PRESS RELEASE
Wildfire Breaks Out During County Fire Chief Presentation On Firefighter Shortfall
Wednesday’s events - a brush fire in East County during a County hearing on fire preparedness - underscore need for Measure B’s additional funding to combat wildfires in San Diego County
SAN DIEGO, CA— A second, active wildfire broke out east of El Cajon Wednesday just hours after the San Diego County Fire Chief Tony Mecham called for hiring 60 new firefighters, starkly illustrating San Diego’s escalating wildfire threat. This growing risk underscores the urgent need for expanded wildfire preparedness. Measure B will meet that need by adding more firefighters, equipment and brush clearing to stave off the next catastrophic wildfire.
The Dehesa 7 fire, which ignited Wednesday afternoon near Alpine and Sycuan Casino, prompted evacuation orders and has burned roughly 93 acres as of Thursday morning. Thanks to the rapid and significant response by San Diego CAL FIRE, the fire is now 50% contained.
The blaze erupted while fire crews were already stretched, fighting to contain the arson-suspected Sorrento Fire near Penasquitos Creek, roughly 30 miles away. As of Wednesday evening, the Sorrento Fire reached 91% containment, though some evacuation orders remain active.
“We saw firsthand this week how quickly concurrent fires can stretch our local response capabilities to the brink," said John Clark, deputy district vice president of San Diego County Firefighters CAL-FIRE Local 2881. "Our firefighters prove their dedication every single day, but that alone can't cover two major blazes at once. Measure B will provide the essential staffing, equipment, and proactive prevention measures necessary to protect our neighborhoods when every second matters."
Measure B is a citizen-led initiative on the November 2026 ballot designed to protect local healthcare coverage, public health programs, 911 emergency response, and public safety in San Diego County. Measure B is endorsed by community advocates and labor including the American Academy of Pediatrics-San Diego Chapter, San Diego County Hospital Association, San Diego County Firefighters CAL FIRE Local 2881, and First 5 San Diego.
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