After at least three wildfires burned across San Diego County this past week, there is a warning that illegal fireworks are another major threat this summer.
The concern comes as temperatures rise and drought conditions continue drying out brush and vegetation throughout county, creating ideal conditions for fast-moving fires.
From the backyard of the Rykbos family home in Oceanside, a scorched hillside is still visible after two nearby wildfires started this week. The first burned Monday, followed by the November Fire on Wednesday near Camp Pendleton, forcing evacuations and putting homes at risk.
David and Kayla Rykbos spend time with their children, Saturday, at their home following two seperate close calls with wildfires in the past week, Oceanside, Calif., June 13, 2026.
“It was big and I’ve seen the wind change instantly, and it can move fast,” said homeowner Kayla Rykbos.
Rykbos was home with her three children when evacuation orders were issued. Her husband, David, was an hour away at work in Point Loma.
“It was scary and so he wasn’t here,” Kayla Rykbos said. “I called him right away and I said, ‘You need to come home. We’re being evacuated,’ so the kids and I packed up.” The evaculation order was quickly lifted when the danger passed.
The parents have talked with their children about fire preparedness and what matters most during an emergency.
“What do they value most — not just what can you put in a bag — but what is most meaningful to you,” David Rykbos said.
Just a few miles away, Capt. John Choi of the North County Fire Protection District walked through dry brush near El Corazon Park, pointing out conditions that can quickly fuel a wildfire.
“This is a really prime example of fuels really drying out,” Choi said.
While drought conditions continue, Choi said fireworks can turn dangerous conditions into a wildfire emergency.
As Independence Day approaches, fire departments are reminding residents that fireworks remain illegal in all parts of San Diego County. Firefighters recommend attending professional displays, including public shows like the Big Bay Boom, as a safer alternative.
“If you have a stray spark (from fireworks) that goes into a field and it lights up the field, you have a big problem,” Capt. Choi said. “Not only for yourself, but the entire community at large.”
According to CAL FIRE, crews spent nearly two days fully containing the November fire that burned near Camp Pendleton and Oceanside neighborhoods Wednesday. More than 560 acres were scorched, but no injuries were reported and no homes or structures were damaged.
If you have a stray spark (from fireworks) that goes into a field and it lights up the field, you have a big problem.Capt. John Choi, North County Fire Protection District
The Rykbos family hopes it stays that way.
“I hope it doesn’t happen again,” Kayla Rykbos said. “It’s very stressful. I don’t want to see my house burn down.”
For now, the family remains safe, prepared and watching conditions closely as fire season intensifies across Southern California.
Residents are also encouraged to download the Genasys Protect app, which provides real-time emergency alerts, evacuation information and updates on when it is safe to return home.
After at least three wildfires burned across San Diego County this past week, there is a warning that illegal fireworks are another major threat this summer.
The concern comes as temperatures rise and drought conditions continue drying out brush and vegetation throughout county, creating ideal conditions for fast-moving fires.
From the backyard of the Rykbos family home in Oceanside, a scorched hillside is still visible after two nearby wildfires started this week. The first burned Monday, followed by the November Fire on Wednesday near Camp Pendleton, forcing evacuations and putting homes at risk.
Tom Zizzi
David and Kayla Rykbos spend time with their children, Saturday, at their home following two seperate close calls with wildfires in the past week, Oceanside, Calif., June 13, 2026.
“It was big and I’ve seen the wind change instantly, and it can move fast,” said homeowner Kayla Rykbos.
Rykbos was home with her three children when evacuation orders were issued. Her husband, David, was an hour away at work in Point Loma.
“It was scary and so he wasn’t here,” Kayla Rykbos said. “I called him right away and I said, ‘You need to come home. We’re being evacuated,’ so the kids and I packed up.” The evaculation order was quickly lifted when the danger passed.
The parents have talked with their children about fire preparedness and what matters most during an emergency.
“What do they value most — not just what can you put in a bag — but what is most meaningful to you,” David Rykbos said.
Just a few miles away, Capt. John Choi of the North County Fire Protection District walked through dry brush near El Corazon Park, pointing out conditions that can quickly fuel a wildfire.
“This is a really prime example of fuels really drying out,” Choi said.
While drought conditions continue, Choi said fireworks can turn dangerous conditions into a wildfire emergency.
As Independence Day approaches, fire departments are reminding residents that fireworks remain illegal in all parts of San Diego County. Firefighters recommend attending professional displays, including public shows like the Big Bay Boom, as a safer alternative.
“If you have a stray spark (from fireworks) that goes into a field and it lights up the field, you have a big problem,” Capt. Choi said. “Not only for yourself, but the entire community at large.”
According to CAL FIRE, crews spent nearly two days fully containing the November fire that burned near Camp Pendleton and Oceanside neighborhoods Wednesday. More than 560 acres were scorched, but no injuries were reported and no homes or structures were damaged.
If you have a stray spark (from fireworks) that goes into a field and it lights up the field, you have a big problem.
Capt. John Choi, North County Fire Protection District
The Rykbos family hopes it stays that way.
“I hope it doesn’t happen again,” Kayla Rykbos said. “It’s very stressful. I don’t want to see my house burn down.”
For now, the family remains safe, prepared and watching conditions closely as fire season intensifies across Southern California.
Residents are also encouraged to download the Genasys Protect app, which provides real-time emergency alerts, evacuation information and updates on when it is safe to return home.