Multiple wildfires broke out in San Diego County (south of Los Angeles) early Tuesday, prompting evacuation orders, school closures and power shutoffs, while officials in Los Angeles remain on high alert amid strong winds and extreme dry conditions. Red flag warnings were issued down the coast of Southern California on Tuesday as weather officials warned of strong wind gusts that could rapidly spread fires.
The National Weather Service recorded strong winds with gusts up to 60-70 mph in the Los Angeles area Tuesday morning as the region remained under a “particularly dangerous situation” warning with an increased fire risk. The Palisades and Eaton wildfires continue to burn today.
Firefighters were working to contain several brush fires that broke out in northern San Diego County, with Cal Fire stating that the Pala Fire and Pala Fire 2 (north of the city of Pala Mesa) had destroyed some 47 acres and were zero percent contained. Two other blazes, dubbed the Lilac Fire1 and Lilac Fire 2 by Cal Fire, in the Bonsall area, had grown to 130 acres. The Lilac fires has displaced 86 residents and damaged two structures, and was 10% contained as of press time.
On a positive note, the North County Fire Protection District later said in a post on X that the “forward rate of speed” of one had been stopped ad evacuation orders were lifted, per the San Diego County Sheriff’s Office, which said: “Firefighters are making good progress on the fire. The fire activity has decreased significantly.”
However Jim Desmond, a San Diego County supervisor, warned in a social media post: “Two of the three fires that started overnight are now under control. However, the Lilac Fire is still actively burning at 80 acres. Please stay alert, follow official updates, and be prepared to leave if necessary. Our first responders are working tirelessly to protect lives and property.”
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