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.
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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.
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.
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You can also follow EastCountyAlert on X.
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.
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.