Fire in Fairmount

Aiko Busby and Kayla Kashani • November 20, 2024

On Halloween 2024, a bush fire broke out in Fairmount, an area near San Diego State University. It originated in the canyons near a homeless encampment, and moved quickly due to the Santa Ana winds. The fire burned 40 acres of land, prompting a wide evacuation. So far, it has damaged six homes, and there are no reports of any injuries or deaths. Roads around SDSU were closed to allow firefighters easy access to the burning areas, including Montezuma Road, and an off-ramp of Interstate 8 Highway. David Galvez, a sophomore at La Jolla High School, said “Many things burnt down. [The fire] is really tragic and makes a huge impact in the community.”

When the fire was initially spotted, citizens in the area worked together to quickly call 911 to report the fire, and some even used their garden hoses to try to put out some of the smaller flames before the fire department arrived. As of Saturday, November 2, the fire is 90% contained. This means there has been a perimeter line dug around 90% of the burn area, which the fire will not be able to cross. The remaining fire is left to burn until it can’t anymore.

Because the fire allegedly started near a homeless encampment, many unsheltered people were affected. Nah’Lysha Galvez, also a sophomore at the high school, said “The homeless have nowhere to go, hopefully our community can provide them with shelter while they find a new place to live.” Luckily, no one has been reported dead or injured due to the fire, and this can be attributed to the fast responding of the firefighters.

Smoke billows from a bush fire. Image via Wikimedia Commons.

About the Contributors

Aiko Busby, News Editor

Aiko Busby is a senior in her second year of journalism. Having served as the Sports Editor last year, she is now excited to take on the role of News Editor. She chose journalism as her elective to learn how to talk to people she wouldn't normally talk to and to share their voices and opinions. She hopes to improve her writing, interviewing, and editing and revising other’s works as an editor. She also enjoys having her younger sister, Torrey, in the class with her. Aiko has enjoyed dancing hula every Saturday and playing both field hockey and lacrosse. Aiko is excited to have a great senior year with the Hi-Tide!

Kayla Kashani, Staff Writer

Kayla Kashani is a junior at La Jolla High School and this is her first year in Journalism. She enjoys writing and photography. Kayla always manages to get her work done on time and she's a reliable team member. She’s excited to be a part of the Journalism class. Kayla’s hobbies include playing basketball, running track, and hanging out with her friends. Her favorite subjects in school are English and History because they are her strongest subjects. Kayla can't wait to become a stronger writer while in Journalism and become better at interviewing.