San Diego — A fast-moving wildfire broke out Tuesday afternoon along Friars Road near Fashion Valley Mall, burning between 15 and 20 acres and prompting urgent evacuation orders. Fire crews worked tirelessly to contain the flames, which were threatening nearby structures and climbing steep terrain towards a condominium complex. The fire triggered a swift response from both local and neighboring fire departments, with over 200 firefighters deployed to combat the blaze.
A Swift Response to the Friars Fire
The San Diego Fire Department received the first call just after noon, reporting a wildfire rapidly spreading up a hill near Fashion Valley. Firefighters immediately began tackling the blaze, which was fueled by dry vegetation and threatening nearby buildings. The fire’s intensity was compounded by challenging terrain, with steep slopes that allowed the flames to spread quickly.
Battalion Chief Craig Newell described the situation as dire when crews arrived on the scene. “The hillside is difficult right now. The fire moves faster uphill than on flat ground. The fuels here are very dry, and the light brush made it race up the hill,” Newell explained.
Evacuation orders were issued for the area surrounding Friars Road, as well as warnings for other nearby regions. Police officers cleared people from the area, ensuring their safety while fire crews worked to control the blaze. Several structures were at risk, including an apartment building that was partially damaged by the flames. However, by 1:20 p.m., crews had gained a significant amount of control over the fire.
Footage as the fire near Fashion Valley in San Diego begins.
Notice anything about the area when you take a look on Google Maps? pic.twitter.com/TsGcuHbPuK
— Kevin Dalton (@TheKevinDalton) January 22, 2025
Support from Neighboring Fire Departments
The response to the Friars Fire was bolstered by firefighters from neighboring jurisdictions, including Poway and Chula Vista Fire Departments. With the dry conditions and the speed at which the fire spread, fire officials were prepared for an aggressive battle. Chief Newell praised the collective effort, acknowledging the invaluable support from both local and neighboring teams.
“Luckily, we had a fire like this in a crowded urban environment, and we didn’t lose anything. That’s a big win,” Chief Newell said, highlighting the successful efforts to prevent major destruction.
Unfortunately, one firefighter sustained injuries while fighting the blaze. While the injury was not life-threatening, it underscored the dangers that first responders face when confronting such volatile fires.
A Community’s Gratitude
Local residents who were affected by the fire expressed their gratitude toward first responders, many of whom were visible in the area as they worked diligently to control the flames. Thomas Johnson, a local resident who witnessed the fire from his balcony, remarked on the efficiency and dedication of the fire crews. “Just fire truck after fire truck, a wonderful response in my opinion. Really a lot of hope seeing them go by,” he said.
Dave Mahlar, another resident, noted that recent brush clearing efforts may have helped prevent more extensive damage to their neighborhood. “About a month ago, they cleared a bunch of brush because of the rain last year, and everything was overgrown. If they hadn’t cleared that, I don’t think our place would be standing, so a big thanks to the firefighters and police officers,” Mahlar said.
Evacuation Orders Lifted
As firefighters continued their work, the San Diego Fire Department lifted evacuation orders just before 4 p.m. Tuesday. Residents were allowed to return to their homes, although some road closures remained in place for safety reasons. Specifically, areas around Camino Degrazia and Friars Road remained off-limits to vehicle traffic while first responders continued their efforts in the vicinity.
Preparing for Wildfires: A Crucial Reminder
As the Friars Fire serves as a stark reminder of the ever-present wildfire risk in California, experts urge residents to be prepared for such emergencies. CalFire offers a detailed list of essential items to include in a “Go Bag,” a preparedness kit for evacuation during a wildfire or other disaster.
Among the items to pack are a three-day supply of food and water, necessary medications, a change of clothes, important documents, and pet supplies. Residents are also advised to have sturdy shoes and a flashlight near their beds in case of sudden evacuations during the night.
Given that wildfires can occur year-round in California, preparedness is vital, especially during the dry winter months when winds, such as the Santa Ana winds, can rapidly fuel a fire. The recent fires, including the Friars Fire, serve as a reminder of the constant danger posed by these unpredictable and destructive events.
Additional Fires in the Region
While the Friars Fire was a significant event for the community, it was not the only fire incident in the area on Tuesday. Another blaze, the Lilac Fire, broke out near Old Highway 395 and Lilac Road in Bonsall around 1:20 a.m. This fire scorched 80 acres and was 30% contained by the afternoon. The cause of the Lilac Fire is still under investigation.
The Pala Fire, which started around 1:20 p.m. near Old Highway 395 and Canonita Drive in Fallbrook, grew to 17 acres before it was brought under control. The cause of that fire is also under investigation. In addition, a brush fire broke out along Pomerado Road in Poway on Monday afternoon, growing to 3 acres before crews were able to stop its progress.
These fires, although smaller than the Friars Fire, highlight the ongoing risk of wildfires in the region, especially as conditions remain dry and winds continue to fuel flames. Firefighters across the county remain on high alert as they prepare for the possibility of more wildfires in the coming days and weeks.
