Border Fire near San Diego-Mexico border chars 1,900 acres, 5 percent contained

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Monday, June 20, 2016
Flames from the Border Fire burn through brush in the community of Potrero in San Diego County on Sunday, June 19, 2016.
Flames from the Border Fire burn through brush in the community of Potrero in San Diego County on Sunday, June 19, 2016.
KABC

POTRERO, Calif. (KABC) -- A fast-moving wildfire fueled by gusty winds and extreme heat in San Diego County charred through 1,900 acres by Monday morning with only 5 percent containment, Cal Fire officials said.

The blaze, which is happening in the community of Potrero near the Mexican border, started Sunday morning and by the evening had spread to 1,500 acres. Authorities said it started near Routes 94 and 188 amid an excessive heat warning.

More than 200 firefighters are working to contain the fire, dubbed the Border Fire, on the ground and in the air. Three suffered unspecified heat-related injuries.

Authorities evacuated the residents and ranchers in the Potrero community as the fire continued to spread. The fire also caused a power outage for nearly 200 homes and businesses in Potrero and nearby communities Campo and Dulzura, according to San Diego Gas & Electric.

The fire also destroyed four outbuildings. Route 94 was closed from Route 188 to Potrero Valley Road.

City News Service contributed to this report.

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