Brush Fire Between Julian and Anza-Borrego Desert Under Control

Update 5:50 p.m. Saturday: ASTREA helicopters and fixed wing tankers have been released and the rate of spread has stopped, according to Intermountain Fire and Rescue Department and the Sheriff's Department.

Earlier story:

Ground-based firefighting crews are now moving into an area between Anza-Borrego Desert State Park and Julian where a fire began after 4 p.m. Saturday.

The blaze spread to approximately 20 to 30 acres but Sheriff's ASTREA helicopter units made good progress with air drops by 4:45 p.m., a spokesman told Patch. The best description of the fire's location is one ridge south of Rodriguez Canyon, in the Granite Mountain area, said Lt. Brown.

The cause of the fire is not certain, but initial reports out of the Sheriff's Department indicate it may have erupted after target shooting or a vehicle fire. Cal Fire will make the final determination.

Fire engines arrived on the scene at 4:35 p.m.  Crews have to walk in to fight the blaze since there are few roads and no homes, Brown said.