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BORDER 2 FIRE ON OTAY MOUNTAIN SPREADING AT "DANGEROUS" RATE
Update 5:05 p.m.-- The #Border2Fire is now 248 acres and still 0% contained. Winds have shifted toward campgrounds with campers at Pio Pico told to evacuate and Thousand Trails campers receiving a warning to be prepared, per social media posts from campers at these sites.
update 4 p.m.-- The fire is now 148 acres per Watch Duty app and is large enough to be visible from space. (Photo, right, via NASA)
Update 3:45 p.m.-- The fire is now 50 acres and 0% contained, per Cal Fire.
By Miriam Raftery
Photo by Barry Jantz: Border 2 Fire viewed from Jamul, with Jamul Casino in foreground.
January 23, 2025 (San Diego's East County) -- The #Border2Fire that started within the hour on Otay Mountain is now 20 acres and burning at a "dangerous" rate of spread, per Watch Duty App. Cal Fire lists the size as 10 acres with potential for 200 acres.
The fire started near Otay Truck Trail in the Otay WIlderness area. Infrastructure on the mountain is threatened, per Watch Duty App.
The incident commander has requested major resources including two large air tankers, helicopters, and 10 additional engines.
Sign up to receive our free East County Wildfire & Emergency Alerts via email at https://www.eastcountymagazine.org/wild-fire-alerts. You can also follow EastCountyAlert on Twitter.
LEMON GROVE NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS HOST FUNDRAISER FOR LA FIRE DISASTER RELIEF
East County News Service
January 22, 2025 (Lemon Grove) — In the wake of the devastating fires that have swept through Los Angeles, Lemon Grove non-profit service clubs such as the Lemon Grove Lions, Lemon Grove Forward Club, Thrive, Soroptimists International of Lemon Grove, Mt. Miguel High School Alumni and the Lemon Grove Fire Department to name a few, are uniting to provide much-needed assistance to affected families and communities. These dedicated organizations are hosting a fundraising event on Sat, Feb 1st at Treganza Park from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
This event is designed to rally community support, with all proceeds being donated to help those impacted by the fires. Attendees will enjoy an afternoon of delicious food and community spirit, with local clubs selling food to raise funds.
The recent fires in LA have left many families in desperate need. Together, we can make a meaningful difference by showing our support and generosity.
Lemon Grove is home to a network of dedicated non-profit organizations committed to making a difference in the community and beyond. Through service, outreach, and support, these clubs provide assistance to those in need while fostering a sense of unity and hope.
Event Details:
- What: LA Fire Disaster Relief Fundraising Event
- When: Saturday, February 1, 2025 | 12:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
- Where: Treganza Park, Lemon Grove
Lemon Grove service clubs emphasize the power of community in times of crisis, encouraging everyone to come together to help families rebuild their lives after such devastating losses.
Together, we are stronger!
For more information about the event or to learn how you can contribute, please contact Minola Manson Silemongrove1958@gmail.com or phone # (619) 713-9759.
LILAC FIRE IN BONSALL SPARKS EVACUATIONS, HOMES BURNED
Update 4 p.m.: Evacuations have been listed and forward spread has been stopped.
Update 11 a.m. -- The evacuation center at Castle Creek Golf Course has closed. Evacutees should go to Riverview Church,4980 Sweetgrass Lane in Bonsall.
January 21, 2025 (Bonsall) -- The #LilacFire in Bonsall has burned 80 acres and destroyed two homes, with 10% containment. Mandatory evacuations have been ordered. The fire is burning along Old Highway 395 and North Lilac Rd.
View evacuation areas at the Genaysis mapping site. An evacuation center is at the Castle Creek Golf Course, 8797 Circle R Drive in Escondido 92026. Large animals can be taken to the CRC Ranch at 43101 Anza Rd in Temecula - per San Diego Sheriff's on X.
All schools in Bonsall are closed today due to the fire, according to the Bonsall Unified School District.
A second blaze that started overnight, the Pala Fire, is 100% contained at 17 acres. That fire was located west of I-15 and 2 miles north of Highway 76 in Pala.
Firefighters are making good progress on the fire, Cal Fire posted on X.
Sign up for East County Wildfire & Emergency Alerts, which are free via email, at the top right side of our homepage.
You can also follow EastCountyAlert on X.
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LOST FOOD IN A POWER OUTAGE OR FIRE? CAL FRESH OFFERS BENEFITS FOR REPLACEMENT COSTS
By Miriam Raftery
January 20, 2025 (San Diego’s East County) – Cal Fresh is offering up to one month of benefits to replce food lost due to a power outage or natural disaster—but you must apply within 10 days of food loss.
That news comes as welcome relief for residents in rural East County, where some have lost power multiple times recently due to planned public saety power outages by SDG&E to prevent wildfires, as well as from other causes.
You can qualify for replacement food cost benefits if you had food spoilage due to:
- A power outage lasted longer than four hours
- Utilities were shut off for any reason
- A freezer or refrigerator stopped working
To apply, download a Replacement/Affidavit/Authoriization Form (CF-303) at https://SDHunger.org/replacement-calfresh . More details below.
To submit your form, you can either walk it into your local Health and Human Services office, contact a local CalFresh Application Assistance Provider at https://sdhunger.org/calfresh-assistance, or submit the form online at https://GetCalFresh.org/docs.
Questions? If you need help finding or filling out the correct form, submitting your request, or have other questions, contact one of the following local CalFresh Applicant Assistance Providers at:
4058 Willows Rd.,Alpine 91901, phone (619)445-1188 exdt. 543
36350 Church Rd., Campo 91906, phone (619)445-1199 ext.545.
STRUCTURES THREATENED IN TED WILLIAMS FIRE
Update 4 p.m.: Forward spread has been stopped and fixed-wing aircraft dismissed, though helicopters remain on scene.
East County News Service
January 20, 2025 (Poway) – Structures are immediately threatened by a brush fire in Poway. The #TedWilliamsFire is burning along Ted Williams Parkway and Pomerado Road.
Evacuations are being conducted near Glen Oak Road, Watch Duty App reports. Evacuation details: www.AlertSD.org.
The blaze has charred three acres thus far and comes amid a Red Flag Alert due to dry conditions and potential for very high winds.Sign up to receive free East County Wildfire & Emergency Alerts via email at the top right side of our homepage. Also follow EastCountyAlert on X.
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Wildfires
PHOTO OF THE WEEK: PALISIDES FIRE IN LOS ANGELES
East County News Service
January 8, 2025 (Los Angeles) – No, that’s not a tornado or mother ship descending. Henri Migala snapped this apocalyptic image of the Palisades Fire which is devastating Los Angeles. This photo was taken from the Westin Hotel near Los Angeles International Airport. As of today, the fire has burned 15,832 acres, has destroyed many homes and forced evacuation of some 70,000 residents in several communities including Pacific Palisades, Topanga, Malibu, and Santa Monica. It remains zero percent contained.
Anyone in the path of this fire is urged to evacuate. High winds grounded firefighting aircraft last night and some hydrants ran out of water, leaving firefighters without the means to halt the destructive blaze which has burned all the way to the Pacific Ocean.
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RED FLAG WARNING, 6 SCHOOL DISTRICTS CLOSE DUE TO FIRE RISK AND HIGH WINDS
January 8, 2025 (San Diego's East County) -- The National Weather Service has issued a red flag warning for San Diego County mountains and valleys today and tomorrow due to high winds and extreme fire danger. The strong winds that have fueled two large wildfires decimating Los Angeles County are forecast to move into San Diego County next.
This is the driest winter period measured from October 1 through January 8 since 1850, according to the National Weather Service, increasing fire danger.
Due to high winds and potential power outages, schools in six local districts will be closed today. The San Diego County Office of Education announced the closures for:
- Julian Union Elementary School District
- Julian Union High School District
- Mountain Empire Unified School District
- Ramona Unified School District
- Spencer Valley School District
- Warner Unified School District
“The safety of students and school staff is of the utmost importance to San Diego County school districts,” officials said in a news release.
In Los Angeles County, devastating fires have collectively destroyed over 1,000 homes and two people have died, the Los Angeles Times reports.
The Palisades Fire (Photo,left, by Henri Migala) has burned over 2,900 acres and has destroyed many homes, including beachfront houses along Pacific Coast Highway, since it began yesterday morning in Pacific Palisades. Over 30,000 residences have been evacuated in cities including Santa Monita, Topanga, Malibu, and Pacific Palisades.
Photo, left by Henri Migala: Palisades Fire viewed from Westin Hotel near LAX this morning.
The Eaton Fire in Altadena/Pasadena soared to 2,227 acres overnight. In Sylmar, the Hurst Fire has burned 500 acres. All of these fires remain zero percent contained.
Governor Gavin Newsom has declared a state emergency due to the Los Angeles County Fires.
The winds fueling these devastating wildfires are moving into San Diego next, posing extreme fire danger here. Some local firefighters are now in L.A. helping to battle those fires.
SDG&E has begun shutting off power to prevent fires in some rural communities, with more outages anticipated.
Please be prepared for power outages and evacuation if necessary.Avoid any actions that could spark a brush fire, such as weed whacking or parking a vehicle atop try brush.
Sign up to receive free East County Wildfire & Emergency Alerts via email at the top right side of our homepage. You can also follow EastCountyAlert on X (formerly Twitter).
30,000 HOMES EVACUATED AS PALISADES FIRE SCORCHES OVER 2,900 ACRES; GOVERNOR DECLARES EMERGENCY
By Miriam Raftery
Photo by Henri Migala
January 7, 2025 (Los Angeles) – The fast-moving Palisades Fire has burned 2,921 acres as of tonight, according to Cal Fire. The wildfire that began around 10:30 a.m. in Pacific Palisades has now forced evacuation of approximately 10,000 residents from 30,000 homes in Malibu, Topanga and Pacific Palisades, also forcing closure of portions of Pacific Coast Highway.
The fire is expected to worsen overnight, with extremely dangerous winds up to 100 miles per hour possible, the National Weather Service predicts. Already, gusts up to 70 miles per hour have fueled the conflagration. Wind speeds are expected to peak tomorrow, though strong winds are forecast through Friday.
Both Governor Gavin Newsom and the City of Los Angeles have issued emergency declarations. “This is a highly dangerous windstorm that’s creating extreme fire risk—and we’re not out of the woods,” Newsom said.
The fire has forced closure of multiple schools and burned portions of the Getty Museum property, though museum officials say the museum housing precious works of art is expected to remain safe, thanks to prior brush-clearing on the site.
Some residents racing to flee had to abandon their vehicles amid the fast-moving fire, running to the beach or back home to shelter in place. Firefighters responded to numerous calls, rescuing residents trapped at home, the Los Angeles Times reports.
All residents are urged to evacuate immediately when asked to do so by authorities. Travelers should check on road conditions before visiting the area.
ECM reporter Henri Migala, who is visiting Los Angeles,sent the above photo taken from his hotel room. Another ECM freelancer in Los Angeles on other business advises that the fire has caused long traffic delays for commuters attempting to leave the area.
Cal Fire has activated its Incident Management Team II to assist Los Angeles county and city firefighters.
Evacuation details are available via the Watch Duty App at https://share.watchduty.org/i/40335?ts+1736302139000.
For the latest fire updates from Cal Fire, visit https://fire.ca.gov/incidents/2025/1/7/palisades-fire .
CAL FIRE PREPARES FOR CRITICAL FIRE WEATHER IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
As CAL FIRE positions resources and staff, residents are urged to prepare too
Source: CAL FIRE
January 7, 2025 (Sacramento) - In response to a forecast of critical fire weather conditions, CAL FIRE has increased firefighter staffing and pre-positioned resources throughout Southern California. The National Weather Service predicts strong offshore winds, low humidity, and high fire risk from Tuesday through Thursday.
Key Actions by CAL FIRE:
- CAL FIRE is strategically moving firefighting resources from Northern California into Southern California including 45 additional fire engines and six additional hand crews to Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, San Luis Obispo and Ventura counties.
- In addition to resources from Northern California, CAL FIRE San Bernardino, Riverside and San Diego Units will staff additional firefighting resources above normal levels including fire engines, handcrews, bulldozers, water tenders and supervisory personnel 24/7.
- Staffing additional aerial firefighting resources in the region.
- Augmenting regional intelligence, dispatch and investigative resources.
“As we experienced in Ventura County in November with the Mountain Fire and again in December with the Franklin Fire in Malibu, wildfire is a year-round threat,” said CAL FIRE Director/Chief Joe Tyler. “Please be vigilant and don’t be the cause of the next wildfire in your community.” - One small spark can quickly become a large fire when it’s windy.
- When towing, ensure chains are not dragging.
- Avoid mowing or trimming dry grass on windy days.
- Do not park vehicles in dry grass.
- Ensure campfires are fully extinguished.
- Report suspicious activities promptly to prevent arson.
- Ensure everyone in your home knows your evacuation plan
- Have your go-bag ready
- Have a plan for your pets.
- Remove flammable items from the first five feet around your home
SDG&E URGES RESIDENTS TO PREPARE FOR PUBLIC SAFETY POWER SHUTOFFS STARTING TUESDAY
Source: SDG&E
January 6, 2025 (San Diego) – Due to extreme fire weather conditions and forecasted Santa Ana winds, San Diego Gas & Electric Company (SDG&E) has notified 64,866 customers that it may have to turn off power to reduce wildfire risk as early as Tuesday. Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS) are approved by state regulators as an important safety tool of last resort to mitigate fire risk during dangerous weather conditions.
This week marks the driest start to the rainy season in San Diego County in 174 years. As a result of these dry conditions and expected Santa Ana winds, the National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning for parts of Orange and San Diego Counties beginning Tuesday evening through late Wednesday night. SDG&E’s meteorology team is closely monitoring weather conditions.
Power shutoffs are possible in the following areas:
- Alpine
- Barona Reservation
- Boulevard
- Campo
- Campo Reservation
- Capitan Grande Reservation
- Chula Vista
- Descanso
- East San Juan Cap
- El Cajon
- Escondido
- Fallbrook
- Jacumba
- Jamul
- Julian
- La Jolla Reservation
- La Mesa
- La Posta Reservation
- Lakeside
- Los Coyotes Reservation
- Manzanita Reservation
- Mesa Grande Reservation
- Pala
- Pala Reservation
- Pauma and Yuima Reservation
- Pauma Valley
- Pechanga Reservation
- Poway
- Ramona
- Ranchita
- Rancho Bernardo
- Rancho Santa Fe
- Rincon Reservation
- San Diego
- San Pasqual Reservation
- Santa Ysabel
- Santa Ysabel Reservation
- Santee
- Sycuan Reservation
- Valley Center
- Viejas Reservation
- Warner Springs
SDG&E has activated its Emergency Operations Center and staffed it with key personnel to monitor weather conditions throughout the duration of the event, especially the wind speeds in the high fire risk areas of the county.
If SDG&E implements a PSPS for public safety, it will open Community Resource Centers to support impacted customers.
Given the potential for extended power outages, SDG&E encourages customers to be prepared. Outage preparedness tips can be found at sdge.com/outage-center; safety guidelines for generator use can be found at sdge.com/generator.
Never approach a downed line; report it by calling 911 or SGD&E’s call center at 800-411-7343.
Real-time information about unplanned power outages can be found at www.sdge.com/outage.
Updates about this PSPS can be found at sdge.com/Ready and SDGEToday.com or by following SDG&E’s X channel, @SDGE.