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Massive 400-acre California fire threatens homes; shuts down major interstate

Jennings Fire forces evacuations in East County
Jennings Fire forces evacuations in Lakeside
Evacuations ordered, I-8 partially closed due to Jennings Fire
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LAKESIDE, Calif. (KGTV)- A 400-acre fire threatened homes and prompted the mandatory evacuation of Alpine, California residents near Interstate 8 and Old Highway 80 Tuesday afternoon.

The blaze first reported at 2 p.m. prompted the temporary closure of I-8 in both directions between in Alpine, according to the California Highway Patrol.

RELATED: INTERACTIVE MAP: Jennings Fire

By 4:55 p.m., the fire's forward rate of spread had stopped, Cal Fire tweeted. Westbound I-8 reopened but eastbound I-8 remained closed amid heavy traffic. CHP reopened the left lane of eastbound I-8 at Lake Jennings Parkway at 7 p.m.

RELATED: Social media captures look at Jennings Fire across San Diego 

Cal Fire reports the cause of the fire was related to carbon particles from a vehicle's exhaust.

Three firefighters were injured while fighting the blaze, two with moderate injuries and one with minor injuries, according to Cal Fire. The two firefighters with moderate injuries were taken to a nearby hospital for evaluation.

Mandatory evacuations are in effect for 15000 Viewside Lane in Alpine, though structures are no longer threatened. An evacuation warning was sent to residents of Flinn Springs near Flinn Springs Road and Old Highway 80.

RELATED: Jennings Fire: Evacuations, fire resources, how to help

 

RELATED: GALLERY: Viewers capture Jennings Fire in Lakeside

Residents can call 2-1-1 for updated information on the fire. 

RELATED: Western wildfires feed on grass brought on by winter rain 

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