Brush fires in San Diego County burn more than 400 acres [Updated]

A brush fire in rural northeast San Diego County has burned more than 300 acres and prompted California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection officials to warn residents of three dozen homes in the Rancho Heights Road area to be prepared to evacuate.

The fire broke out at 10:30 a.m. after a Toyota Camry crashed into a light pole on Pala Temecula Road, sending sparks into dry grass.

By 4 p.m., the fire had not damaged any structures, and no fire-related injuries had been reported. Dozens of firefighters are fighting the blaze, but it is listed as zero percent contained.

[Updated, 4:20 p.m.: Also in northeast San Diego County, firefighters are battling a brush fire off Wildcat Canyon and San Vicente Road near the community of Ramona. More than 100 acres have burned, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection. More than 100 firefighters are on the scene, with two air tankers and three dropping-water helicopters.]

[Updated, 5:30 p.m.: The brushfire off Wildcat Canyon Road near Ramona has been contained, with no evacuations necessary, the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department announced at 5:30 p.m. The fire burned 70 acres of brush.]

ALSO:

Wildfire near Yosemite forces evacuations

Rare birds found taped to passenger's body at LAX

O.C. prepares to welcome home Little League world champs

-- Tony Perry in San Diego

Photo: Pala fire. Credit: KTLA-TV/fox5sandiego.com