Community Corner

Arson Suspected in 12-Acre Wildfire Near Rancho Bernardo

The fire risk is elevated today with Santa Ana winds blowing.

A wildfire that was reported at 8:50 Wednesday morning west of Rancho Bernardo was partially contained within an hour, according to a fire official.

No structures were threatened by the fire near Camino del Sur and Paseo del Sur in the Black Mountain Ranch area, which was pushed by Santa Ana winds and still had hot spots being doused by firefighters at 10:45 a.m.

Eight brush fire engines, five fire engines and two helicopters were used to fight the fire. Combined the helicopters made 40 water drops, San Diego Fire-Rescue Department spokesman Maurice Luque said.

Find out what's happening in Rancho Bernardo-4s Ranchwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

No cause has been determined, but arson is suspected, according to a fire official.

Officials had already declared Wednesday a possible day for fires due to strong Santa Ana winds, dry vegetation and low humidity, though arson—and not the weather—is thought to be the cause of this wildfire, Luque said.

Find out what's happening in Rancho Bernardo-4s Ranchwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

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