The Incident on Halloween

The two photos have absolutely nothing to do with the content of this post—other than timing: Halloween. I had already planned to use them, and nothing better is available for appropriate illustration.

For many adults and kids looking for a good candy haul or costume party, the day is trick rather than treat. Fast-moving canyon brushfire erupted, around 1:40 p.m. PDT today in College Area, which is a neighborhood that includes San Diego State University.

According to San Diego Union Tribune:

Police officers went door to door telling residents to leave in an evacuation zone that spanned Talmadge, the College Area, Normal Heights, and Kensington. The boundaries encompassed a populated swath—south of Interstate 8, west of Hewlett Drive and Collwood Boulevard, north of Monroe Avenue and east of Interstate 805.

That’s a massive, population area which includes thousands of SDSU students. By early evening, cops started letting some people past the roadblocks with proof of residence. Several roads reopened, as well, but closures are expected through Midnight, if not later.

As I write, the fire isn’t completely contained. Cause: Unknown. But spontaneous start in a canyon is aberrant, and I expect somebody suspects homeless encampment(s).


I used Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra to capture the Featured Image. The companion comes from my wife’s Galaxy S24. Vitals: f/2.4, ISO 50, 1/3200 sec, 70mm (film equivalent); 12:56 p.m., Sept. 29, 2024. The other f/2.4, ISO 25, 1/3000 sec; 70mm (film equivalent); 12:59 p.m., same day. Both are composed as taken.

Photo Credit (second shot): Anne Wilcox