1985 - Normal Heights Fire

A fire fueled by heavy brush and strong winds raced up a series of Mission Valley canyons on June 30, 1985. The Normal Heights Fire destroyed 76 houses and damaged 57 others. Heavy brush in the canyons and around the houses on the canyon rim propelled the fire. Firefighters eventually overcame the flames despite problems with low water pressure from water hydrants. Damage was set at $9 million. The Normal Heights fire pushed the City of San Diego to establish several initiatives including a weed and brush abatement program, an educational campaign for canyon rim residents and a plan to improve water pressure in the mid-city area.