5 Critical Facts About The New Fires In San Diego County: Latest Updates And Wildfire Preparedness For December 2025

San Diego County is currently grappling with the tail end of a challenging fire season, with the most recent incident, the Thing Fire, serving as a stark reminder of California's year-round wildfire threat. As of Wednesday, December 17, 2025, residents are urged to remain vigilant, particularly as dry conditions and the ever-present risk of Santa Ana winds continue to elevate fire danger across the region. This article provides the freshest details on the latest incidents and the essential preparedness measures everyone in high-fire-risk areas must take.

The Thing Fire, which began on December 10, 2025, is the newest major incident demanding the attention of regional fire services. While the immediate threat to structures may have subsided for some recent blazes, the continuous need for wildfire preparedness remains the most critical focus for homeowners and emergency management officials, including CAL FIRE and the San Diego Fire-Rescue department.

The Latest Incident: Thing Fire and Other Recent Wildfires

The most active recent incident in the region is the Thing Fire, which ignited on federal land within San Diego County on December 10, 2025. This fire is primarily burning in rugged terrain managed by the United States Forest Service (USFS).

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As of the most recent public updates on December 15, 2025, the fire was still active, though specific containment figures were not immediately available, highlighting the difficulty in battling remote blazes.

The Thing Fire follows a pattern of significant fires that have tested the county's resources throughout 2025, demonstrating that the traditional "fire season" is now a misnomer in Southern California.

A Look Back at the 2025 Fire Intensity

The 2025 season has seen several notable incidents, illustrating the scale of the danger:

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• The Otay Mountain-Area Wildfire: Early in the year, a major blaze near the Otay Mountain area scorched a massive 6,625 acres. This fire required an extensive, multi-agency response to achieve full containment.
• The Sandia Fire: In Northern San Diego County, the Sandia Fire near the community of De Luz threatened structures and necessitated temporary evacuation warnings. Firefighters successfully contained this blaze at 24 acres, providing a critical example of effective, rapid response from San Diego County Fire.

These events underscore the warning issued by County Fire Chief Tony Mecham, who has repeatedly stated that a large, devastating fire remains the single greatest economic threat to San Diego County.

The Unseen Enemy: Why San Diego’s Fire Risk is Year-Round

Unlike many parts of the country, San Diego's fire risk is not confined to summer. The region's unique geography and weather patterns create a persistent threat, especially during the late fall and winter months.

The Critical Role of Santa Ana Winds

The primary driver of major, fast-moving wildfires in Southern California is the phenomenon known as the Santa Ana winds.

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These hot, dry, and powerful gusts blow from the desert, typically between September and February. They drastically lower humidity levels and rapidly dry out already parched vegetation, turning brush into tinder.

When a fire ignites under Santa Ana wind conditions, it can spread with terrifying speed, making initial attack and containment extremely difficult. This is why official warnings about fire weather are taken so seriously by the National Weather Service (NWS) San Diego Forecast Office.

Drought and Fuel Load

The 2025 Fire Season Outlook indicated a warmer and drier spring than normal, a trend that contributes to elevated fire danger through the end of the year. Years of drought conditions have created a massive "fuel load"—the amount of dry, combustible vegetation—in the wildland-urban interface (WUI) areas.

The combination of high temperatures, low humidity, and dense, dry brush creates a perfect storm for catastrophic fires. This reality makes wildfire mitigation and proactive clearing of defensible space non-negotiable for anyone living near open space.

5 Essential Steps for San Diego Wildfire Preparedness

The official message from fire agencies is clear: personal responsibility is the first line of defense. The Fire Safe Council of San Diego County and the City of San Diego strongly advocate for the READY, SET, GO! program.

Here are the five most critical steps to ensure your family and property are ready for the next emergency:

1. Create and Maintain Defensible Space (READY)

This is the most crucial step in protecting your home. Defensible space is the area around a structure where all combustible vegetation and materials have been cleared or reduced to slow the spread of fire. The goal is to create a buffer zone that allows firefighters to safely defend your home. Focus on the first 100 feet from your home, paying special attention to the "Ember Zone" (the first 5 feet) where all flammable items, like mulch and outdoor furniture, should be removed.

2. Harden Your Home Structure (READY)

Your home's construction materials matter. Replace wood shake roofs with fire-resistant alternatives, install fine mesh screening over attic and foundation vents to prevent embers from entering, and use non-combustible siding. Embers are the leading cause of home destruction during wildfires.

3. Develop an Evacuation Plan (SET)

A comprehensive plan is vital, especially for residents in high-fire-risk areas. Your plan should include at least two evacuation routes, a designated meeting spot outside the fire zone, and a communication strategy for family members. Practice the routes regularly and know where to access real-time Emergency Public Information from the County of San Diego Emergency Map.

4. Assemble an Emergency Kit (SET)

Your "Go Kit" should be easily accessible and contain essentials for at least 72 hours. Include water, non-perishable food, prescription medications, copies of important documents (insurance policies, identification), a battery-powered or hand-crank radio, and a flashlight. Keep this kit current and ready to grab at a moment’s notice.

5. Stay Informed and GO! When Ordered

Monitor local news, the CAL FIRE incident page, and the San Diego County emergency website for current updates. If an official evacuation order is issued by law enforcement or fire officials, leave immediately. Do not wait for conditions to worsen. Hesitation can put your life and the lives of first responders at risk. The "GO!" phase is not a suggestion; it is a mandatory action to ensure safety.

The recent activity, from the Thing Fire to the contained Sandia Fire, proves that San Diego County is constantly under the threat of wildfire. By taking these proactive steps and prioritizing wildfire preparedness, residents can significantly reduce their risk and contribute to the safety of their communities.