Palomar Mountain News

An arsonist (or two) started five known fires on Palomar along the South Grade tonight, Friday, February 21, 2025. Thanks to the fire departments quick response, all fires are out.

Coming up from Valley Center tonight Teresa McCarthy and I passed several law enforcement parked a few miles apart, at the side of the road with their lights on. Pulled over and spoke to one La Jolla Tribal policeman who said they have had five fires started so far tonight.

A neighbor texted me that her husband, Eddie Sedarifa saw a fire on his way up. He said when he pulled up a black car with dark tinted windows sped away. He said they were using glass bottles filled with gasoline and a rag.

We saw one officer cleaning up dark green broken glass from the middle of the road.

Will Parent also texted his photo from the big lookout and spoke with the FD who said they are looking for someone in a white sedan lighting fires.

Ray and Sue Carpenter are volunteering to start up a ‘Palomar Patrol’. They have committed to driving the roads several hours a day. Everyone’s help is needed to really keep your eye out for anyone parked along side the road or out of a car looking suspicious. Have your phone handy and camera on when you’re driving the mountain. If you come upon a suspicious situation, when you can safely get a photo of the license plate, car description and description of people, that is what law enforcement needs.

The People of Palomar will Patrol and do their best to catch anyone messing with our Mountain.

Let’s do this,

Bonnie Phelps, Realtor-on-the-watch

760-533-1742