SAN DIEGO — San Diego firefighters are still mopping up hot spots from the Del Mar Heights brush fire that broke out on Wednesday.
The initial fire started at 2190 Carmel Valley Road around 10:30 am Tuesday. The fire was put out but flared up later that afternoon.
“About two o’clock I was getting ready to go to a class and I smelled smoke, powerful and I ran outside and smoke was billowing,” said Enid Sherman.
Her husband Mark was also home and they called 911 and their neighbors to warn them about the fire.
“When I came back flames, smoke, everywhere. I couldn’t get to the house,” said Wayne Pfeiffer.
The Shermans had already left before the mandatory evacuation order was in place that affected 2,500 residents.
“We took our computers in the car and some photo albums and high tailed it over to another street where we knew what we could see what was going on,” said Sherman.
Both neighbors safely watched the firefight from across the way at friend's homes and could see the flames getting close to their homes.
“I could see there was a fire truck in front of my house I was so happy because I knew they were there to protect the house,” said Pfeiffer.
He also saw aerial support, one plane dropped retardant over his home.
“I was watching the planes come over and the helicopter and I was cheering them on to do the job and get it done!” said Pfeiffer.
San Diego Fire led the firefight on the ground and in the air with support from nearby agencies including CalFire and SDG&E.
They deployed an aircrane helicopter which is exclusive to San Diego County and Orange County.
It has a snorkel and can carry 2,650 gallons of ocean water and can refill in 45 seconds. Other aircraft have to go to a nearby lake, lagoon, pond or reservoir and can’t handle ocean water because it will corrode.
“I think it’s great. I wish they had ten more of those helicopters because then they could get the water so fast. Here they had to go back and forth,” said Sherman.
While the aircrane provided an advantage, firefighters said private drones caused problems for the aerial firefight. Drones can be dangerous for air support during an active fire and is a federal offense that carries up to $20,000 fine.
Sherman also says since they evacuated early the roads weren’t closed and looky-loos crowded the streets making it difficult to get out.
“We don’t have a really good evacuation plan here and this will show the community we need to work on that,” said Sherman.
Today, firefighters remain on the ground mopping up the hot spots. Neighbors are relieved to be back home.
“These guys are amazing they do such a fantastic job. We are so grateful to have such wonderful help,” said Sherman.
San Diego Police said they have not arrested or cited anyone for flying their private drone during the emergency.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.
WATCH RELATED: Forward progress of Del Mar Heights brush fire stopped, evacuation orders lifted