Brush Fire Burns Along Highway 54 In National City

A vegetation fire burning alongside Highway 54 prompted a second-alarm response and temporarily impacted freeway traffic Sunday evening in National City.

At approximately 7:07 p.m. on August 3, 2026, firefighters responded to the area of Highway 54 and Sweetwater Road after a fire broke out in heavy vegetation.

The fire spread through the dense brush, prompting officials to declare a second alarm and bring additional resources to the scene.

As smoke began drifting across eastbound Highway 54, the California Highway Patrol closed the No. 3 lane while firefighters worked along the freeway.

Crews were able to contain the fire after it burned just over one acre.

The fire may have originated in an area containing a homeless encampment, although an official cause has not been confirmed.

National City Fire, Chula Vista Fire, San Diego Fire-Rescue and CHP responded to the incident.