Wildfire — San Diego, California

2003-10-25 to 2003-10-31 · near Pine Hills, San Diego, California

Wider weather episode

Named the Cedar Fire, this fire was started around sunset on October 25 by a lost hunter. Wind gusts from the northeast over 30 mph began within 2 hours of the fire's start. Atmospheric conditions remained favorable for rapid fire growth for the four days following with maximum temperatures ranging between 88 and 98, and minimum relative humidity around 15%. During the first 36 hours, the fire grew at a rate of 6000 acres/hour. At one point it had a 45 mile long flaming front and threatened to merge with the Paradise Fire to the north and the Otay Fire to the south. During the month of October, it consumed 275,833 acres and destroyed: 2403 residential, commercial, and industrial buildings; 2725 accessory buildings; 3302 vehicles, travel trailers, boats, and tractors; 500 power poles; and several miles of utility and highway infrastructure. It damaged another 155 residential, commercial, and industrial buildings; 16 accessory buildings; and 11 vehicles, travel trailers, boats, and tractors. Of the acreage consumed, 33,000 were within the city limits of San Diego. Communities affected included: Lake Cuyamaca, Wynola, Pine Hills, Harrison Park, Scripps Ranch, Tierrasanta, San Diego Estates, Poway, Ramona, Santee, Lakeside, Blossom Valley, Pine Valley, Descanso, and Julian. Federal property containing the Miramar Marine Corp Air Station, the Federal Aviation Administration's Air Traffic Control Radar (TRACON) and the National Weather Service's radar (WSR-88D) and upper air inflation shelter was also consumed. Two U.S.N. troop carriers and QualComm Stadium were used as evacuation shelters. Poor air quality and visibility due to the smoke and ash forced the closures of schools and air and ground transportation. East to northeast winds continued to gust near 40 mph until midday October 29 when the Santa Ana wind event ended. During the next 24 hours, the winds gusted from the opposite direction between 25 and 40 mph. Moisture increased rapidly and light rain and drizzle were observed over much of the fire area. As the month ended the fire was still active.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 5335898. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.