A fire that erupted in the San Pasqual area of north San Diego County -- the third in the area in two weeks -- is being investigated as arson.
The so-called Cloverdale Fire has burned at least 90 acres and is 25 percent contained, San Diego Fire-Rescue Department officials said Tuesday morning.
As of 6:30 a.m. Tuesday, California Highway Patrol officials said SR-78 is closed in both directions between San Pasqual Road/Cloverdale Road to Old Milky Way. San Pasqual Road is also shut down between SR-78 and Old Milky Way.
According to Cal Fire, the latest fire broke out just before 3 p.m. Monday in brush off state Route 78 and Cloverdale Road, just north of Escondido. Within two hours, the fire increased in size to at least 40 acres. However, crews were able to stop the rate of the fire’s spread just before 6 p.m.