Wildfire — San Diego, California

2003-10-26 to 2003-10-31 · near Valley Center, San Diego, California

Wider weather episode

Named the Paradise Fire, this fire was started by an arsonist on October 26, 2003. In October it consumed 56,000 acres, and destroyed 348 structures, 342 vehicles, and several miles of utility lines and highway infrastructure. Atmospheric and fuel conditions were favorable for rapid growth both preceding and during the first several days of the fire. Maximum temperatures ranged between 91 and 101 degrees, relative humidity ranged from 6 to 10 percent during the day and 28-46 percent at night, with east and northeast winds gusting 30 to 40 mph during the nights and mornings and becoming west 5 to 10 mph during the afternoons. On the first day, the fire rapidly burned into Valley Center and east Escondido, consuming 7,350 acres and 160 structures. Rapid fire growth continued for the next two days. From October 29 through October 31, the dominate wind direction was southwest and moisture increased significantly. Light rain and drizzle fell over parts of the fire area, but the fire was only 30 percent contained and still active when October ended.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 5335978. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.