San Diego Wildfires Prompt Evacuations Amid Year-Round Fire Risks
Two brush fires erupted in San Diego County on Monday, highlighting the region's year-round wildfire risks. The larger Sorrento Fire, near the Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve, quickly grew to 90 acres, prompting mandatory evacuations for 2,200 homes and businesses, with an additional 6,380 under evacuation warnings. The fire spread aggressively despite favorable weather conditions, including cooler temperatures and low wind speeds. Firefighting efforts were initially hindered by power lines and civilian drones, but over 200 personnel, helicopters, and fixed-wing aircraft, including Cal Fire's new C-130H air tanker, eventually contained the blaze to 60%. A smaller Airport Fire in Oceanside burned four acres but caused no evacuations.