[01-23-2025] San Diego County, CA – Gilman Fire In La Jolla Contained After Burning Three Acres, Evacuations Lifted

Firefighters contained a brush fire, dubbed the “Gilman Fire,” in La Jolla, San Diego, on Thursday afternoon, January 23, 2025, after it burned approximately three acres and prompted evacuations in the surrounding area.

According to officials, the fire was reported around 2:30 p.m. near the Gilman Drive and Via Alicante intersection. The blaze, fueled by strong Santa Ana winds and low humidity, threatened several multi-family residential units before crews stopped its forward progress by 3:30 p.m.

Evacuation orders were issued for areas bordered by La Jolla Village Drive to the north, La Jolla Parkway to the south, Gilman Drive to the east, and Torrey Pines Road to the west. Warnings were extended to parts of La Jolla Shores Drive and Torrey Pines Road but were lifted by 3:50 p.m. A temporary evacuation point was set up at the La Jolla Institute for Immunology at 9420 Athena Circle.

San Diego Unified School District officials reported that 70 children in the afterschool program at Torrey Pines Elementary School were sheltered in place until they were picked up by parents. Classes were canceled for the remainder of the day.

The fire response resulted in traffic congestion, including the closure of the northbound Interstate 5 off-ramp to Gilman Drive. Authorities expect crews to remain on the scene for the next several hours to mop up and address any remaining hot spots. Residents are advised to avoid the area while operations continue.

The cause of the fire is under investigation, and it occurred amid a Red Flag Warning in San Diego County due to strong winds and low humidity.

Turn To The Wildfire Lawyers California Trusts

Are you affected by the Palisades, Malibu, Eaton, Hurst, and other wildfires? Such catastrophes lead to trauma for individuals, families, and entire communities. If you’re hurt in a wildfire or your property was damaged, talk to our California wildfire injury lawyers to discuss your options for pursuing monetary damages for all your losses.

Human negligence is a frequent contributing factor to wildfires. Utility companies are often held responsible for past fires. If someone’s carelessness caused you to suffer injuries or losses, our wildfire lawyers can help you fight back. With several decades of combined experience, we have recovered over $750 million for numerous clients. Under the direction of Arash Khorsandi, Esq., our industry-recognized wildfire attorneys can help you and your loved ones stand up from the devastating losses caused by wildfires in California.

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How To Bring A Wildfire Damage And Injury Claim In California

You may be overwhelmed by the extent and size of the destruction that flames cause. It’s possible that you’ve lost your home, business, and personal belongings. To obtain financial recompense for your losses, you may still make a claim for harm, death, or damage. You should take the following actions prior to filing a claim for injuries and fire damage:

• Gather all of the evidence that demonstrates your actions on the day or night the fire occurred. Your claim can be denied if the insurance provider can show that you were at fault for your injuries and property damages. Your insurance may also deny your claim if it determines that your damages are unrelated to the fire.
• Compile all of the wildfire-related invoices and receipts. These include invoices for cleaning services, bills from house repair contractors, agreements for temporary accommodation, rental car bills, and costs associated with debris disposal.
• Maintain a log of everything, including any injuries and damages you experience. Keep copies of your medical records, doctor’s notes, and treatment plans. Return to your home and take pictures or films of the damage to your property if it is safe to do so.
• List all the things you lost due to the wildfire, including personal belongings and lost income, together with the dates and purchase costs. Having such a record can be useful when filing a wildfire-related claim. This document serves as evidence of the damage.
• Call our attorneys for wildfire injuries immediately. We’ll put together a compelling argument to keep the insurance company from denying or delaying your claim.

Sadly, interacting with insurance providers may be challenging, so protecting your rights requires adopting some steps. The best wildfire insurance claim attorneys can help you through this procedure and pursue monetary recompense.

I HAD AN ACCIDENT

California Wildfire Statistics

Over the years, wildfires have had a significant impact on thousands of Californians, many of whom had to start over after suffering severe injuries and property losses.

In 2017, 47 people lost their lives in wildfires that destroyed 1.5 million acres. By 2019, 277,000 acres had been burned by fires, forcing widespread evacuations. Meanwhile, Cal Fire recorded 7,477 wildfires in 2022 that destroyed 876 structures, burned 331,360 acres, and claimed nine lives. As of January 2025, major flames are raging in California, including the Palisades and Eaton Canyon fires.

Climate change, worsening droughts, and extreme weather continue to make wildfires a serious threat. Emergency preparation, fire prevention, and the right insurance are crucial for protecting homes, businesses, and lives.