18 Structures Destroyed in West Fire

The fire is now 30 percent contained

As the smoke cleared over Alpine Saturday morning, 18 homes had been destroyed in the wake of the West Fire, with another eight homes damaged.

One especially hard hit neighborhood is Viejas View Place off Highland View Road (just a mile from Interstate 8) where several homes were destroyed. Much of the area is still under an evacuation order and many residents have not been back to see if their home is still there.

The air remains smoky and power and running water are out for much of the area.

"This is your home," Alpine resident Peter Steuermann said to NBC 7. "This is where you spend your life and have your kids, your family and a lot of good memories, so yeah, that was my reaction." Many residents had to leave with little warning and hurried to grab valuables.

Due to the nature of the fire, some homes were completely destroyed while the nearby homes remained undamaged.  

While the forward rate of spread has been stopped and the fire is now 30 percent contained, some of the hillsides are still smoldering.

Temperatures have remained hot and dry, but the winds have died down as firefighters say they are making good progress. 

Two firefighters have been injured in the fire, but no resident injuries have been reported.

Deputies are scattered throughout Alpine to make sure there are no looters and to keep people safe.

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