Multiple brush fires burn near Otay River

CHULA VISTA (KUSI) – San Diego police took a suspect into custody today in connection with multiple brush fires set near the Otay River, police officials said.

About 10 separate brush fires broke out at 10:30 a.m. Saturday near a homeless encampment in the 240 block of Beyer Way, according to Sgt. Robert Hawkins of the San Diego Police Department. A man matching the description of the alleged arsonist given by witnesses was taken into custody by San Diego police officers.

Units from the Chula Vista and San Diego fire departments and one firefighting helicopter joined to battle the flames. Bulldozers also were being brought in.

Traffic on Beyer Way was closed in both directions.