KTLA

Crews battle 1,200-acre Chaparral Fire near Cleveland National Forest

Crews are battling a wildfire that broke out at the edge of the Cleveland National Forest near the community of La Cresta on Saturday, authorities said. 

The fire, dubbed the Chaparral Fire, was reported just after 12:30 p.m. near Tenaja Road and Cleveland Forest Road.


Evacuations were ordered north of Tenaja Truck Trail, South of Calle Cielo, East of Calle Collado, and West of Calle Be Bietol, Cal Fire said

Evacuation warnings were in place north of Tenaja Road, West of Calle Pino/Gallop Lane, South of Hombre Lane, and West of Cleveland National Forest Road.

A map of the evacuation order can be seen here.

The fire has burned up to 1,200 acres as of 6:02 p.m., according to Cal Fire. The area is near the Tenaja Falls trailhead paved parking lot.

Cal Fire reported that the fire was burning about 20 to 25 acres at around 1:13 p.m.

At approximately 4:32 p.m., the fire had grown to 450 acres, Cal Fire said in a tweet.

The blaze sent huge plumes of thick smoke into the air and shrouded the region, which can be seen from northeast of San Diego County.

At least 150 firefighters were battling the fire on the ground and by air.

The cause of the fire remains unknown.

Check back for updates on this developing story.