The Border Fire near Portrero was 85 percent contained Monday as it entered its ninth day, having scorched 7,609 acres, destroyed five homes and 11 outbuildings, and prompted widespread evacuations in East County, officials said.
No structures are currently threatened, they said.
At last count, there were 1,103 firefighters on the scene, including 37 hand crews, three helicopters, 16 water tenders, 73 fire engines and five bulldozers, according to Cal Fire, which said firefighters were continuing to strengthen containment lines and put out hot spots.
"Firefighters continue to strengthen containment lines and mop up on the fire," Capt. Kendal Bortisser said in a statement. "SDG&E and AT&T continue to make repairs on many of the downed power lines and the replacement of poles. Suppression repair has been implemented and is ongoing."
Residents were asked to continue to listen to and follow the directions of emergency personnel.
All evacuation orders have been lifted since late Thursday. All roads were open in the burn area, but the Pacific Crest Trail remained closed to hikers.
The cause of the fire, which started near state Routes 94 and 188 just north of the U.S.-Mexico line, was under investigation.