SAN DIEGO — A brush fire that exploded overnight just north of the U.S.-Mexico border forced thousands to evacuate and school closures.
Five Catholic school campuses closed Jan. 24 due to the dangers posed by fire, high winds and poor air quality. The schools are:
- Our Lady of Mt. Carmel School, San Ysidro
- St. John of the Cross Catholic School, Lemon Grove
- St. Rose of Lima School, Chula Vista
- Mater Dei Catholic Elementary School, Chula Vista
- Mater Dei Catholic High School, Chula Vista
The temporary closure of these Catholic schools, as well as area public schools, was prompted by the Border 2 Fire, which started around 2:30 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 23, near Otay Mountain Truck Trail. The fire exploded overnight and by 1:30 p.m. Jan. 24, it had burned nearly 5,400, and was only 10% contained, according to CalFire.
The schools will remain closed until the fire danger has passed.
“The safety of students and staff at our Catholic schools affected by the fires is our top priority,” the diocesan Office for Schools posted on its social media. “We are praying for their well-being and a quick return to normalcy.”
For more information, please contact the diocesan Office for Schools, eyanez@sdcatholic.org and (858) 490-8241, or follow the office’s social media page.
