According to alerts from the Watch Duty app, two wildfires are currently active in San Diego County. The Hamlet Fire, reported at 1:12pm in the East County community of Crest, has burned approximately three acres on the 3100 block of La Crest Road. Fueled by light to medium vegetation, the fire is spreading at a slow to moderate rate, moving west to east along local roadways. Authorities have requested the closure of La Cresta Road in both directions to aid firefighting efforts. Tankers have reportedly been released by air attack with an additional hand crew requested by incident command.
The Palm Fire was first reported at 12:16pm in South County, near the 2600 block of Palm Avenue and Beyer Boulevard near Imperial Beach. The National Interagency Fire Center confirmed it is burning on private land and reported it had been stopped at approximate 3/4 acre, per incident command. A copter 11 was subsequently canceled.
Meanwhile, San Diego fire crews have mobilized resources to assist in battling the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles County. According to the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department (SDFD), 15 apparatuses from various local teams, including Poway Fire, Chula Vista Fire, Carlsbad Fire, SDFD, and National City Fire, have been deployed to the LA region.
SDFD Assistant Fire Chief of Operations Dan Eddy confirmed that three of these apparatuses, along with personnel, were sent by SDFD. Specialized support has also been provided, including a logistical crew member and a GIS mapping expert to analyze burn areas and predict fire spread. Additionally, the Chula Vista Fire Department stated that it deployed 27 personnel and eight apparatus while reinforcing its city with an extra fire engine and six staff members to ensure local preparedness during the ongoing high-risk fire conditions.
Los Angeles County is battling several destructive blazes that have prompted widespread evacuations and caused immense devastation. The largest of these is the Palisades Fire, which has burned over 17,000 acres and destroyed more than 1,000 structures, making it the most destructive wildfire in Los Angeles history. Additionally, the Sunset Fire, located in the Hollywood Hills, is threatening iconic landmarks and luxury neighborhoods, while the Eaton Fire has spread into Pasadena, consuming over 10,000 acres.
Firefighters face mounting challenges due to dry conditions, strong Santa Ana winds, and water shortages. Local reservoirs have been depleted, and efforts to bring additional water tenders are underway. Evacuation orders remain in effect for numerous areas, with power outages and unsafe water compounding the crisis.
Experts highlight that the combination of prolonged drought, dry vegetation, and strong winds has created a perfect storm for fast-moving wildfires in Southern California. While January is typically a less volatile month for wildfires, the lack of seasonal rains has left the region vulnerable.
The fires in Los Angeles have evoked fear and uncertainty among residents as iconic neighborhoods and landmarks come under threat. Meanwhile, San Diego County's local authorities and firefighting crews are closely monitoring the two new fires to prevent them from spreading further. As these wildfires unfold, residents in affected areas are urged to remain vigilant, follow evacuation orders, and stay informed through official channels.
For updates on the Hamlet and Palm Fires, visit Watch Duty.
Los Angeles County is battling several destructive blazes that have prompted widespread evacuations and caused immense devastation. The largest of these is the Palisades Fire, which has burned over 17,000 acres and destroyed more than 1,000 structures, making it the most destructive wildfire in Los Angeles history. Additionally, the Sunset Fire, located in the Hollywood Hills, is threatening iconic landmarks and luxury neighborhoods, while the Eaton Fire has spread into Pasadena, consuming over 10,000 acres.
Firefighters face mounting challenges due to dry conditions, strong Santa Ana winds, and water shortages. Local reservoirs have been depleted, and efforts to bring additional water tenders are underway. Evacuation orders remain in effect for numerous areas, with power outages and unsafe water compounding the crisis.
Experts highlight that the combination of prolonged drought, dry vegetation, and strong winds has created a perfect storm for fast-moving wildfires in Southern California. While January is typically a less volatile month for wildfires, the lack of seasonal rains has left the region vulnerable.
The fires in Los Angeles have evoked fear and uncertainty among residents as iconic neighborhoods and landmarks come under threat. Meanwhile, San Diego County's local authorities and firefighting crews are closely monitoring the two new fires to prevent them from spreading further. As these wildfires unfold, residents in affected areas are urged to remain vigilant, follow evacuation orders, and stay informed through official channels.
For updates on the Hamlet and Palm Fires, visit Watch Duty.
Originally published on January 9, 2025.
