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Mandatory evacuations are expanding in Southern California early Tuesday as two wildfires are burning in San Diego County, with powerful Santa Ana wind gusts creating “dangerous fire conditions,” officials say.
Both the Lilac Fire and Pala Fire, which started early this morning near Bonsall and Pala Mesa, respectively, are threatening homes and businesses, according to Cal Fire.
“Mandatory evacuation orders are in place, and I cannot stress enough the importance of evacuating immediately and listening to first responders,” San Diego County District 5 Supervisor Jim Desmond wrote on X.
“Santa Ana winds are creating dangerous fire conditions — please do not wait to leave if you are in an evacuation zone,” he added.
The causes of both fires remain under investigation.
The National Weather Service recorded wind gusts of nearly 90 mph late Monday night in portions of San Diego County.
The region has been placed under a High Wind Warning until later this afternoon and a Red Flag Warning until tomorrow night.