Early Tuesday morning, residents around Bonsall, a community in San Diego County, faced the frightening reality of a wildfire known as the Lilac Fire. Fueled by powerful Santa Ana winds, the fire quickly grew to a significant size, prompting emergency responders to issue evacuation orders to keep residents safe.
San Diego County Lilac Fire prompts evacuations
The Lilac Fire ignited around 1:20 AM near Old Highway 395 and Lilac Road. Within just a short period, the fire expanded to 80 acres. The San Diego County Sheriff’s Department acted swiftly by issuing evacuation orders by 1:33 AM, affecting several neighborhoods and displacing dozens of families.
Firefighters make gains on Lilac Fire in San Diego County
While the flames spread rapidly, firefighters were not deterred. By 8 AM, they reported a 10% containment of the fire. Crews, totaling around 66 personnel equipped with six engines, two crews, and one water tender, worked diligently to control this blaze. They are working tirelessly to stop the fire’s forward movement and protect nearby structures from destruction.
San Diego County school closures amid wildfires
The chaos didn’t stop at evacuations; many schools in the area closed their doors for safety. The Bonsall Unified School District was particularly impacted, and mandatory evacuations led to school closures across six districts, including Julian Union Elementary and Mountain Empire Unified. Some students had to stay home as a precaution against the unpredictable winds and smoke.
Red flag warnings active across Southern California as blazes rage
As the Lilac Fire and other wildfires ignited across the region, officials issued red flag warnings indicating extremely high fire danger. Factors such as low humidity and strong winds, which recorded gusts over 102 mph in nearby areas, contribute to the azardous situation, making it easier for fires to grow and spread.
Latest on the Palisades and Eaton fires
In addition to the Lilac Fire, two other fires—the Palisades Fire and Eaton Fire—have been identified in the region, with significant stretches of land affected. The Palisades Fire has consumed 23,713 acres but is 63% contained, while the Eaton Fire has burned through 14,021 acres with 89% containment reported. These ongoing fires demand close monitoring from both residents and firefighting teams.
Over 95K without power across Southern California
As firefighters battle these intense blazes, the winds have also caused widespread power outages. Nearly 97,000 homes and businesses are experiencing power outages across Southern California, with San Diego and Riverside counties being particularly hard hit. Electric companies continue their efforts to restore power as conditions allow.
How powerful are the winds in Southern California?
The winds that have contributed to this fire season are record-breaking. Residents are feeling the impact daily as gusts reach up to 102 mph in some places, like Sill Hill. This weather not only fuels wildfires but also complicates firefighting efforts, as the flames can ignite and shift direction unpredictably.
| Fire Name | Acres Burned | Containment Status | Evacuations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lilac Fire | 80 acres | 10% contained | Yes |
| Pala Fire | 17 acres | 0% contained | No |
| Riverview Fire | 1 acre | Contained | No |
As the community rallies together during this challenging time, everyone is urged to stay informed and prioritize safety and preparedness as emergency services continue to battle the blazes.
