Strong Santa Ana winds swept across San Diego on Sunday, knocking down a tree in Mission Valley and fueling brush fires that threatened homes in both Mission Valley and Chula Vista.
In Mission Valley, one homeowner narrowly avoided injury when a large tree came crashing down just inches away.
“Eight inches from where it fell” said Patricia, surprised by how close of a call it was when she was outside working on her yard when the tree fell.
“I’m down on my knees pulling weed, and it just fell. I just heard the swish and looked up. I had my head down and look up to see the branch here.”
Only the tree was damaged, and Patricia’s home was spared.
A couple of blocks away, a Santa Ana wind-fueled brush fire off Mission Center Road also threatened homes in the canyon area.
“We have two renters in this house. So she called them to warn them. Don’t come down here. I can’t get anywhere near here.”
Patrick Kruse, who lives near the fire, said his wife saw the flames from their windows and immediately warned others.
Fire officials said the area is especially vulnerable during high winds.
“This is a canyon area very well populated.” said Candace Hadley with San Diego Fire and Rescue.
Hadley said strong winds fueled the fire in Mission Valley and another brush fire in Chula Vista near I-805 and Telegraph Canyon Road.
Firefighters said it appears a truck caught fire along the freeway, igniting nearby brush.
Back in Mission Valley, Camille said her family prepares in advance when Santa Ana conditions are in the forecast.
“My wife and, two dogs are back in the house. Got the car all packed up just in case.”
Hadley urges families across San Diego County to have an emergency plan ready, even on days that may seem calm.
“Even on a beautiful day like this, we have that fire risk so talk with your family and your household about your emergency plan and make sure you know what to do in case you were ever told to evacuate in a situation like this.”
By Sunday evening, winds in Mission Valley seemed to calm down, but neighbors described the earlier moments as quick and frightening as winds knocked down trees and fires burned nearby.
This story was originally reported for broadcast by NBC San Diego. AI tools helped convert the story to a digital article, and an NBC San Diego journalist edited the article for publication.