Twin Brush Fires Threaten Structures Along I-15 in San Diego County

SAN DIEGO COUNTY, Calif. — Firefighters are battling two brush fires that erupted early Tuesday morning along the I-15 Freeway in northern San Diego County, threatening structures and prompting evacuations.

The first blaze, dubbed the Pala Fire, was reported around 12:30 a.m. near the junction of I-15 and SR-76. Cal Fire/San Diego County Fire Department officials said the fire had grown to approximately 5 acres with a rapid rate of spread. “The fire is approximately 5 acres in size with a rapid rate of spread and structures threatened,” firefighters stated in an update.

About 30 minutes later, a second fire, named the Lilac Fire, broke out farther south on I-15 near Old Highway 395 and Lilac Road in the Bonsall area. This fire was estimated at 3 acres, burning at a moderate rate, with additional structures at risk.

Evacuation orders were issued for residents in the SDC-0288 and SDC-0289 zones. The San Diego County Sheriff's Department established an evacuation reception center at the Castle Creek Country Club on 8797 Circle R Drive in Escondido.

The cause of the fires remains under investigation. Southern California is under red flag warnings due to strong winds and dry conditions, which have significantly increased fire danger, according to the National Weather Service.