If you just looked out your window in North County or scanned the horizon near Otay Mountain today, you might see clear blue skies. You'd think we're in the clear. But honestly, that’s exactly when San Diego gets dangerous.
People think "fire season" is a summer thing. It's not. Not anymore.
As of January 16, 2026, the situation with current fires in san diego ca is a weird mix of relief and high-stakes preparation. We just came out of a week where two separate two-alarm blazes gutted popular local hangouts—Panda Machi in Alpine and The Junction in El Cajon. While those weren't brush fires leaping across canyons, they’ve put the whole county on edge.
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Why? Because the budget is tight, the wind is picking up, and the "January lull" we used to rely on is basically a myth.
Where the Smoke is Right Now
Right now, CAL FIRE and San Diego Fire-Rescue are reporting no major active wildland "mega-fires" currently tearing through the brush. That’s the good news. Most of the recent activity has been "newsworthy incidents" involving structures.
On January 14, crews were scrambled to a residential structure fire on Georgia Street. A day before that? A gas leak on 30th Street that could have leveled a block if things went sideways. We are seeing a lot of these smaller, high-intensity incidents that keep the sirens wailing even when the hillsides aren't orange.
But don't let the lack of a "named" wildfire fool you.
The ground is deceptive. We had some rain back on January 9, but according to the Mission Trails weather data, the "fine fuel moisture" is already dropping. It only takes six days of dry air for that grass to become literal tinder.
The Budget Battle: Why Response Times Might Change
Something's happening behind the scenes that most residents aren't tracking. The San Diego County Board of Supervisors just had a massive 4-0 vote this week. They’re facing a "challenging budget environment"—which is government-speak for "we’re broke."
Supervisor Terra Lawson-Remer is pushing a plan where firefighters at those 22 rural Cal Fire stations will start doing their own maintenance. Think painting, fixing light fixtures, and clearing downed trees themselves.
The idea is to save money for the big stuff, like replacing the 85-year-old station in Descanso. That station is so old and tiny it can only fit one fire truck. In a district like Joel Anderson’s, which is basically the "epicenter" of high-risk zones, that’s terrifying. If a fire starts in the backcountry today, the logistics of getting equipment out of a 1940s-era garage is a real-world bottleneck.
Santa Ana Winds vs. The La Niña Reality
We’re currently stuck in a La Niña pattern.
Typically, that means "warm and dry" for us through May 2026. While Northern California is getting "whiplash weather," we’re looking at above-normal fire potential because the Santa Anas aren't quitting.
You've probably noticed it. One day it's 65 degrees and damp; the next, a gust hits 40 mph and the humidity drops to 10%. That’s the "Border 2 Fire" weather. If you remember last January, the Border 2 Fire scorched over 6,600 acres near Otay Mountain. It was a stark reminder that January can burn just as hot as August if the winds align.
The Vegetation Trap
- Flashy Fuels: The light grass that grew after the December rains is now "cured" (dead). It ignites in seconds.
- Duff and Heavy Brush: This is still somewhat moist, which is why we aren't seeing massive crown fires today.
- The Transition: We are in the "gap" where the old dead stuff is still standing and the new green stuff hasn't fully taken over.
What You Should Actually Be Doing Today
Stop checking the maps for red dots and start looking at your own property. The experts—people like Heartland Fire Chief John Nevin—will tell you that by the time you see smoke, it's too late to do the "chores."
First, look at your "Zone 0." That’s the five feet immediately surrounding your house. If you have dead leaves in your rain gutters or a pile of firewood leaning against your siding, you’re asking for trouble. Embers from a fire three miles away can land in those leaves and burn your house down without a wall of flames ever touching your yard.
Second, get on the Genasys Protect (formerly Zonehaven) app. San Diego County has moved away from vague descriptions. You need to know your specific zone number. If the Sheriff’s Department issues an evacuation order for "SDC-1234," you shouldn't have to Google where that is.
The Reality of "Year-Round" Fire
Supervisor Paloma Aguirre said it best this week: fire preparedness is now year-round. There is no "off-season" in Southern California anymore.
We’re seeing structure fires in Alpine and El Cajon, tightening budgets in the backcountry, and a La Niña cycle that’s keeping the rain away. The risk for current fires in san diego ca isn't just about what's burning right now—it's about how ready we are for the spark that’s coming tomorrow.
Keep your "Go Bag" in the car, not the attic. Ensure your phone is set to receive Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA). Most importantly, keep an eye on the wind, not just the thermometer. In San Diego, the wind tells the real story.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Identify your evacuation zone via the San Diego County Emergency Map or Genasys Protect.
- Clear your "Zone 0"—remove all combustible materials (leaves, mulch, wood) within five feet of your home's exterior.
- Register for AlertSanDiego to get Voicemail, Text, and Email notifications specific to your home address.