Crews Contain Fire Near Lake Morena In San Diego County

SAN DIEGO, CA — A brush fire scorched dozens of acres near Lake Morena and sent smoke that could be seen from Interstate 8 Monday in southeastern San Diego County.

The blaze, called the Kitchen Fire, sparked off Kitchen Creek Road and Old Highway 80 in the southeastern reaches of the Cleveland National Forest, according to Cal Fire.

By 12:41 p.m., the fire burned 30 acres, according to the U.S. Forest Service. Four crews, 13 fire engines and six aircraft were at the scene.

As of 8:44 p.m., the fire had spread to 47 acres and was 50% contained.

"The fire footprint is in steep rugged terrain, crews will be mopping up and completing containment lines around the perimeter," the U.S. Forest Service said on X, formerly known as Twitter.

Boulder Oaks Campground was evacuated as a precaution.

There were no reports of structural threats.

Old Highway 80 was closed between Kitchen Creek Road to Buckman Springs Road, according to the Department of Public Works.

The eastbound I-8 Kitchen Creek off-ramp was reopened, Caltrans said.

Smoke was visible earlier in the day from I-8 and surrounding communities.

• Also see: Wildfire Burns 903 Acres, Forces Evacuations In East San Diego County