On January 21, San Diego County encountered a difficult situation as three distinct fires ignited in Lilac, Pala, and Friars. Local agencies, educational institutions, and utility providers worked in unison to ensure public safety, manage evacuations, and alleviate disruptions caused by the fires.
The Lilac Fire was first reported at 1:19 a.m. near the intersection of Old Highway 395 and Lilac Road in Bonsall. The fire rapidly spread over 85 acres, leading to the issuance of evacuation orders and warnings. By the evening, CAL FIRE/San Diego County Fire announced that the fire was 50% contained. Firefighters employed aerial resources and closely monitored wind conditions to control the blaze. Although evacuation orders were lifted later in the day, certain roads, including Old Highway 395 and sections of West Lilac Road, remained closed as crews worked to strengthen control lines and address potential risks.
The San Diego Sheriff’s Department (SDS) cautioned residents to remain vigilant as firefighting efforts continued. The department stated, “Dust and noise will be present throughout the day and night, and smoke may still be visible in some areas, but there is no threat to the public.”
Shortly thereafter, the Pala Fire ignited at 2:16 a.m. near Old Highway 395 and Canonita Drive in Fallbrook. This fire burned 17 acres but was swiftly contained by CAL FIRE. Although evacuation orders were rescinded, residents were advised to drive with caution as recovery operations progressed in the vicinity.
Later that day, the Friars Fire erupted at 12:32 p.m. near Friars Road and Via De La Moda in San Diego. This fire consumed 3 acres before being completely contained. Crews conducted mop-up operations to extinguish remaining hot spots, and road closures persisted in certain areas to support recovery efforts.
In response to these incidents, the San Diego Sheriff’s Department relocated the temporary evacuation center for the Lilac Fire from Castle Creek Country Club in Escondido to Riverview Church in Bonsall, providing essential supplies to those affected.
The fires resulted in considerable disruption to educational institutions in the area. The San Diego County Office of Education (SDCOE) declared closures across several districts, including Julian Union Elementary, Julian Union High, Mountain Empire Unified, and Warner Unified. Additionally, Bonsall Unified, Spencer Valley, and Mt. Woodson Elementary within the Ramona Unified School District were also closed. As a precautionary measure, the Linda Vista campus and Innovation Center were evacuated. Certain schools, particularly those in the Mountain Empire Unified and Warner Springs School Districts, remained closed until January 22 due to ongoing power outages.
In response to the situation, San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) executed Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS) in the impacted regions to mitigate further risks. The utility company advised residents to utilize their online outage map for real-time information and to prioritize safety during these outages.
Despite the significant challenges posed by the fires, the collaborative efforts of local agencies, firefighters, and the community played a crucial role in ensuring safety and facilitating recovery. The rapid containment of the Pala and Friars fires, along with the continued efforts to manage the Lilac Fire, highlights the necessity of coordinated action during crises.
