A fire broke out in San Pasqual Valley outside of downtown San Diego, forcing residents to evacuate and closing off a highway in both directions due to the smoke.

Local media reported that the fire started near a brush-filled creek bed about 2:50 p.m. Firefighters and firefighting aircraft from multiple agencies were sent to battle the blaze. Around 4 p.m., flames jumped the Route 78, prompting a section of a highway to shut.

This is the third wildfire to spark in the area in recent weeks. The cause of the fire has not been reported.