Today, a large tree branch carrying a beehive crashed onto the roadway at Lexington and Avocado in El Cajon, briefly blocking traffic and triggering a quick safety advisory. Drivers and nearby residents were urged to keep their distance while crews worked to secure the area.
What officials said
In a post from the El Cajon Police, the department confirmed the fallen branch contained a beehive and urged pedestrians and drivers to use caution and avoid the intersection if possible. The notice, timestamped 01:07 UTC today, did not include any information about injuries or a timeline for removing the branch.
🐝 Buzz alert! A tree branch has fallen onto the roadway at Lexington & Avocado. The branch contains a bee hive, so pedestrians and drivers should use caution and avoid the area if possible. 🌳🚧
— El Cajon Police (@elcajonpolice) February 6, 2026
Who responds
Heartland Fire & Rescue provides fire and rescue services for El Cajon and typically teams up with police and public works when there are downed trees or roadway hazards. The agency operates multiple stations across the city and issues public updates when crews are sent out.
If you encounter the hive
San Diego County advises residents not to disturb swarms or hives, to keep children and pets away, and to call 9‑1‑1 if bees are aggressively swarming and posing an immediate threat. The County of San Diego also notes that the county removes bees only from county‑owned property and that removal on private property is the responsibility of the owner.
For non‑emergency situations, local beekeepers or licensed live‑removal services can often relocate hives. The University of California Cooperative Extension's San Diego beekeeping page lists local resources and the county apiary hotline for guidance. Beekeeping in San Diego County recommends contacting those experts instead of attempting any removal on your own.
Where to get updates
People traveling near Lexington and Avocado are encouraged to monitor official public safety channels for updates on reopening and traffic changes, including the El Cajon Police X account and the department's news page.
