San Diego County Hit With Two Wildfires as the State Continues Grappling With the Aftermath of the Los Angeles Fires

Just as the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles are coming to an end, new blazes erupted in San Diego County this week.

Two wildfires, the Lilac Fire and Pala Fire are burning near Bonsall and Pala Mesa, respectively, forcing mandatory evacuations amid “dangerous fire conditions” driven by Santa Ana winds, officials report.

“Mandatory evacuation orders are in place, and I cannot stress enough the importance of evacuating immediately and listening to first responders,” urged San Diego County District 5 Supervisor Jim Desmond on Twitter.

North County Fire Update:

There are currently two fires burning in North County: The Lilac Fire and the Pala Fire. Mandatory evacuation orders are in place, and I cannot stress enough the importance of evacuating immediately and listening to first responders.

🔥Evacuation…

— Supervisor Jim Desmond (@jim_desmond) January 21, 2025

As of Tuesday morning, the Lilac Fire has scorched 80 acres with only 10% containment, displacing 86 residents and damaging two structures, according to the North County Fire Protection District. Over 200 firefighters are actively battling the blaze. “Firefighters are making good progress on the fire. The fire activity has decreased significantly,” Cal Fire stated.

The Pala Fire has consumed about 30 acres with a “slow rate of spread,” Cal Fire added. Evacuation orders remain in effect, and officials are urging residents to act swiftly.

“If you feel you are in danger, GO!” warned the San Diego County Sheriff’s Office.

The National Weather Service recorded wind gusts reaching 102 mph in the region and issued a High Wind Warning until later this afternoon and a Red Flag Warning through tomorrow night. Fire weather conditions remain critical.

“The causes of both fires remain under investigation,” noted FOX Weather Meteorologist Craig Herrera, as crews continue to work against the clock.

These latest flames arrived in the days following the Palisades Fire, which is now 63% contained, according to the state’s Forestry and Fire Protection Department. That blaze quickly spread, annihilating full neighborhoods. The official death toll is now 28.