Urgent Update: Is There A Major Fire In San Diego East County Today? Lomas 2 Fire Status And 5 Critical Risk Factors For December 17, 2025

As of Wednesday, December 17, 2025, there are no major, uncontained wildfires actively threatening homes or requiring mass evacuations in the San Diego East County region. While this is positive news for communities like El Cajon, Santee, Alpine, and Julian, the region’s fire agencies—including CAL FIRE San Diego Unit and the San Diego County Fire Protection District—remain on high alert following a recent incident and a forecast that continues to present elevated fire danger for Southern California.

The primary focus for emergency responders and local residents is the containment status of a recent brush fire and the ongoing risk posed by warm, dry conditions typical of a late-season fire environment. The East County’s dense chaparral and canyons are perpetually vulnerable, making vigilance a year-round necessity, especially with the high fire potential forecasted to continue through the end of 2025.

The Latest Incident: Status of the Lomas 2 Fire

The most recent significant wildfire incident in the broader San Diego County area that required a major response was the Lomas 2 Fire. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the region's year-round vulnerability to brush fires.

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The Lomas 2 Fire was initially reported on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, in the late afternoon. While the exact location was initially vague, the rapid deployment of resources from CAL FIRE San Diego Unit indicated the potential for quick growth, a hallmark of fires in the dry, brush-heavy terrain that characterizes much of East County.

Containment and Impact

• Incident Name: Lomas 2 Fire
• Initial Report Date: December 16, 2025, at approximately 3:14 p.m.
• Current Status (Dec 17): Local reports indicate that the fire was quickly attacked by ground and air resources. While the final containment percentage and total acreage are still being confirmed, the lack of ongoing major news coverage on December 17 suggests fire crews achieved rapid control, preventing it from becoming a large-scale incident.
• Location Context: Although the precise location is still being confirmed, any fire in the private land and brush areas of San Diego County warrants immediate attention, particularly if it flares up near East County communities such as Ramona, Lakeside, or the backcountry near Julian.
• Cause: The cause of the Lomas 2 Fire remains officially undetermined and is under investigation.

The swift action of the San Diego County Fire Authority and cooperative agencies was crucial in mitigating the Lomas 2 Fire before it could leverage the dry conditions and become a major threat, underscoring the effectiveness of the regional emergency response system.

Current Fire Weather Conditions Fueling East County Risk (December 17–19, 2025)

While no major fire is currently burning, the weather conditions in the East County foothills and mountains are highly conducive to rapid fire spread. The combination of factors over the next 48 to 72 hours dictates a continued elevated fire risk, particularly in areas like Alpine, Descanso, and the Cuyamaca Mountains.

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5 Critical Fire Risk Factors This Week

1. Above-Normal Temperatures: Forecasts for the inland and East County areas show temperatures climbing significantly, with some areas expected to reach the high 70s to low 80s by Thursday, December 18. These temperatures are well above average for mid-December, accelerating the drying of already parched vegetation (live and dead fuels).
2. Low Relative Humidity (RH): The most dangerous factor is the low relative humidity, especially in the afternoon and evening. Low RH causes vegetation to dry out rapidly, making it highly flammable. The forecast shows humidity dipping into critical levels across the backcountry.
3. Dry Fuel Moisture: CAL FIRE has indicated that the region faces above-normal large fire potential through December due to a combination of well-above-normal temperatures and well-below-normal precipitation. The current fuel moisture levels in chaparral and brush remain critically low, meaning any ignition source can quickly become a large, wind-driven fire.
4. Persistent Offshore Flow (Santa Ana Potential): While a major Santa Ana wind event is not currently forecasted for December 17, the pattern of warm, dry air moving from the desert to the coast remains a constant threat. Even moderate winds can turn a small brush fire into an uncontrollable blaze in the canyons of East County, such as those near El Cajon and Lemon Grove.
5. Temporary Fog/Mist Dissipation: Although the National Weather Service issued a Dense Fog Advisory for the morning of December 17, this moisture is highly localized and temporary. Once the fog burns off, the sun and dry air immediately return, leaving behind tinder-dry conditions for the rest of the day.

Essential Wildfire Preparedness for East County Residents

The East County is known as the Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI), where homes meet natural vegetation. This proximity demands a proactive approach to emergency planning. Fire officials consistently stress that the most effective defense is a prepared community.

5 Actionable Steps to Protect Your Home and Family

Every resident in communities like Julian, Descanso, Pine Valley, and Campo must maintain a high level of readiness. These five steps are non-negotiable for wildfire safety:

1. Maintain Defensible Space (The 100-Foot Rule): This is the single most important action. The first 30 feet immediately surrounding your home should be a "Lean, Clean, and Green" zone, free of all flammable materials. From 30 to 100 feet, reduce the density of vegetation and remove dead or dying plants. This space gives firefighters a safe area to defend your property.
2. Harden Your Home: Focus on vulnerable areas. Install 1/8-inch metal mesh screening over attic and foundation vents to prevent embers from entering. Clear all gutters and roof areas of pine needles and leaves, as these are prime ember ignition points. Replace wood shake roofs with fire-resistant materials.
3. Register for Emergency Alerts: Ensure your mobile phone and landline are registered with the Alert San Diego system. This is the official notification channel used by the County of San Diego to issue real-time evacuation warnings, road closures, and shelter-in-place orders during a major incident.
4. Develop a Family Evacuation Plan: Don't wait for the smoke. Have a "Go Bag" prepared with essential documents (insurance papers, passports), medications, and supplies for at least three days. Plan two separate evacuation routes out of your neighborhood and designate a safe meeting place outside the fire zone.
5. Monitor Local Utility Updates (SDG&E): During high wind or extreme fire weather events, San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) may implement Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS) to prevent their equipment from starting a fire. Stay informed about potential outages and have backup power sources ready, especially if you rely on well pumps or electric gates.

Resources and Key Contacts for San Diego County Fire Information

Staying informed with real-time, verified information is critical during any fire incident. Avoid relying solely on social media and utilize official channels for the most accurate updates on the ground.

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Official Incident Tracking Entities

• CAL FIRE San Diego Unit: The primary agency responsible for wildland fire protection in the State Responsibility Area (SRA) of East County. Their website and official social media channels provide the most current incident reports.
• San Diego County Fire Protection District: Provides fire and emergency services to over 40 communities across the county, often working in Unified Command with CAL FIRE.
• Heartland Fire & Rescue: Covers the metro East County areas, including El Cajon, La Mesa, and Lemon Grove, handling structure fires and initial brush fire attacks in those jurisdictions.
• Alert San Diego: The official county-wide emergency notification system for real-time alerts.
• National Weather Service (NWS): Provides critical Fire Weather Forecasts, Red Flag Warnings, and wind advisories that dictate the overall risk level for the region.

In summary, while East County residents can be relieved that no major fire is actively raging on December 17, 2025, the recent Lomas 2 Fire and the persistently dry, warm weather conditions mean the threat remains high. Preparedness is the only true defense against the next inevitable wildfire event in this high-risk region of Southern California.