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Public Safety

Crews Extinguish Brush Fire In University City

This map shows the location of a brush fire that was burning off Nobel and Towne Centre drives in University City, Aug. 19, 2016.
KPBS News
This map shows the location of a brush fire that was burning off Nobel and Towne Centre drives in University City, Aug. 19, 2016.

A brush fire in a University City canyon blackened about two open acres Friday and prompted evacuations but caused no reported structural damage or injuries.

The blaze broke out shortly after 12:15 p.m. off Nobel and Towne Centre drives, said San Diego Fire-Rescue Department spokesman Lee Swanson.

He said the fire was initially estimated at one acre in size, but it grew somewhat as it burned up a hill toward an apartment complex. Firefighters were on hand to protect the structure, and were assisted by two helicopters.

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Crews cleared everyone out of an apartment building on the southeast side of the canyon and transit authorities suspended train service through the area while a contingent of about 60 firefighters doused the flames, Swanson said.

The personnel had the fire under control within about 40 minutes.

The cause of the blaze was under investigation.

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