SAN DIEGO - A brush fire erupted near Fashion Valley Mall on Tuesday afternoon, labeled the Friars Fire, causing significant concern and immediate action from local authorities. Firefighters were dispatched to combat the blaze, which was reported shortly after noon.
More than 137 fire personnel from San Diego Fire-Rescue, along with teams from Poway and Chula Vista, mobilized to fight the fire. By 1 p.m., the fire was reported to be 1.5 acres and was threatening nearby structures, prompting the closure of Friars Road and evacuation orders.
According to the San Diego Fire Department, the rapid spread of the fire was fueled by Santa Ana winds. Authorities acted quickly, closing off access to key roads including the SR-163 off-ramps at Friars Road. "The fire is currently at 1.5 acres and is threatening structures," stated officials from Cal Fire.
Evacuation alerts were issued as the fire climbed steep hills toward residential areas. Councilmember Raul Campillo noted on social media, "The fire may have caused some minor damage to apartments, but no structures were lost." People living north of Kelly Street, south of Genesee Avenue, east of Sendero Way, and west of Genesee Avenue were ordered to evacuate immediately.
At its peak, 129 personnel were on the scene, battling the flames from the ground and air, with water-dropping helicopters providing support. A temporary evacuation point was established at Snapdragon Stadium’s west parking lot, accommodating those displaced by the fire.
The fire scene drew significant attention as smoke billowed from the hillside, visible from various vantage points across the area. By 1:30 p.m., fire crews reported they had halted the forward progress of the fire, allowing some teams to begin demobilization.
Evacuations extended past immediate residential areas, impacting local schools as well. The San Diego County Office of Education announced closures for the Linda Vista campus and the Linda Vista Innovation Center for safety reasons. These schools are expected to resume normal operations by Wednesday.
While firefighting efforts were underway, authorities continued to monitor power outages reported by SDG&E, affecting approximately 3,000 customers shortly after noon due to the fire's proximity and operational needs on the ground. Fire officials acknowledged at least one firefighter suffered minor injuries.
With mandatory evacuation orders still looming, residents were encouraged to prepare for the worst. Fire officials highlighted important safety tips for evacuation, recommending items to include such as non-perishable food, water, and necessary medications. They emphasized staying alert and ready for sudden changes to the situation.
The cause of the Friars Fire remains under investigation, with fire investigators assigned to determine the origin. Initial reports indicated no fatalities occurred, but the swift response highlighted the potential risks posed by wildfires, especially during peak Santa Ana wind conditions.
Throughout the afternoon, reports of the fire’s status continued to update the community, underscoring the collaborative effort from multiple agencies to manage the emergency. This situation remains dynamic as monitoring and cleaning efforts progress.
Residents are urged to stay informed through local news updates and official channels as firefighting efforts continue, and updates on the investigation's findings will be communicated as they are available. The San Diego Fire-Rescue Department has expressed gratitude for the assistance from neighboring agencies, promoting community resilience during such crises.