All Evacuation Orders Lifted For Lilac Fire​ In San Diego County

SAN DIEGO COUNTY, CA — Hundreds of firefighters helped reach 60 percent containment in the Lilac Fire, allowing all evacuation orders to be lifted for residents who fled their homes when the fire scorched thousands of acres and destroyed dozens of buildings this week in northern San Diego County.

The wildfire has burned 4,100 acres, destroyed 182 structures and damaged 23 others from Bonsall to Fallbrook, according to Cal Fire. As of Sunday morning, the fire was 60 percent contained, yet 1,500 structures remained threatened.

Thousands of residents evacuated their homes after the blaze broke out amid extreme fire weather conditions around 11:15 a.m. on Thursday, near Interstate 15 and state Route 76 in North County. By Friday night, when firefighters reached 15 percent containment, Cal Fire downgraded evacuation orders to voluntary evacuation warnings for parts of Fallbrook, Oceanside and Vista, allowing many residents to return home. Even more people were allowed to return home Saturday.

A total of 117 evacuees stayed Saturday night at Palomar College in San Marcos, the only shelter that remained open for residents, according to county officials. Livestock and large animals were sheltered at the Del Mar Fairgrounds.

UPDATE: Lilac Fire 75 Percent Contained In San Diego County

By Sunday evening, Cal Fire announced that all evacuation orders were lifted with some restrictions to Rancho Monserate Country Club in Fallbrook and the area between 5200 Olive Hill Road and 5800 Olive Hill Road in Fallbrook. The areas were open to residents with identification.

Fire officials reminded residents entering the area to be aware that hazardous conditions may exist, particularly if a residence or building has burned.

Residents were asked to contact SDG&E if there are electrical wires on the ground or other utility damage. Motorists were also advised to drive slowly and yield to emergency personnel and utility companies in the area.

People who need dead animals removed can call the county’s Department of Animal Services Emergency Dispatch at 619-236-2341. Callers should be prepared to provide the location of the animal, the type of animal and number of animals that need to be removed.

Power remained out for about 5,500 San Diego Gas & Electric customers throughout the county Saturday night, including 1,800 customers in the fire zone area and thousands of more customers whose power was cut due to gusty winds and public safety concerns.

SDG&E crews have identified at least 40 poles that were damaged in the fire, officials said.

As a precaution, the county's Department of Environmental Health issued a boil water advisory for parts of East County because public water systems lost pressure in their water distribution systems during the power outages. The advisory was issued for Boulevard Pines Mobile Home & RV Park in Boulevard, Butterfield Ranch and Vallecito County Park in Julian, and Cameron Corners and Campo Group in Campo.

The advisories will be in place until laboratory results show the water is free from bacterial contamination, county officials said.

Bonsall Unified School District, Fallbrook Union Elementary School District and Fallbrook Union High School District will stay closed on Monday, according to the San Diego County Office of Education. However, San Marcos Unified School District and Vista Unified School District will open on Monday.

All roads previously closed have been reopened, including State Route 76 rom Old Highway 395 to East Vista Way, according to Cal Fire.

Fire officials expect full containment of the Lilac Fire by Dec. 21. The cause of the fire remained under investigation.

San Diego County is under a red flag warning through 8 p.m. Sunday. Officials warned residents that high winds will persist, elevating fire danger throughout the region. Two small brush fires broke out and were quickly extinguished Sunday morning in the areas of Rincon and Valley Center, according to Cal Fire.

ALSO SEE:

• Lilac Fire: 182 Structures Destroyed, 50 Percent Contained
• Lilac Fire: 4,100 Acres Burned, Some Evacuations Lifted
• San Diego County Under Red Flag Fire Warning Through Sunday
• SDG&E Shuts Off Power To Thousands In San Diego County
• Lilac Fire: Schools, Colleges Closed Friday In San Diego County
• Lilac Fire Burns Out Of Control In San Diego County
• Strong Santa Ana Winds Prompt 'Extreme' Fire Warning In San Diego

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