Authorities have issued a mandatory evacuation order for nearly a thousand individuals following the outbreak of a brush fire near Fashion Valley Mall in Mission Valley. The Friars Fire ignited around 12:30 p.m. local time and is currently at 0% containment, as reported by Cal Fire.
The San Diego Fire Department is actively engaged in combating the vegetation fire situated near Friars Road and Via de la Moda in Mission Valley. A significant response effort involving 20 fire engines, three brush rigs, three helicopters, two trucks, and other personnel, totaling 137 individuals, has been deployed by the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department.
Evacuation orders have been issued by the San Diego Police Department for the affected areas. The fire has already consumed three acres and poses a threat to structures in the vicinity.
Zones 1894-A, 1975-B, and 1895 have been placed under mandatory evacuation due to the immediate threat to life, as stated by city officials. Road closures from Friars Road to the CA-163 freeway and Linda Vista Road to Genesee Avenue have been implemented by the police department.
As of 2 p.m. local time, the fire's forward progress has been halted, and there have been no reported injuries or fatalities. The San Diego Fire-Rescue Department expressed gratitude to the City of Poway and the City of Chula Vista for their assistance during the incident.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation by Cal Fire, with an SDFD fire investigator assigned to determine the origin. A temporary evacuation point has been established at the Snap Dragon West Parking Lot.
San Diego County Office of Education announced the evacuation of its Linda Vista campus and Linda Vista Innovation Center, advising individuals to avoid the area if en route for appointments or classes. The Linda Vista locations will remain closed on Tuesday and resume regular operations on Wednesday.
San Diego County is currently under a Red Flag Warning due to strong gusty winds and low humidity until Wednesday night. Additionally, the Lilac Fire and Pala Fire, which erupted near Bonsall and Pala Mesa, have collectively consumed over 100 acres and continue to pose threats to residential and commercial properties.
