Rapidly Spreading 'Border 2 Fire' Forces Evacuations and School Closures in San Diego County
A fast-moving wildfire, dubbed the “Border 2 Fire,” erupted near Otay Mountain in San Diego County on Thursday, January 23, 2025, prompting widespread evacuations and school closures. The fire, which began around 2:30 p.m. near Otay Mountain Truck Trail in the Otay Wilderness Area, quickly grew to over 5,389 acres by Friday morning, with only 10% containment. Strong Santa Ana winds, low humidity, and dry vegetation fueled the blaze, leading to extreme fire behavior and long-range spotting.
Evacuation orders were issued for several areas, including zones SDC-2389A, SDC-2464, and SDC-2543, while evacuation warnings were expanded to additional zones. Temporary evacuation points were established at Regal Edwards Cinemas Rancho San Diego in El Cajon and Southwestern College in Chula Vista, with the American Red Cross providing support. Multiple schools in the Chula Vista Elementary and Sweetwater Union High School Districts were closed due to safety concerns and poor air quality.
The fire threatened critical communication infrastructure on Otay Mountain, including U.S. Customs and Border Protection transmitters and nearby detention centers, which were placed under shelter-in-place orders. Smoke from the blaze spread across the region, prompting the San Diego County Air Pollution Control District to issue a smoke advisory, urging residents to limit outdoor activities.
Over 692 firefighters, supported by air tankers, helicopters, and ground crews, worked to contain the fire. Cal Fire officials noted that the fire’s rapid spread was unusual for January, attributing it to the region’s prolonged dry conditions and gusty winds. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
Evacuation orders issued in area of Border 2 Fire
Cal Fire crews are battling a brush fire that erupted on Otay Mountain Thursday afternoon, with evacuation orders and warnings in place for surroundin
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Interactive 3D map shows Border 2 Fire perimeter, evacuation zones
As crews work to gain containment on the Border 2 Fire in southern San Diego County, Cal Fire is providing a three-dimensional map of the fire, showin
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Gilman Fire, Border 2 fire 4PM update | Fires break out across San Diego County
The Gilman Fire in La Jolla was stopped at 3 acres and evacuation orders have been lifted. The Border 2 Fire continues to spread with little containme
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San Diego, California and National News
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Border 2 Fire Forces Evacuations, School Closures Near U.S.-Mexico Border
The Border 2 Fire has burned 5,389 acres, forced evacuation orders and warnings, and prompted road and school closures.
patch.com
Border 2 Fire 12 p.m. update | Fire explodes to 5k+ acres as Red Flag Warning expires
New evacuation orders and warnings have been issued across southern San Diego County Friday afternoon as Cal Fire continues to battle the blaze.
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