Firefighters battle 220-acre fire near Julian

CalFire crews continue to battle a 220-acre brush fire southeast of Julian on Monday.

The Vallecito Fire erupted about 8 p.m. Sunday near the community of Vallecito off Mason Valley Truck Trail, according to the state firefighting agency. There were no immediately threats to structures, said CalFire Battalion Chief Nick Schuler.

The cause of the Vallecito Fire was not immediately reported, but Schuler said there were 635 lightning strikes in San Diego County on Sunday and additional resources were being positioned in the region to deal with any new fires that may occur as a result of the weather.

Around 6:30 p.m. Sunday — less than two hours before the Vallecito Fire broke out — Cal Fire had fully contained the Chihuahua Fire, which started Thursday and scorched 2,007 acres northwest of Warner Springs.

The Chihuahua Fire was sparked by a lightning strike about 1:15 p.m. Aug. 9 on Chihuahua Valley Road, according to CalFire. During the firefighting effort, about 200 ranches and cabins in the valley were evacuated, but no structures were lost.

CalFire estimated the cost of suppressing the Chihuahua Fire at $1.5 million.

A firefighter who became unwell in the 103-degree weather on Friday was airlifted to a hospital. Another firefighter suffered an injury, CalFire reported.