Crews Inch Closer To Full Containment Of Lilac Fire

SAN DIEGO COUNTY, CA – Crews are inching closer to full containment of a wildfire that scorched thousands of acres and forced thousands of people out of their homes last week in northern San Diego County.

As of Tuesday evening, the Lilac Fire was 95 percent contained, up from 90 percent Monday evening and 92 percent Tuesday morning, according to Cal Fire. The fire has burned 4,100 acres, destroyed 157 structures and damaged 64 others.

A total of 97 engines, 12 water tenders, six helicopters, 10 dozers, 31 hand crews and 1,399 firefighters remained assigned to the fire Tuesday night. By Tuesday evening, a total of 69 engines, two water tenders, three helicopters, 10 dozers, 23 hand crews and 944 firefighters continued to work to fully contain the fire.

The wind-driven wildfire sparked at 11:15 a.m. Dec. 7 along the State Route 76 and Interstate 15 interchange, forcing thousands of residents to flee their homes in Bonsall, Fallbrook, Oceanside and Vista.

At least six injuries have been reported since the blaze broke out, including one firefighter who suffered a dislocated shoulder but reset his arm and continued to work. Another firefighter was hospitalized for smoke inhalation. Three citizens suffered burn injuries, while another was treated for smoke inhalation.

All evacuation orders and road closures were lifted Sunday, but the Rancho Monserate Country Club remained closed to everyone except residents with identification.

The shelter at Palomar College was closed, but the Del Mar Fairgrounds remained open for livestock and other large animals, according to Cal Fire.

Bonsall Unified School District remained closed Tuesday.

District officials announced four campuses in the Bonsall Unified School District will stay closed through the beginning of the new year because of the impact of the Lilac Fire.

Bonsall Preschool, Bonsall Elementary, Sullivan Middle School and Bonsall High School will stay closed through Jan. 1, according to Bonsall Unified School District. Classes will resume on Jan. 2.

Buses will also be cleaned and deodorized.

"The cleanup process at each of the schools began this morning," Superintendent David Jones wrote in a letter to parents and staff. "BUSD staff is directed not to come to the schools or enter the schools until the cleanup process is complete and the schools have been given the clearance for staff to enter."

Bonsall West Elementary School and Vivian Banks Charter School, however, will reopen on Wednesday.

The county opened a local assistance center Monday to help navigate wildfire victims through the rebuilding and recovery process. The center will be open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Vista branch library, located at 700 Eucalyptus Ave. in Vista.

Firefighters expect to have the Lilac Fire fully contained by Dec. 21.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

ALSO SEE:

• Fire Weather Watch Issued For Parts Of San Diego County
• Lilac Fire 90 Percent Contained In San Diego County
• All Evacuation Orders Lifted For Lilac Fire In San Diego County
• 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

Photo via San Diego Fire-Rescue Department