The fires in California this year have been devastating. Now we are dealing with three fires that cropped up in one day in San Diego County. Here’s what we know.
On January 21, San Diego County was up against three separate fires that prompted people to evacuate and got the firefighting effort started. The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) gave updates on those fires in Lilac, Pala, and Friars.
The Lilac Fire started near the intersection of Lilac Rd. and Old Hwy. 395. 85 acres were burned. It started around 1:19 in the morning. Later, evacuation orders were started and warnings were put out. It is well beyond 50% contained.
#LilacFire [update] The fire remains 85 acres and is now 50% contained. pic.twitter.com/zDlA2Rgcln
— CAL FIRE/San Diego County Fire (@CALFIRESANDIEGO) January 22, 2025
Firefighters used aerial resources, watched the perimeter carefully, and took the wind conditions into consideration while containing the flames. There is not yet any information on how the fire was started.
The San Diego Sheriff announced on Twitter that warnings and evacuation orders have been lifted. Some areas near where the fire started will remain closed.
The sheriff said: “Please drive carefully, as firefighters will continue to work in the area to mitigate the hazards and strengthen control lines. Dust and noise will be present throughout the day and night. Smoke may be seen from areas where the fire is still burning, but there is no threat to the public.”
#UPDATE @SDSheriff has lifted all EVACUATION ORDERS and WARNINGS for the #LilacFire due to improved containment.
A reminder: Old Highway 395 will remain closed between Dulin Road (at the Rancho Monserate Country Club) and West Lilac Road until further notice. West Lilac Road… pic.twitter.com/1649BduocG
— San Diego Sheriff (@SDSheriff) January 22, 2025
At around 2:16 AM, the Pala Fire was started along old Highway 395 near Canonita Drive in Fallbrook. It destroyed 17 acres and is 100% contained. Evacuation orders have been lifted.
#UPDATE The EVACUATION ORDER for the #PalaFire has been lifted per @NorthCountyFire. If you had to leave, it is now safe to go back home.
Drive slowly and carefully. Be mindful of firefighters and deputies, as well as road and utility crews, working in the area.… https://t.co/ogEaBqxWcs
— San Diego Sheriff (@SDSheriff) January 21, 2025
At 12:32 PM near Friars Road and Via De La Moda in San Diego, the Palo Fire was started. It burned 3 acres before being completely contained. The San Diego Fire-Rescue Department announced that additional evacuations were unnecessary. If residents were already evacuating, they needed to stay clear of the area and others nearby should remain indoors.
To clarify, no further evacuations at this time. Those that were evacuated, remain evacuated. Other residents in the immediate area are asked to shelter in place. https://t.co/jGPHWoYeQ9
— SDFD (@SDFD) January 21, 2025
Some road restrictions were in place near Friars Road as crews were cleaning up some of the hot spots. There were some road restrictions still in place.
FRIARS FIRE UPDATE: Fire confined, mop up of hot spots continues. 15-20 acres burned along north end of Friars Rd., west of 163. Crews will remain on scene for another 4-6 hours. All evacuation orders have been lifted. Roadway restrictions remain in place.https://t.co/crgDH1YAwE pic.twitter.com/R84w3IcLzw
— SDFD (@SDFD) January 21, 2025
Recovery efforts are continuing with a number of school closures and precautionary evacuations of the Linda Vista campus and Innovation Center taking place.
Due to an active fire, the SDCOE Linda Vista campus and Linda Vista Innovation Center are being evacuated. If you are en route for appointment or class, please avoid the area. We will share updates as the situation unfolds.
— San Diego County Office of Education (@SanDiegoCOE) January 21, 2025
Multiple school closures were in effect as well as public safety power shutoffs that were occurring in various areas. Watch for more information from your local area.
