Fire near Talmadge possibly started in encampment [Video]

SAN DIEGO — According to San Diego Fire Rescue, the fire that erupted Thursday afternoon in the canyons near Talmadge and surrounding communities started in or near a homeless encampment.

The fire started around 1:30 p.m. near Fairmount Avenue and Montezuma Road and burned about 40 acres. A portion of Montezuma remained shut down in both directions Friday as fire crews continued to work in the area. 

“At this point we don’t know what caused the fire, we do know it started in or very near a homeless encampment,” said Monica Munoz, Public Information Officer of San Diego Fire-Rescue.

“The investigators will continue with this case and do as much as possible to gather information. Sometimes in cases like this, or even with a residential fire, you’ll see the evidence has burned beyond the ability to determine what caused the …