Fire blackens a dozen acres near Lawrence Welk Resort in Escondido

A fire blackened about a dozen acres of brush off the
southbound side of Interstate 15 near the Lawrence Welk Resort and
prompted authorities to close three lanes in the area on Monday.

Callers reported flames and smoke from the roadside fire between Gopher
Canyon and Deer Springs road shortly after 9:30 a.m., which led to the closure
of three southbound lanes, according to Cal Fire and the California Highway
Patrol.

Cal Fire Battalion Chief Nick Schuler said fire crews had stopped the
blaze from spreading further by about 11 a.m., and no area structures were
threatened.

Firefighters planned to remain at the scene for several hours, said
Schuler, who said heavy southbound freeway traffic was expected.