San Diego County fire 80% contained, smaller than estimated

The Pala fire in northeastern San Diego County is 80% contained with full containment expected on Thursday, officials said Tuesday night.

The cost of fighting the blaze is estimated at $1,441,641. The cause was a Monday morning traffic accident along a rural road that sent sparks into dry grass in the area near the Pala Indian Reservation.

Detailed mapping has put the burned area at 223 acres, officials said. Earlier estimates had said more than 300 acres were burned.

One firefighter was injured. At the height of the blaze, more than 600 firefighters were on the fire lines but with progress in containing the fire, their numbers are now at 288.

-- Tony Perry in San Diego