Screengrab of Lilac Fire evacuation area as of Jan. 21, 2025 at 9:05 am. Courtesy Cal Fire
Screengrab of Lilac Fire evacuation area as of Jan. 21, 2025 at 9:05 am. (Map courtesy of Cal Fire)

A wind-driven wildfire charred dozens of acres in a sparsely developed area south of Pala Mesa on Tuesday, damaging structures and forcing pre-dawn evacuations before crews could gain the upper hand on the flames.

Shortly after 8 p.m. Tuesday, the San Diego County Sheriff’s Office announced in a news release that it had lifted all evacuation orders and warnings, “due to improved containment.”

As of 7:17 a.m. Wednesday, the Lilac Fire was 90% contained, Cal Fire said.

The non-injury blaze — one of two to erupt amid gusty Santa Ana conditions about 5 miles apart over a span of less than an hour — began spreading shortly after 12:30 a.m. Tuesday off Lilac Road, near Old Highway 395, according to Cal Fire.

Four structures in the area sustained minor damages, Johnson said, adding it unclear if anyone was living in them.

The Sheriff’s Office said that Old Highway 395 will remain closed between Dulin Road, at the Rancho Monserate Country Club, and West Lilac Road.

West Lilac Road between Old Highway 395 and Bonsall Elementary School will remain closed, “except for residents with proper identification,” sheriff’s officials added.

Law enforcement reminded the public to drive carefully, as firefighters continue to reduce hazards and strengthen control lines. “Dust and noise will be present throughout the day and night,” the Sheriff’s Office said. “Smoke may be seen from areas where the fire is still burning, but there is no threat to the public.”

Sheriff’s deputies earlier cleared people out of nearby rural neighborhoods as ground crews and personnel aboard a pair of water-dropping Black Hawk firefighting helicopters battled the flames.

Air tankers, which are not cleared for nighttime flying locally, were put on standby for possible activation at daybreak. By dawn, however, firefighters had made enough progress to make deployment of the planes unnecessary, Cal Fire Capt. Robert Johnson said.

Crews had halted the spread of the blaze at about 85 acres by shortly after 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, Johnson said.

City News Service contributed to this report.