Less than two weeks after the Los Angeles County fires wreaked havoc, San Diego County was met with multiple brushfires.
San Diego County is currently facing a wildfire threat. Less than two weeks after Los Angeles County was ravaged by multiple fires (including the most destructive Palisades and Eaton fires), many San Diego residents were issued evacuation orders as a result of several brushfires. Though the damage in SD isn’t as extensive as the devastation in L.A., California’s wildfires are raising concerns for this season and for the future.
Get an update on all of the San Diego County fires, including containment, evacuations and more, below.
How Many Fires Are in San Diego Right Now?
There’s a hill on fire across the street from Fashion Valley in San Diego. Hopefully, this gets resolved soon pic.twitter.com/HVuyotUBQZ
— First Service Residential (@FirstServi31530) January 21, 2025
In San Diego, multiple fires have been reported, including the Hughes and Gilman fires. One near the border in the Otay Mountains has already spread over 200 acres. This comes as President Donald Trump prepares to visit the state during his first week as the 47th President of the United States.
According to the San Diego Air Pollution Control District, “In areas where you smell smoke it is advised that you limit physical/outdoor activity. If possible, stay indoors to limit your exposure to fine particulate matter and ozone, especially those residents with respiratory or heart disease, the elderly, and children.”
The causes of the fires are still unknown. However, high wind gusts and dry conditions have been cited as the fuel to California’s wildfires.
Were Evacuations Lifted in San Diego County?
#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.…
— San Diego Sheriff (@SDSheriff) January 21, 2025
Evacuations were ordered in Bonsall due to the Lila fire, and 86 people were left displaced as a result of the blaze, according to multiple outlets.
The Pala Fire evacuation orders were lifted on January 21, the San Diego Sheriff’s department tweeted.
What Happened at Fashion Valley Mall?
A brushfire near the Fashion Valley Mall caused concern after it was seen on a hillside nearby. The blaze prompted evacuation orders, and the mall was not impacted by the inferno.
San Diego County Fires Containment Status
According to Cal Fire, the Lila fire was 50 percent contained as of 6 p.m. PT on January 21. The Pala fire, which sparked near the town of Pala Mesa, was quickly contained but initially triggered evacuation orders. The Riverview fire blaze was also promptly contained that day and burned about one acre of land.