NORTH COUNTY–Containment on the Lilac Fire is now 50 percent and acreage remains at 4,100 acres, according to the latest CAL FIRE update Saturday night.
The fire has destroyed 182 structures and damaged 23.The cause remains under investigation.
Several thousand residents remain under evacuation due to dangerous conditions. On Friday, some residents were allowed back home. Recent census figures indicate roughly 7,700 people live in the area under the evacuation order.
The American Red Cross has a shelter open at Palomar College in San Marcos. It currently has a population of 117 evacuees.
Roads within the area under the evacuation order remain closed by law enforcement.
Approximately, 5,500 SDG&E customers throughout the county are without power as of 9 p.m., including 1,800 customers in the fire zone area and 3,000 customers whose power lines were de-energized due to gusty winds and public safety concerns. SDG&E crews have identified at least 40 poles that were damaged due to the Lilac Fire.
While firefighters have made significant work on containment of the Lilac Fire, Santa Ana winds are expected to increase early Sunday. The County remains under a red flag warning through 8 p.m. Sunday.
