OTAY MESA, California — The Border 2 Fire has rapidly expanded, burning a total of 6,273 acres as of Friday evening, with containment currently at only 10 percent, according to CAL FIRE’s Incidents page. Just hours earlier, the fire had consumed 1,000 acres by 4 a.m., demonstrating significant growth in a short period.
The wildfire began in the lower region of Otay Lakes. However, fire crews managed to effectively contain the fire near Otay Lake Road within a few hours of its initial spread. Fighting the blaze are CAL FIRE firefighters, as well as inmate crews from Northern California, specifically from Shasta and Humboldt Counties, who have stepped up to assist in the firefighting efforts.
A firefighter from Shasta County shared his experience with ABC 10News, mentioning that he was on his 23rd consecutive day of battling wildfires. His previous assignments included tackling the Palisades Fires and engaging in actions across San Bernardino and Riverside Counties before being tasked with the Border 2 Fire on Thursday night.
Inmates from Humboldt County are also lending their hand in combating the flames. One inmate, who previously assisted with the Palisades fire, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to help in San Diego, stating, “Once you’ve seen one fire, you’ve seen them all.”
The collaboration between firefighters and inmate crews has proven effective, as highlighted by the Shasta County firefighter’s comments on their teamwork over a twelve-year working relationship. Inmates typically utilize rake tools and chainsaws to create a clear path, facilitating the deployment of hoses and waterlines by firefighters to extinguish the fire.
This incident underscores the critical importance of cooperation in the face of wildfires, revealing the dedication of both professional firefighters and inmate crews alike in safeguarding communities from devastating natural disasters. Their combined efforts are vital in striving towards containment and ultimately overcoming the challenges posed by such fierce wildfires.
In sum, while the Border 2 Fire presents significant challenges, the response from crews on the ground highlights a community working together during difficult times, fostering hope for a successful control effort in the coming days.