Press Releases
Warden Message-Wildfires in Southern California and U.S.-Mexico Border
Travel-related update concerning wildfires in Southern California and along the U.S./Mexican border
This Warden Message is being issued to inform U.S. citizens who plan travel to Southern California in the next several days about the dire situation resulting from several wildfires in the area.
Local airports are operating without notable schedule disruptions. As hundreds of thousands of Californians have been displaced, however, some flights may be short-staffed, delayed, or cancelled. Several airlines are waving change fees and cancellation penalties. The San Diego Airport has opened an area for displaced travelers at Gate 19, Terminal One.
The state's roads are extremely crowded, and road closures and abrupt diversions are commonplace.
Do not attempt to travel to Southern California without making advance arrangements for where you will stay. Most hotels do not have vacancies due to the large number of people who have evacuated their homes. Even those with reservations should confirm rooms are still available.
Currently, the Tecate Port of Entry is closed. The San Ysidro and Otay Mesa Ports of Entry are open, but could close with little advance notice.
U.S. citizens in a border area close to the fires should carry their travel documents (passport, birth certificate, picture ID’s, etc.) with them at all times or secure them by placing them in a safe, easily accessible location.
For up-to-date information on the fires, travelers should monitor television and radio coverage of the disaster. Security information for Americans traveling abroad can be found at http://travel.state.gov. Information on security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the United States, or, for callers outside the United States and Canada, a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
For any emergencies involving U.S. citizens in Baja California, Mexico, the consulate can be reached at (52) (664) 622-7400. FOR AFTER-HOURS EMERGENCIES ONLY, contact the duty officer in Tijuana at (619) 692-2154 (U.S. number).
American citizens traveling or residing overseas are encouraged to register with the appropriate U.S. Embassy or Consulate.