Wildfire causes service outages for Valley residents
ALPINE — A fast-moving wildfire here on Friday burned more than 400 acres and caused cellular and internet service disruption for many Valley residents throughout the day.
The blaze began at about 11:15 a.m. Friday for an undetermined reason alongside eastbound Interstate 8 at West Willows Road. The fire had only been 5 percent contained as of 4:30 p.m. Friday, Cal Fire stated.
At 5 p.m. Friday, Cal Fire San Diego announced that the forward spread rate of the fire had been stopped.
The wildfire, which was dubbed the West Fire, consumed residential trailers and small outbuildings just outside of San Diego during a midday temperature of 108 degrees.
An AT&T spokesperson confirmed Friday that the West Fire in Alpine has resulted in disruption to its wire and wireless services in the Valley. An online outage chart reported service for T-Mobile, Sprint and MetroPCS in the county was affected as well.
The Imperial County Fire Department deployed a strike team Friday afternoon to help assist in the wildfire. San Diego County Sheriff’s Department at noon Friday reported the need for immediate evacuations at Alpine Oaks Estates, and the area immediately behind Albertson’s on Alpine Boulevard. Residents were asked to evacuate to the Viejas Casio.
While eastbound I-8 lanes were temporarily closed at West Willows Road due to the fire, Caltrans San Diego stated at 3 p.m. Friday the lanes were reopened.
According to a San Diego County Emergency report at 6:30 p.m. Friday, Gov. Jerry Brown proclaimed a State of Emergency in San Diego due to the West Fire, which was one of four wildfires that reportedly broke out in San Diego County on Friday.