A fast-moving wildfire broke out in San Diego County Thursday, quickly consuming 2,500 acres, officials said. The Lilac Fire was zero percent contained late Thursday afternoon and had destroyed 20 structures. Another 1,000 were threatened.

The fire began along Interstate 15 and State Route 76. Photos and videos from the scene showed flames nearing the highway as smoke billowed throughout the region.

Evacuation orders were in place for homes East of E. Vista Way and Mission Road, South of Highway 76, West of I 15 Freeway, North of Gopher Canyon Road and East of East Village Way and Mission Road. Officials said the fire was growing at a “dangerous rate” thanks to high-speed winds in the area.

A state of emergency was declared in San Diego County. Evacuation centers were set up at local high schools and other facilities and residents were encouraged to take livestock and to the Del Mar Fairgrounds, according to the San Diego Union Tribune.

It remained the extent of the injuries resulting from the Lilac Fire. Officials said at least two people were transported for treatment after being burned. It remained unclear what caused the fire.

Firefighters battled other immense fires in the state as well. The Thomas Fire in Ventura County spread across more than 100,000 acres by Thursday afternoon, while the Creek Fire also continued to spread near Sylmar. A Red Flag warning was in effect for Southern California thanks to high winds, dry vegetation and low humidity. The warning was set to expire Sunday night though authorities warned conditions could get worse, hindering firefighting efforts in the region.

RELATED STORIES
California