Firefighters across Southern California are battling two new wildfires that broke out early Tuesday morning, prompting more evacuations as dangerous fire weather conditions continue to grip the region.
The Lilac Fire was first reported around 1:20 a.m. near Old Highway 395 in Bonsall, Calif., 46 miles north of San Diego, according to the San Diego County Fire Department. The fire threatened many structures and mandatory evacuation orders were issued for some nearby areas.
“Firefighters are making good progress on the fire. Fire activity has decreased significantly,” the San Diego County Fire Department said in an update posted to X Tuesday morning.
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According to firefighters, the fire has burned approximately 80 acres and is now 30% contained.
Firefighters battle the Lilac Fire in Bonsall, California early Tuesday. (Jae C. Hong/AP)
A second fire, the Pala Fire, broke out along the same highway in Pala Mesa, California, and burned 17 acres before firefighters could stop its progress.
The causes of both fires are under investigation.
Fire weather forecast
Red flag warnings were issued by the National Weather Service through Tuesday. (NOAA)
The new fires come as the strong Santa Ana winds return that fueled this month’s deadly wildfires. The National Weather Service in Los Angeles issued “particularly hazardous situation” warnings for parts of Los Angeles and Ventura counties through Tuesday afternoon and fire weather alerts through Thursday.
“Humidity levels will drop significantly into the single digits. Along with extremely dry fuels, this will create extremely critical fire weather conditions and rapid fire spread with any fire,” the National Weather Service in Los Angeles said.
Wind gusts between 70 and 100 mph were possible in the mountains around the Los Angeles Basin, the weather service said.
Latest news on the Palisades and Eaton fires
Smoke lingers above an area devastated by the Eaton Fire in Altadena, California on January 9. (John Locher/AP)
Los Angeles County firefighters continue to make progress in containing the Palisades and Eaton fires, which have not grown in size over the past week.
According to Cal Fire, the Palisades Fire has burned 23,713 acres and is 63% contained. The Eaton Fire has burned 14,021 acres and is 89% contained.
The fires have destroyed more than 15,000 structures and killed at least 27 people.
Evacuation orders were lifted for some residents affected by the Eaton Fire on Sunday. In some areas affected by the Palisades Fire, evacuation orders were lifted Monday.
“The danger does not disappear once the fire is extinguished,” Los Angeles County warned in a press release. “The public is reminded to remain vigilant of current fire conditions. »
Hours after attending President Trump’s inauguration, former Vice President Kamala Harris and former second gentleman Doug Emhoff visited firefighters and residents affected by the Eaton Fire in Altadena.
Trump is expected to travel to Southern California on Friday to tour the fire-ravaged area and meet with first responders.
