San Diego Faces Three Fires in a Day: Evacuations, Closures, and Containment Efforts

San Diego County witnessed a challenging day on January 21 as three separate fires broke out across the region, prompting evacuations, firefighting efforts, and disruptions to schools and utilities. The fires, named the Lilac Fire, Pala Fire, and Friars Fire, were met with swift action by local and state agencies to ensure public safety and contain the damage.

Here’s a comprehensive look at the events and responses surrounding the fires.

Lilac Fire: 85 Acres Burned, Evacuations Lifted

The Lilac Fire ignited in Bonsall at approximately 1:19 a.m. near Old Highway 395 and Lilac Road, quickly spreading to burn 85 acres. Early in the day, evacuation orders and warnings were issued as firefighters worked to contain the flames.

As of the latest update, the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) reported that the Lilac Fire is 50% contained. Firefighting crews utilized aerial resources, monitored the perimeter closely, and analyzed wind patterns to prevent further spread. Investigations into the cause of the fire are ongoing.

With progress in containment, the San Diego Sheriff’s Department (SDS) announced that all evacuation orders and warnings had been lifted. However, some road closures remain in effect, including Old Highway 395 and portions of West Lilac Road.

The SDS released a statement urging caution:
“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 still be visible in areas where the fire is burning, but there is no threat to the public.”

Pala Fire: Contained at 17 Acres

The Pala Fire broke out shortly after the Lilac Fire, at 2:16 a.m., near Old Highway 395 and Canonita Drive in Fallbrook. This fire burned 17 acres before being fully contained, as confirmed by CAL FIRE.

Evacuation orders were issued early in the day, but they were later lifted as crews successfully contained the fire. The SDS reminded residents to exercise caution when returning home, as recovery efforts were ongoing.

Friars Fire: Fully Contained at 3 Acres

The Friars Fire was the third blaze to ignite, starting at 12:32 p.m. near Friars Road and Via De La Moda in San Diego. The fire burned three acres before being declared 100% contained.

According to the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department (SDFD), no additional evacuations were required. However, residents in the affected area were advised to remain indoors for safety, and those previously evacuated were asked to wait before returning to ensure the area was secure.

SDFD crews continued mopping up hot spots west of State Route 163 near Friars Road. While evacuation orders have been lifted, some road restrictions remain to facilitate recovery operations.

Evacuation Support and School Closures

In response to the fires, the SDS announced that the temporary evacuation point for the Lilac Fire had moved from Castle Creek Country Club in Escondido to Riverview Church in Bonsall. The site offered essentials and support to evacuees.

The San Diego County Office of Education (SDCOE) also took precautionary measures, announcing several school closures and evacuations:

• Schools in Julian Union Elementary, Julian Union High, Mountain Empire Unified, and Warner Unified districts were closed.
• Additional closures included Bonsall Unified, Spencer Valley, and Mt. Woodson Elementary in the Ramona Unified School District.

Due to ongoing power outages, the SDCOE later updated its website to include January 22 closures for Mountain Empire Unified and Warner Springs School Districts. The agency emphasized its commitment to student and staff safety in a statement:
“The safety of students and school staff is of the utmost importance to San Diego County school districts.”

Utility Disruptions and Public Safety Power Shutoffs

San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) implemented Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS) to minimize fire risks amid windy conditions. While acknowledging the challenges caused by the outages, the utility company encouraged residents to prioritize safety and check its online outage map for real-time updates and restoration timelines.

SDG&E stated:
“We understand the inconvenience these power shutoffs cause and appreciate your patience as we work to ensure public safety.”

A Coordinated Effort to Mitigate Fire Hazards

The three fires in San Diego County underscored the importance of rapid response and coordination among local agencies. From firefighting efforts to school closures and evacuation support, agencies worked tirelessly to prioritize public safety and minimize damage.

Residents are reminded to remain vigilant during fire season and follow updates from CAL FIRE, the SDS, and other local authorities to stay informed about evacuation orders, road closures, and recovery efforts.

As containment efforts continue, the resilience and swift action of firefighters, emergency responders, and the community highlight the strength and unity of San Diego County in the face of natural disasters.