San Diego
AI Assisted Icon
Published on January 24, 2025
San Diego County Wildfire Engulfs Over 4,000 Acres, Sparks Evacuations and School Closures Amidst Air Quality WarningsSource: Cal Fire San Diego

The Border 2 Fire continues to ravage parts of southwestern San Diego County, spreading across 4,250 acres in the Otay Mountain area with only 10% containment as ground crews and airborne units tackle the blaze under challenging Santa Ana winds. Fueled by dry conditions, the wildfire erupted yesterday afternoon and is now causing evacuations and school closures due to air quality concerns, with several elementary and high schools in the region shutting their doors today, according to an update from the Times of San Diego.

An evacuation order has been issued for residents in Dulzura at Otay Mountain and an advisory for areas near Jamul Indian Village, while Southwestern College in Chula Vista and the Edwards Theater in El Cajon have opened as evacuation centers offering assistance such as snacks and hydration, the Times of San Diego reported. Given the unpredictability of the fire, local authorities are urging residents, "If you feel you are in danger, GO!" to safeguard against the rapidly changing conditions.

Meanwhile, a smoke advisory has been issued for Otay Mesa and surrounding areas, and the San Diego County Air Pollution Control District has warned about deteriorating air quality. As the winds shift, smoke and ash are expected to affect regions to the west, southwest, and, as they rotate, the east and northeast of Otay Mountain later in the day, carrying fine particulates that pose health risks, particularly for sensitive groups.

With the fire's movement being erratic amid "some extreme fire behavior," and with embers igniting smaller blazes, the firefighting efforts are stretched thin, as several areas are now under smoke's shroud with the San Diego County Office of Education announcing school closures for Camarena, Eastlake, and several other educational institutions due to safety concerns and air quality, the Times of San Diego details. Despite the aggressive spread of the Border 2 Fire, which has notably ballooned from 140 acres within 90 minutes of its inception, no structural threats or injuries have been reported.