Fires Are Still Raging in California; Rain Expected This Weekend

Crews battle the Lilac Fire in Bonsall, Calif., in San Diego County on Jan. 21. Jae C. Hong/AP Photo

Fires are still burning throughout Southern California, with the latest erupting on Jan. 23 in San Diego County’s Otay Mesa near the Mexico border.

The Otay Mesa Border 2 Fire broke out around 2:30 p.m. Thursday and has consumed more than 6,000 acres, according to Cal Fire. It was 10 percent contained as of Friday night, and the cause was under investigation.

“Fire crews experienced extreme fire behavior last night with long-range spotting,” Cal Fire said.

Evacuation orders and warnings have been issued to the north and west of the Otay Mountain Wilderness, an area 12 miles east of Otay Mesa.

Cal Fire helicopters helped fight the blaze during the night, with fixed-wing aircraft moving in during the morning hours.

Rain is expected Saturday, according to the National Weather Service. Although the wet weather is welcome, it could trigger landslides, especially in the burn areas, if the rain is significant.

Hughes Fire

The Hughes Fire broke out Jan. 22 near Castaic Lake north of Six Flags Magic Mountain and has burned nearly 10,500 acres. It is 79 percent contained as of Friday night.

Firefighters gained control through aggressive air and ground operations, officials said.

High winds on Thursday reduced progress that crews had made on the fire, and they continued the fight through the night and will remain in Castaic, Santa Clarita, and any other communities until the threat has been extinguished.

Palisades Fire

The Palisades Fire in Los Angeles County, one of the most devastating fires in California history, has burned 23,448 acres and is 79 percent contained as of Friday night. Cal Fire reports that 7,827 structures have been damaged or destroyed.

Eaton Fire

The Eaton Fire near Pasadena has burned 14,021 acres and is 95 percent contained as of Friday night. Mop-up operations continue, and the affected area will remain under a two-week “Do Not Drink” order until the water system has been completely tested.

The Palisades and Eaton Fires have thus far killed 28 people, 18 of whom have been identified, the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner said on Friday.

Smaller Fires

Meanwhile, the Heavenly Fire broke out Friday in San Diego County’s Cleveland National Forest. The fire started near Old Highway 80 and burned half an acre before being stopped.

The Laguna Fire broke out in Ventura County on Thursday, and has burned 83 acres. It is 90 percent contained.

The Sepulveda Fire also began on Thursday in Los Angeles County and burned 45 acres before reaching 100 percent containment.

In Riverside County, the Clay Fire and the Gibbel Fire burned 39 acres and 15 acres respectively. They are 98 percent and 90 percent contained respectively.

The Gilman Fire in La Jolla near UC San Diego broke out on Thursday and burned two acres before being contained.

Smaller brush fires earlier this week in San Diego County were also quickly contained.

The state Legislature on Thursday approved a $2.5 billion package to help rebuild the Los Angeles area following the fires.