Local agencies, including schools and a utility company, responded to three fires in one day in San Diego County, managing evacuations and ensuring safety.
San Diego County faced three separate fires on January 21, prompting evacuations and firefighting efforts. The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) provided updates on the fires in Lilac, Pala, and Friars.
The Lilac Fire reportedly ignited at 1:19 a.m. near Old Highway 395 and Lilac Road in Bonsall, burning 85 acres. Earlier in the day, the fire prompted evacuation orders and warnings. According to an update from CAL FIRE/San Diego County Fire on X (formerly Twitter), it is now 50% contained.
#LilacFire [update] The fire remains 85 acres and is now 50% contained. pic.twitter.com/zDlA2Rgcln
— CAL FIRE/San Diego County Fire (@CALFIRESANDIEGO) January 22, 2025
To contain the Lilac flames, firefighters deployed aerial resources, monitored the perimeter, and analyzed wind conditions. Authorities are still investigating the cause of the fire.
We've mobilized our volunteers to help those affected by the #LilacFire in San Diego County.
➡️ Red Cross volunteers are providing snacks, hydration, & more at the Temporary Evacuation Point at the Castle Creek Golf Course (8797 Circle R Dr., Escondido). pic.twitter.com/p5vNHaJjHS
— American Red Cross Southern California Region (@SoCal_RedCross) January 21, 2025
With improved containment, the San Diego Sheriff (SDS) announced on X that all evacuation orders and warnings have been lifted. However, Old Highway 395 and parts of West Lilac Road remain closed until further notice.
The SDS said, “Please drive carefully, as firefighters will continue to work in the area to mitigate the hazards and strengthen control lines. Dust and noise will be present throughout the day and night. Smoke may be seen from areas where the fire is still burning, but there is no threat to the public.”
#UPDATE @SDSheriff has lifted all EVACUATION ORDERS and WARNINGS for the #LilacFire due to improved containment.
A reminder: Old Highway 395 will remain closed between Dulin Road (at the Rancho Monserate Country Club) and West Lilac Road until further notice. West Lilac Road… pic.twitter.com/1649BduocG
— San Diego Sheriff (@SDSheriff) January 22, 2025
Meanwhile, the Pala Fire, which started at 2:16 a.m. near Old Highway 395 and Canonita Drive in Fallbrook, is 100% contained at 17 acres, according to CAL FIRE. The SDS also shared on X that evacuation orders have been lifted and urged residents to exercise caution on the road.
#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.… https://t.co/ogEaBqxWcs
— San Diego Sheriff (@SDSheriff) January 21, 2025
Following the Palo Fire, the Friars Fire ignited at 12:32 p.m. near Friars Road and Via De La Moda in San Diego, burning 3 acres before being declared 100% contained, according to CAL FIRE.
In an update shared afterward, the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department (SDFD) announced on X that no further evacuations were needed. However, residents previously evacuated must stay out of the area, and those nearby are urged to remain indoors for safety.
To clarify, no further evacuations at this time. Those that were evacuated, remain evacuated. Other residents in the immediate area are asked to shelter in place. https://t.co/jGPHWoYeQ9
— SDFD (@SDFD) January 21, 2025
Later, the SDFD reported that crews were mopping up hot spots near Friars Road, west of State Route 163. While evacuation orders have been lifted, some road restrictions remain to support recovery efforts.
FRIARS FIRE UPDATE: Fire confined, mop up of hot spots continues. 15-20 acres burned along north end of Friars Rd., west of 163. Crews will remain on scene for another 4-6 hours. All evacuation orders have been lifted. Roadway restrictions remain in place.https://t.co/crgDH1YAwE pic.twitter.com/R84w3IcLzw
— SDFD (@SDFD) January 21, 2025
Regarding evacuation reports, the SDS also announced that the temporary evacuation point for the Lilac Fire has moved from Castle Creek Country Club in Escondido to Riverview Church in Bonsall, where essentials are available for evacuees.
#UPDATE The Temporary Evacuation Point at Castle Creek Country Club in Escondido is closing. Those affected by the #LilacFire can now go to Riverview Church located at 4980 Sweetgrass Lane in Bonsall. @SoCal_RedCross will be there to provide snacks, water and other resources.… pic.twitter.com/DBZNo3Esdd
— San Diego Sheriff (@SDSheriff) January 21, 2025
As recovery efforts continue, more local agencies have shared updates amid the reported fires. The San Diego County Office of Education (SDCOE) announced several school closures and evacuated the Linda Vista campus and Innovation Center as a precaution.
Due to an active fire, the SDCOE Linda Vista campus and Linda Vista Innovation Center are being evacuated. If you are en route for appointment or class, please avoid the area. We will share updates as the situation unfolds.
— San Diego County Office of Education (@SanDiegoCOE) January 21, 2025
On January 21, schools in Julian Union Elementary, Julian Union High, Mountain Empire Unified, and Warner Unified districts were closed. Additional closures that day included Bonsall Unified, Spencer Valley, and Mt. Woodson Elementary in the Ramona Unified School District.
Due to high winds and power outages, schools in the following districts will be closed Jan. 21 for the safety of students and staff:
Julian Union Elementary
Julian Union High
Mountain Empire Unified
Warner Unifiedhttps://t.co/W6fpoMWzKh— San Diego County Office of Education (@SanDiegoCOE) January 21, 2025
The SDCOE later updated its website to include January 22 closures for Mountain Empire Unified and Warner Springs School Districts due to ongoing power outages. “The safety of students and school staff is of the utmost importance to San Diego County school districts,” the statement read.
Update: Lakeside Farms Elementary and DREAM Academy in Lakeside Union School District are also closed Jan. 21. https://t.co/W6fpoMWzKh https://t.co/4A4oAALWgC
— San Diego County Office of Education (@SanDiegoCOE) January 21, 2025
In response to fire-related disruptions, the San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) implemented Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS).
⚠️ SDG&E has initiated Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS) to help reduce wildfire risk. We understand how challenging this is, especially with the ongoing extreme weather this month, and we deeply appreciate your patience. Stay safe.
📰 https://t.co/kphgmm5y3D pic.twitter.com/qaFvE9wIc7
— SDG&E (@SDGE) January 20, 2025
The company acknowledged the challenges caused by the outages and encouraged residents to prioritize safety by checking its online outage map for real-time updates and restoration timelines.
