Fierce Santa Ana winds fanned multiple wildfires across the San Diego region on Tuesday, prompting evacuations and leaving thousands without power. Residents in Bonsall and Mission Valley faced fast-moving flames fueled by bone-dry brush and hurricane-force gusts, heightening the threat of destruction.
Evacuations Amid Raging Fires
In Bonsall, Rod Mitchell, 72, narrowly escaped disaster thanks to his dogs, Oscar and Max, who woke him at 2 a.m. “I opened the door, and embers were flying everywhere,” Mitchell recounted. Firefighters were already on his 5-acre property, surprised to find him still there.
Three wildfires erupted overnight in North County, including one that spread rapidly to 85 acres. In Mission Valley, residents near the Fashion Valley Mall were jolted by evacuation orders as flames swept through a hillside, growing to 15–20 acres by midday.
Ferocious Winds Amplify Fire Risk
The Santa Ana winds delivered a punishing blow to San Diego County, with peak gusts reaching:
- 102 mph at Sill Hill in the Cuyamaca Mountains, equivalent to a Category 2 hurricane.
- 80 mph at Deer Canyon near Black Mountain, comparable to a Category 1 hurricane.
These winds created treacherous conditions, toppling a big rig on Interstate 8 and forcing authorities to temporarily divert high-profile vehicles off certain stretches of the highway.
Utilities Take Precautionary Measures
To prevent additional wildfires, San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) proactively cut power to nearly 16,000 customers. The utility warned that up to 68,000 more could face outages as conditions worsened.
Firefighting Efforts and Community Impact
Fire crews launched an aggressive response to the blazes, deploying heavy resources to contain the flames. However, the combination of high winds, dry vegetation, and steep terrain posed significant challenges.
The wildfires underscore the region’s vulnerability during the Santa Ana wind season, a time when even small sparks can ignite devastating infernos.
Preparedness and Safety
Authorities urged residents to remain vigilant, follow evacuation orders, and prepare for potential power outages as additional Santa Ana winds are forecasted in the coming days.