Cal Fire: Failed catalytic converter sparked Springs Fire

A failed catalytic converter sparked a cluster of fire that prompted an evacuation of homes in Lawson Valley on Thursday evening, Cal Fire said.

The Springs Fire burned 50 acres with 20% containment as of Friday morning. All evacuation orders tied to the fire in eastern San Diego County have been lifted as containment improved Friday, the San Diego County Sheriff's Department announced.

Springs Fire

Three separate brush fires in close proximity were burning in Lawson Valley and collectively referred to as the Springs Fire.

Cal Fire Captain Robert Johnson said investigators found remnants of a catalytic converter at the sites of the fires.

“The components can come out at temperatures exceeding 1,000 degrees, which ... is a competent ignition source in the event it comes into contact with receptive fuels like dead and dry grasses,” he said.

The fire started shortly after 6 p.m. Thursday near Lyons Valley Road and Honey Springs Road east of Jamul, according to Cal Fire.

Around 8:40 p.m., the state fire agency said the forward rate of spread had been stopped on the smallest fire.

The fire was burning in steep, rocky terrain, with medium brush and annual grasses, fire officials said.

Around 9 p.m., Cal Fire said the two remaining fires have merged.

"Fire activity has decreased. Crews are taking advantage of favorable weather conditions to continue to build and strengthen containment lines and mop up hot spots," Cal Fire said in a statement.

There were 147 personnel assigned to the fire, including 22 engines, six water tenders and six crews, officials said.

Cal Fire said there have been 600 more fires statewide so far this year compared to the same time last year. Johnson said almost all of them were human-caused.

“And 100% of those are preventable. We want people to be vigilant. Be aware of your surroundings.”

That includes not doing yard work on hot days like the ones we’ve had this week. Sparks from a lawn mower blade striking a rock could quickly ignite a fire.

Evacuation orders

Evacuation orders that had been issued for areas north of Lyons Valley Road, south of Wisecarver Truck Trail, Carveacre Road and Oak Valley Trail, east of Wisecarver Truck Trail and Lyons Valley Road and west of Carveacre Road and Lyons Valley Road have now been lifted.

Some evacuation warnings remain in place with modifications.

A temporary evacuation center was set up at Edwards Cinema, 2951 Jamacha Road.

There have been no reports of injuries or structural damage.