San Diego wildfires force mandatory evacuations amid dangerous wind conditions

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. 

FOX Weather Meteorologist Craig Herrera said “Right now, critical (fire weather) extends all the way down into San Diego County, and elevated (fire weather) goes into the high deserts.”