City News Service

Intense critical fire-weather conditions were forecast for Friday through the San Diego area due to gusty Santa Ana winds and low humidity, which combined to heighten the risk of wildfires.

A brush fire in the unincorporated Rancho San Diego area near El Cajon burned 30 acres and was 50% contained Thursday morning after destroying one home and damaging six others, authorities said.

San Diego County health officials reported 1,504 new COVID-19 cases and five additional deaths Thursday as rising hospitalization rates throughout the state prompted Gov. Gavin Newsom to issue a conditional stay-at-home order.

A UC San Diego study found those suffering from economic hardships during COVID-19 are less likely comply with new stay-at-home orders but would be more likely to adhere to public health guidelines if they received stimulus funds.

Extreme fire danger persisted throughout the San Diego area for a second day Thursday as gusty Santa Ana winds and low humidity combined to heighten the risk of wildfires and utility officials shut off power for tens of thousands of inland homes and businesses as a precaution.

Power was turned off to 11,583 customers in the areas of Alpine, Boulevard, Campo, Campo Reservation, Descanso, Encinitas, El Cajon, Escondido, Jacumba, La Jolla Reservation, La Posta Reservation, Manzanita Reservation, Mesa Grande Reservation, Pauma Reservation, Pauma Valley, Potrero, Ramona, Santa Ysabel, Santa Ysabel Reservation, Valley Center and Viejas Reservation.

California has been battered by 10 previous atmospheric rivers this winter.

The latest in-custody death comes on the heels of news that a sheriff’s deputy was arrested for allegedly having illegal drugs on county jail property.

Officials with the U.S. Department of Transportation issued a statement in response to Southwest's cancellations, noting that the department will be looking into the situation.