Firefighters Begin Scaling Back Response To Forest Fire Near Lake Henshaw

SAN DIEGO, CA — Firefighters have started scaling back their response to the Grade Fire after making progress on the blaze in the Cleveland National Forest, officials said Monday.

As of Monday morning, the fire remained at 689 acres and was 80% contained, according to Cal Fire and Cleveland National Forest officials. Crews have established containment lines, and the fire was holding within the current perimeter.

The blaze originally broke out at 2:13 p.m. Friday on East Grade Road, near Lake Henshaw and Highway 76, officials said.

The fire temporarily prompted evacuations for surrounding neighborhoods. All evacuation orders were lifted Friday night, and no injuries or structural damage have been reported, according to Cal Fire.

The blaze burned through dry brush and medium fuels in rocky, steep terrain. Firefighters were monitoring the fire and reinforcing containment lines Monday.

The cause of the fire remained under investigation.