The Harris fire is the one that swept down along the border region. Chula Vista was put on voluntary evacuation in certain areas, and this constraint was later lifted. But the wilder regions east of the city have been a battle field against raging fire.

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"The base camps set up around the county to house command posts also include tents with cots where firefighters sleep. Some are staying in hotels. But many are sleeping wherever they can.

After 24 hours of fighting the Harris fire near Deerhorn Valley, Vic Lofton and his crew curled up against the tires of their firetrucks or just sprawled on the ground. For those still awake, the fatigue was evident in their long, unfocused stares.

"We rest when we can," Lofton said. "If you don't sleep, it will catch up to you." Then a call came in.

The crew hauled themselves off the ground and stood, ready to head to another hot spot."

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The current state of the Harris fire: "6:44 p.m. October 23, 2007:

"The Harris fire started the day heading toward Bonita and Chula Vista on Tuesday, then shifted in the afternoon and advanced toward Rancho San Diego. Mandatory evacuation orders were issued – then lifted – for residents of Bonita's Sunnyside neighborhood and Chula Vista's San Miguel Ranch.

"Evacuations remained in effect for north Jamul, the state Route 67 corridor north of Lakeside, and the area of Rancho San Diego bordered by Del Rio Road, Steele Canyon Road, Fury Lane and Millar Ranch Road. "

A