Brush Fires Rage Along I-15 in Northern San Diego, Forcing Evacuations

Two brush fires broke out early Tuesday along the I-15 Freeway, in northern San Diego County.

Cal Fire/San Diego County Fire Department reports that the first fire, called the Pala Fire was reported around 12:30 a.m., near the intersection of I-15 and SR-76.

The fire was reported to be about 5 acres with a rapid spread. Structures were also threatened. About an hour later, firefighters indicated that it had increased in size to 30 acres. However, the spread rate had slowed. North County Fire Protection District said on X later that the “forward speed” of the fire had stopped.

@CALFIRESANDIEGO is at scene of a vegetation fire north of Interstate 15 and Highway 76. The fire is approximately 5 acres in size with a rapid rate of spread and structures threatened. #PalaFire pic.twitter.com/12f1JwAxVt

— CAL FIRE/San Diego County Fire (@CALFIRESANDIEGO) January 21, 2025

A sensor aircraft provided an update that the fire was slightly larger than 16 acres.

SDC-0147 was initially subject to some evacuation orders. According to the North County Fire Protection District, these orders have been lifted.

Officials said that it was safe for you to return home if you had to leave.

Lilac Fire

A second fire was reported in a different post about 30 minutes later. This fire was located farther south along I-15 near Old Highway 395, Lilac Road, and the Bonsall Area.

Cal Fire reported that the fire, dubbed Lilac Fire, was about 50 acres and burning “moderately” at a moderate rate. Additional structures were also threatened.

Cal Fire/San Diego County Fire reported that night-flying aircraft were dispatched to combat the fire. Ground crews are working to ensure life safety and structural defense.

The second fire has prompted evacuation orders for those living in SDC 0235, SDC 0236, SDC -0288, and SDC -0289. You can find more information here. Other residential zones were also warned.

According to the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department, a reception center for evacuees has been established at Castle Creek Country Club located at 8797 Circle R Drive Escondido. CRS Ranch, 43101 Anza Road, in Temecula is the place to take large animals.

California Highway Patrol Oceanside Area warned drivers that delays are expected on I-15 between Mission Road and Old Highway 395 due to multiple brush fires. As of Tuesday at 5 am, there are no lane closings but drivers should still exercise caution.

National Weather Service officials have said that the extreme winds and the excessively dry conditions in Southern California, which are causing the red flag warnings, increased the danger of fires.