Friars Fire Erupts Near Fashion Valley Mall, Mandatory Evacuations Issued
Nearly a thousand people are under a mandatory evacuation order after a brush fire broke out Tuesday afternoon near Fashion Valley Mall in Mission Valley.
The Friars Fire began its swift advance just after 12:30 p.m. local time, as reported by Cal Fire. It currently remains 0% under control.
A swift response was triggered as the San Diego Fire Department confirmed it is actively combating the fire, located at the junction of Friars Road and Via de la Moda, nestled in the heart of Mission Valley.
Determined fire teams surged into action with the deployment of 20 fire engines, accompanied by three brush rigs and two helicopters, all backed by a contingent of 137 personnel. Their collective effort symbolizes a community on alert.
The San Diego Police Department quickly followed suit, issuing evacuation orders for surrounding neighborhoods, reflecting the critical situation at hand.
Notably, the fire has consumed three acres and poses a real threat to structures in the vicinity, according to fire officials. The city has designated Zones 1894-A, 1975-B, and 1895 as mandatory evacuation areas.
The evacuation order carries a sobering message, warning of an “immediate threat to life.” Roads such as Friars Road to the CA-163 freeway, and Linda Vista Road to Genesee Avenue, have been sealed off as a preventative measure, adding to the urgency of the situation.
By 2 p.m. local time, fire progress appeared to have been curtailed, and thankfully, no injuries or fatalities have been reported so far. The San Diego Fire-Rescue Department acknowledged the invaluable help received from the Cities of Poway and Chula Vista.
A fascinating twist in this unfolding drama reflects on Amy Reichert, founder of Restore San Diego, who coincidentally was in Mission Valley orchestrating a donation drive for Los Angeles fire survivors amid the chaos. Her account offers a human perspective amidst the catastrophe.
She observed individuals and their pets, displaced from their homes, gathered on Friars Road, looking for solace in a time of turmoil. “The most scorched areas are at the base of electrical towers,” she remarked, reflecting on the dangers posed by unchecked flames. This proximity, she noted, raises troubling questions about the causes of such blazes.
As someone who has felt the impact of past disasters, Reichert expressed skepticism regarding the origins of the Lilac Fire and Pala Fire, which ignited earlier that day. “The Pala Fire and the Lilac Fire both burst into flames off the 15,” she pointed out. “Local firefighters found what could indicate arson – tire tracks that suggest foul play.” In her usual candid manner, she shared her concerns with Fox, hinting at a community grappling with the shadows of potential arson.
Residents echoed her frustrations, expressing concerns that ongoing fires might stem from copycat arsonists or are linked to increasing fire incidents due to the encampments that pepper the region. The cause of the Friars Fire is still under investigation as authorities sift through evidence, trying to piece together this fiery puzzle.
A temporary evacuation center has been established at the Snap Dragon West Parking Lot, situated at 2101 Stadium Way, San Diego, CA 92108, to assist those who have fled the danger. Meanwhile, the San Diego County Office of Education acted swiftly, announcing evacuations for both the Linda Vista campus and the Linda Vista Innovation Center.
Communications from SDCOE urged those with appointments or classes to steer clear of the area, reinforcing the need for community-wide caution. The centers are set to remain closed for the day, with hopes of resuming normal operations on Wednesday.
San Diego County finds itself under a Red Flag Warning until Wednesday evening, with relentless winds and low humidity heightening the risks of fire spread. Earlier fires—the Lilac Fire and Pala Fire—originating close to Bonsall and Pala Mesa, have consumed over 100 acres, further escalating the area’s precarious situation.
