First reported on Thursday, January 23, at around 2pm, the fire ignited on a hilltop near Otay Mountain Truck Trail, initially covering 20 acres with a dangerous rate of spread, according to Cal Fire San Diego. By nightfall, it had expanded to 600 acres and could be seen from downtown San Diego, Pacific Beach and the La Jolla hills. By 5am Friday, the fire had grown to 1,000 acres. By 6:15am, it was reported to be 4,250 acres with 10 percent containment. As of Saturday morning, the fire is at 6,500 acres. ÌýAccording to CAL Fire San Diego County, more than 700 personnel have been assigned to battle the blaze, supported by air and ground resources and overhead staffing.Ìý
Evacuation orders are in effect for areas closest to the fire, with warnings issued for nearby zones. Residents are urged to prepare for potential evacuation and to consult the County's Alert San Diego page for detailed maps of the affected regions. Temporary evacuation centers have been established at the parking lot of Edwards Cinema at 2951 Jamacha Road in El Cajon and at Southwestern College, located at 900 Otay Lakes Road in Chula Vista. State Route 94 was also closed in both directions from Honey Springs Road to SR-188 due to firefighting activity.Ìý
Many schools were closed in San Diego's South County on Friday. The San Diego Sheriff has also temporarily suspended all visits to county jails in the Otay Mesa area, inlacing George Bailey Detention Facility, Rock Mountain Detention Facility, and East Mesa Reentry Facility.Ìý
Smoke from the fire is blowing west and southwest, affecting communities in Otay Mesa and beyond. The San Diego County Air Pollution Control District has issued a smoke advisory for the area, warning residents to expect continued impacts through Friday morning, although winds are expected to lighten overnight.
Road closures are also in place due to the fire. Alta Road is shut down south of Otay Mesa Road, and Otay Lakes Road is closed from Wueste Road to State Route 94. Both directions of SR-94 at Otay Lakes Road are also closed, as reported by Caltrans San Diego. The city of Chula Vista has closed all parks and recreational centers east of Interstate 805 due to deteriorating air quality caused by the fire.
Residents are encouraged to for real-time updates on evacuation orders and warnings. Additional information, including evacuation maps, can also be found on the platform and the .
Smoke from the fire is blowing west and southwest, affecting communities in Otay Mesa and beyond. The San Diego County Air Pollution Control District has issued a smoke advisory for the area, warning residents to expect continued impacts through Friday morning, although winds are expected to lighten overnight.
Road closures are also in place due to the fire. Alta Road is shut down south of Otay Mesa Road, and Otay Lakes Road is closed from Wueste Road to State Route 94. Both directions of SR-94 at Otay Lakes Road are also closed, as reported by Caltrans San Diego. The city of Chula Vista has closed all parks and recreational centers east of Interstate 805 due to deteriorating air quality caused by the fire.
Fire crews continue to work through the night to contain the blaze and protect nearby communities. Further updates will be provided as the situation develops.
Residents are encouraged to for real-time updates on evacuation orders and warnings. Additional information, including evacuation maps, can also be found on the platform and the .
Originally published on January 24, 2025 at 5am. Updated 6:30am. Updated at 12pm. Photo byÌý.
