Fire Update, Arrest, and City Hall Clash Shape El Cajon’s Week
El Cajon, CA — February 6, 2026 — Fire containment progress, a hit-and-run arrest, a state lawsuit response, and a commercial fire marked a busy week locally.
Wildfire Containment Brings Relief
Crews made significant progress on the Hawick Fire burning in unincorporated areas east of the city. The brush fire reached about 51 acres before forward progress was stopped, and containment climbed to roughly 90 percent by early Friday morning. Evacuation warnings and orders that briefly affected nearby residents have been lifted, allowing families to return home.
Firefighters used a combination of ground crews, helicopters, and air drops to slow the blaze, which moved quickly during its early hours. Officials credited favorable conditions and fast response for preventing damage to homes.
Driver Arrested in Fatal Hit-and-Run
El Cajon police announced the arrest of a driver connected to a deadly hit-and-run collision on East Main Street. The crash occurred earlier in the week and killed a 63-year-old pedestrian who was crossing outside of a marked crosswalk.
Investigators used witness accounts and the city’s license plate reader system to identify the truck involved. A 64-year-old man was taken into custody on felony charges. Authorities said impairment was not believed to be a factor, and the investigation remains ongoing.
Mayor Responds to State Lawsuit
City Hall also drew attention this week after the California Attorney General filed a lawsuit against El Cajon over how the city shared automated license plate reader data. The state alleges the city violated a law restricting data sharing with out-of-state and federal agencies.
Mayor Bill Wells pushed back strongly, calling the lawsuit politically motivated and saying the city’s policies are aimed at improving public safety. The case is expected to move through San Diego Superior Court in the coming weeks.
Two-Alarm Restaurant Fire Causes Major Damage
Overnight firefighters responded to a two-alarm commercial fire at a restaurant in El Cajon, temporarily closing nearby roads while crews worked. Flames spread through the roof and into shared attic spaces, complicating suppression efforts.
No injuries were reported, but officials estimated damage at more than $1 million. Multiple local fire agencies assisted, and investigators are working to determine the cause.
Sources
- https://www.10news.com/news/local-news/hawick-fire-burning-in-unincorporated-el-cajon
- https://www.10news.com/news/local-news/driver-arrested-in-el-cajon-hit-and-run-collision-that-killed-63-year-old-pedestrian
- https://www.10news.com/news/local-news/el-cajon-mayor-bill-wells-slams-california-ags-license-plate-reader-lawsuit
- https://www.sandiegoville.com/2026/01/two-east-county-san-diego-restaurants.html
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