Firefighters were prepared to fight Lilac fire

The firefighters of the North County Fire Protection District and elsewhere helped limit the damage of the Lilac fire both during the wildfire and prior to the start of the blaze.

The work of the fire service in fighting the fire included not only the fire suppression activity but also preparation for such an event.

"They certainly put it all out there on this one," said NCFPD fire chief Steve Abbott.

The knowledge of the Santa Ana wind condition allowed the fire department to be prepared for the possibility of a fast-spreading fire.

"We were really blessed by having a good detailed situationa...