Border Fire Pollutes Air Near 3 Synagogues in Chula Vista, But No Evacuation Orders So Far

Border2 Fire  (Photo Tim Paagard)

By Sandy Scheller

Sandy Scheller

CHULA VISTA, California — Smoke and ash filled the air near three synagogues in Chula Vista, but none of them were immediately threatened or evacuated on Friday or Saturday. Chabad of Chula Vista was the closest to the fire being about five miles away.

Women of Chabad have a walking group at Otay Park, and I went there to watch in horror as flames surged from the Otay Mountain range. Although there were no immediate threats, the city quickly took action by sending out evacuation alerts. The fire’s origin was near Otay Lakes, which made it easier for aircraft to reload with water and directly target the flare-ups.

Otay Lakes is a peaceful area surrounded by numerous rare birds and vegetation.  It is the closest lake to the border with Mexico, so this was named the “Border2 fire.”  Due to illegal crossings in the area, it is challenging to get an accurate count of those who may have been injured or lost their lives. The region is home to numerous mountain lions and coyotes, other wildlife that transits the area, which was once considered sacred indigenous land.

On a personal note, as a child, I attended many Temple Beth Shalom picnics and gatherings in this beautiful area of the South Bay. Hopefully, the fires will be extinguished soon, and with the rain forecasted for Sunday, Jan 26, this too shall pass. It’s a reminder to express our gratitude to the service personnel, carry extra water, and prepare an emergency kit for the unexpected.

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Sandy Scheller is a freelance writer based in Chula Vista.