May 2014 San Diego County wildfires
| May 2014 San Diego County wildfires | |
|---|---|
Satellite image of several of the wildfires in San Diego County on May 14, 2014.
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| Location | San Diego County, California |
| Statistics | |
| Total fires | 14 |
| Cost | $60 million total (2014 USD) |
| Date(s) | May 5, 2014 – May 22, 2014 |
| Burned area | Approx. 26,000 acres (11,000 ha) |
| Fatalities | 1 confirmed |
| Injuries | At least 6 |
The May 2014 San Diego County wildfires were a swarm of 14 wildfires that erupted during May 2014, in San Diego County, California, during severe Santa Ana Wind conditions, historic drought conditions, and a heat wave. The main event during mid-May was preceded by a precursor fire that ignited on May 5. The Bernardo Fire has been declared accidental, and officials believe the Cocos Fire was intentionally set. The causes of the other fires are still under investigation by multiple agencies, and a joint task force was formed to coordinate the investigations and facilitate communications. Six injuries and one fire-related fatality were reported.
At least eight major (named) fires were burning simultaneously at the height of the event, as well as several unnamed small brush fires. Smoke from the fires prompted health advisories in parts of Orange and Los Angeles counties.
On May 14, the County of San Diego declared a local emergency. Later that evening, Governor Jerry Brown declared a state of emergency for the county and affected areas.
Multiple school districts, California State University at San Marcos, MiraCosta College and Palomar College were forced to cancel classes and close schools for one or more days; CSUSM and Palomar also postponed or cancelled commencement exercises due to the fires. All evacuation orders were lifted by May 18, and all schools resumed classes on May 19.
By the time the last of the fires was extinguished, approximately 26,000 acres (105 km2) of land had burned and an estimated 65 structures had been destroyed. Damage estimates were still being compiled as of late May 2014, but the County estimates that the fires cost close to $60 million (2014 USD), including $29.8 million in destruction or damage to private property, and $27.9 million in the costs of firefighting, support, and environmental damage.
The May outbreak of fires occurred during a period of offshore flow throughout Southern California that meteorologist deemed highly unusual for the month of May. Beginning on May 11, the situation turned critical and red flag warnings went were issued across the region. By May 14, with the warnings still in effect, daytime temperatures were hovering around 100 °F (38 °C), with humidity below 10%.
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