The fire was spotted near Old Highway 395 and Dulin Road, near the intersection between State Route 76 and Interstate 15, in Bonsall, San Diego County, California.

During that afternoon, the Lilac Fire left nearly 20,000 San Diego Gas & Electric customers without power.

[16][11] The fire burned the San Luis Rey Training Center, destroying eight barns and killing 46 horses.

[20] During the afternoon of December 9, a woman was arrested for looting a home in Bonsall, within the mandatory evacuation zone.

[21][22] On December 10, the Lilac Fire's burn area remained at 4,100 acres (1,659 ha), with containment increasing to 75%.

[23] During the early afternoon of Friday, December 15, smoke was spotted near the location where the Lilac Fire had started, under a bridge on Interstate 15.

[23] Early on December 16, it was reported that the Lilac Fire had been fully contained, with the final burn area remaining at a size of 4,100 acres (1,700 ha).

[1][21] Bonsall Oceanside Evacuation warnings were issued for areas North of Pala Rd., South of Reche Rd., West of Interstate 15 east of Green Canyon Rd.

[1] The Del Mar Fairgrounds and the San Diego Polo Club opened to large animal evacuations.