its path and origin.” For the Border 2 Fire, three Cal Fire investigators have been assigned to the case.
Meanwhile, the Ted Williams Parkway Fire in Poway on January 20 was officially listed as undetermined, as no ignition source could be identified. However, it was noted to have started near a homeless encampment.
Authorities caution that determining the causes of wildfires is often a slow process, and official reports on these incidents may not be released for weeks.
