NEWS
February 2025
Vol 9 No 2
Lilac Fire, too close to home
High, dry winds whipped up two fires in North County early Tuesday, January 21. One was in Pala Mesa (although it was dubbed the Pala Fire), the west side of the I-15, just north of Hwy 76. Multiple blazes were ignited along the 15. The other was the Lilac Fire, which began
before 1 a.m. on I-15 just north of West Lilac Road. Firefighters were aided by night flying aircraft, which began arriving about 3:50 a.m. Firefighters continue to engage in life safety and structure defense. Evacuation orders were issued early on and eventually rescinded later
on as dawn arrived. By Wednesday 8pm, Cal
Fire reported the Lilac Fire was 100% contained. 4 structures were reported damaged, but no structure was destroyed. Then in a turn of events, we finally got rain and the first snow of the season fell on Palomar Mountain over the weekend.
Board of Supervisors passes Desmond’s wildfire preparedness package Tuesday, January 28, the Board of Supervisors approved Supervisor Jim Desmond’s comprehensive wildfire preparedness plan, which he described as “a major step in protecting lives, homes, and businesses across our region.” Desmond’s future goals include the following: PRSRT STD ECRWSS U.S. POSTAGE PAID ESCONDIDO, CA PERMIT NO. 2900
helicopter to battle wildfires day & night.
**************** ECRWSS EDDM ** POSTAL CUSTOMER ESCONDIDO, CA 92026
• Securing funding for a twin-engine firefighting
have the resources they need when it matters most.
• Clearing brush with grants, rebates, public-private partnerships—and even goats! • Upgrading water infrastructure to ensure firefighters • Fighting for insurance reform to keep coverage affordable in high-risk areas. “Wildfires won’t wait—and neither can we,” said the supervisor. “I’ll keep you updated as we implement these critical measures to keep our communities safe.” Ahead of Tuesday’s vote, 5th District Supervisor Jim Desmond was joined by North County Fire
Chief Keith McReynolds, Escondido Fire Chief John Tenger, and Valley Center Fire Chief Joe Napier, Santa’s Volunteers who shared the challenges their departments face.