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Updates on fires near Temecula: Rice Canyon blaze still south of county Line; Wildomar fire extinguished
By: North County Times | ∞
The massive Rice Canyon fire in North San Diego County is still south of the Riverside County line, according to fire officials.
That blaze, which has charred at least 7,500 acres in the Fallbrook area, is still a threat to the De Luz area of Riverside County as firefighters are working to hold it at the county line.
Using air tankers and crews on the ground, firefighters "have diligently worked all day at the county line," said Capt. Fernando Herrera of the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.
"That's where they want to hold the fire," Herrera said of the crews heading up the fire fight in San Diego County.
Herrera said there are fire personnel on the Riverside County side scouting the area, keeping an eye on the county line to knock down any flames that may make their way over.
He did not know how far from the county line the blaze was at 4 p.m., but several hours earlier said it was at least three or four miles away.
The Rosa fire in De Luz has stopped burning and is expected to be surrounded by a fire line at 6 p.m., he said.
Wildomar success story
A fire that broke out in Wildomar before 1 p.m. near Grand Avenue and Wesley Street charred 20 acres but was extinguished relatively quickly. An air tanker was overhead not long after the fire started and helped to knock the flames down.
4:15 p.m. update
2-acre brush fire reported near Wildomar
WILDOMAR -- A new fire is reported burning in the hills west of this unincorporated community. As of 1 p.m. the fire had consumed about 2 acres of brush near the intersection of Grand Avenue and Wesley Street. No structures are currently threatened said a spokeswoman for the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.
A tree was on fire near Washington and Nutmeg in Murrieta. If we don't hear more about this one consider that good news. With all that's working we may not be able to update this if it turns out to be nothing.
Smoke has been spotted in the Menifee area. Firefighters are heading out to investigate. If this turns into a working fire we'll be updating you on it.
--- John Hall, Lauri Lockwood - Staff Writers
1:15 p.m. update
Rosa Fire
There is no actual fire burning in De Luz at the Rosa fire, which has stayed at 411 acres charred for about 24 hours, fire officials said this afternoon.
The fire is also still 85 percent surrounded with fire crews actively mopping up the damage already done, Riverside County fire Capt. Fernando Herrera said. Officials are working to get crews to the remaining 15 percent and expect to have it completely surrounded by 6 p.m., he said.
There is concern involving the Rice Canyon fire, which is burning nearly out of control to the south in San Diego County.
That fire is still about three or four miles from the Riverside County line, Herrera said.
-- John Hall - Staff Writer, 1:00 p.m.
No evacuations mandated
DE LUZ -- The Rosa fire burning west of Temecula is 85 percent surrounded this morning.
While evacuations are again under way on the San Diego County side, there are no evacuations mandated, authorities said.
Local fire officials are keeping a close eye on the Rice Canyon fire that has burned 7,500 acres in Fallbrook, said Cheri Patterson, spokeswoman for the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.
That fire, which is roughly 10 percent surrounded, is still in San Diego County but is burning toward the Riverside County Line.
"It's still about five to seven miles away," Patterson said.
If necessary, officials will use their reverse 911 system to notify Riverside County De Luz residents to evacuate.
The reverse 911 system however, only works with home phones, not cell phones or voice over data lines, Patterson said.
The primary evacuation route would be down Rancho California Road and into Temecula.
"Now is the time to think about preparedness," Patterson said. "It's a good time to gather your important papers, pictures, medications and anything else that might be needed."
County fire officials are also watching the Poomacha fire burning south of Temecula near Palomar Mountain.
That fire, which is still about 12 miles south of the Riverside County line, has burned about 20,000 acres on the La Jolla Indian Reservation, Patterson said.
1:00 p.m. Wednesday
De Luz fire: 9:30 a.m. update
By: JOHN HUNNEMAN --- staff writer
DE LUZ -- The Rosa fire burning west of Temecula is 85 percent surrounded this morning.
While evacuations are again under way on the San Diego County side, there are no evacuations mandated, authorities said.
Local fire officials are keeping a close eye on the Rice Canyon fire that has burned 7,500 acres in Fallbrook, said Cheri Patterson, spokeswoman for the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.
That fire, which is roughly 10 percent surrounded, is still in San Diego County but is burning toward the Riverside County Line.
"It's still about five to seven miles away," Patterson said.
If necessary, officials will use their reverse 911 system to notify Riverside County De Luz residents to evacuate.
The reverse 911 system however, only works with home phones, not cell phones or voice over data lines, Patterson said.
The primary evacuation route would be down Rancho California Road and into Temecula.
"Now is the time to think about preparedness," Patterson said. "It's a good time to gather your important papers, pictures, medications and anything else that might be needed."
County fire officials are also watching the Poomacha fire burning south of Temecula near Palomar Mountain.
That fire, which is still about 12 miles south of the Riverside County line, has burned about 20,000 acres on the La Jolla Indian Reservation, Patterson said.
Firefighters encircle most of De Luz blaze
DE LUZ -- Ground crews and a helicopter launched a full-scale assault on the Rosa fire Tuesday in an attempt to surround the blaze, keep it away from homes and stop its march toward the San Diego County line and the Rice Canyon fire battering Fallbrook.
The effort paid off as the men and machine power, aided by a lessening of powerful Santa Ana winds, enabled firefighters to get a line around 70 percent of the blaze Tuesday afternoon, officials said. Officials estimated the blaze would be fully encircled Tuesday night.
Full control of the fire, which blackened a total of 411 acres, is expected Wednesday afternoon.
Tuesday evening, authorities with the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection confirmed that they believe the blaze was started by an arsonist.
Fire crews from as far away as Nevada and the Coachella Valley arrived Tuesday morning on the hilly terrain -- home to avocado groves and stately mansions -- west of Temecula to fight the fire that began late Monday.
The blaze started as three separate fires about a mile apart, fire officials said. Crews were able to extinguish one of the fires early Tuesday morning, holding it to about 2 acres.
However, the other two fires, both burning along Via Vaquero, just south of Via Santa Rosa, flared Tuesday as Santa Ana winds rose up after daybreak.
Gusts of up to 35 miles per hour hampered efforts early in the day and officials dropped their overnight estimate of 70 percent surrounded to 50 percent.
On Tuesday, fire equipment lined the narrow roads and parked in driveways of homes tucked away in nearby canyons to offer structure protection.
Firefighters and inmate crews numbering about 200 battled the blaze, which burned mostly in the deep interior of avocado groves.
Above, a California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection attack helicopter began making water drops on both locations of the fire about 10:30 a.m.
"If we can hold what we've got now we'll be in good shape," said Division Chief Mike Ritchey, who parked his vehicle on Via Vaquero and was monitoring the air and ground attack. "There's a lot of potential here for these two fires to get big."
Looming in the distance to the south was the huge fire burning in and around Fallbrook that sent clouds of thick smoke hundreds of feet into the air, smoke easily visible from De Luz and, increasingly throughout the day, from Temecula Valley.
"We're trying to keep our fire from joining the one in San Diego," Ritchey said.
That effort succeeded. However by late afternoon, even with the Rosa fire almost surrounded, fire officials sought to assure nervous Southwest County residents that the smoke wafting over the valley was coming from the blaze in Fallbrook, not a rekindling of the De Luz fire.
"There is not a puff of smoke coming from the Rosa incident," said CDF spokesman Capt. Fernando Herrera about 3 p.m.
De Luz residents, who had left their homes Monday when voluntary evacuations had been called, would be allowed to return home Tuesday evening, Herrera said.
No structures were damaged and no injuries reported, Herrera said.
Contact staff writer John Hunneman at (951) 676-4315, Ext. 2603, or hunneman@californian.com.
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- SD County fires not threatening Temecula, fire officials say
- Fires spark state's largest evacuation
- Shelters filling up in Temecula as evacuations continue
Concerned-1 wrote on Oct 23, 2007 1:46 PM:What kind of people start these fires? What kind of people loot homes? Hard to believe.
Danny wrote on Oct 23, 2007 1:54 PM:These fires up here are looking worse by the hour! Im in the southern Temecula area and can see what looks like 3-4 different areas of fires. How many fires are there in this area exactly? Thanks for being a great news source during this time NCTIMES!
Mark in Temecula wrote on Oct 23, 2007 1:57 PM:I believe this is the smoke that I'm seeing from my bedroom. What direction is it moving in?
sean wrote on Oct 23, 2007 2:03 PM:i have heard Temecula is on "stand-by" evacuation.... is this true or not true? and where do we find out??
mdc wrote on Oct 23, 2007 2:12 PM:What's the latest on the Rosa fire at approx. 2:15? Any word on any loss of structure at this point? Thanks to anyone who can answer.
Jason wrote on Oct 23, 2007 2:15 PM:I'm here in temecula. Any info on de luz and pauma?
SHANA wrote on Oct 23, 2007 2:18 PM:GOOD WORK IN KEEPING US APPRISED OF THE EVENTS. KEEPS ME FROM WORRYING SO MUCH.
Irene wrote on Oct 23, 2007 2:19 PM:Is the fire close to Pechanga I live a few blocks from there?
Angela wrote on Oct 23, 2007 2:26 PM:We're north of Del Oro and it looks like the fire is traveling the other dirction, but we're evacuating the horses right now just to be safe. A little too close for comfort!
Temecula wrote on Oct 23, 2007 2:32 PM:Early yesterday morning we saw commet like things falling from the sky. i think this is the cause of the fires but no word from any news yet. are they trying to keep it a secret? what is going on!!!
David wrote on Oct 23, 2007 2:33 PM:It is times like this that it becomes really obvious that we NEED local broadcast media. Those RADIO stations that collect advertising revenue from local businesses should be shuttered and run out of town for not providing LOCAL BROADCAST NEWS, I have tuned in to three stations that claim to be local to the Temecula valley.....they are all playing music. How irresponsible!! And the stranglehold that the LA Tv stations have on broadcast rights in this area need to be challanged.
mia wrote on Oct 23, 2007 2:37 PM:Does anyone have any update on the Fallbrook fire...location. I live on E. Mission Road just off the I-15 (about 1.5 miles in) and am worried about my house.
Silly1 wrote on Oct 23, 2007 2:38 PM:Temecula is too far north for San Diego's radar and too far south for Los Angeles. How can folks in Temecula find out what's going on? Temecula does not get reported on the news.
AvocadoJoe wrote on Oct 23, 2007 2:39 PM:Are we allow to go through Via Santa Rosa or is it still close off from traffic? I have property up there and I am concern about my neighbor next door to my property. Called her home phone and the answering machine is still on, that is great to hear.
Silly1 wrote on Oct 23, 2007 2:42 PM:Thanks for the update. Temecula is too far north for San Diego news and too far south for LA news.
Mel wrote on Oct 23, 2007 2:49 PM:Check out the comments under the story: "Fire breaks out west of Temecula", there's alot more conversation regarding these fires going on there.
xo wrote on Oct 23, 2007 2:57 PM:Those "comets" you are seeing are most likely embers. And they are carried by the wind which is one of the reasons that containment is so difficult and why the status of an area changes so often.
lily wrote on Oct 23, 2007 2:57 PM:one thing about the comment above: oh brother.
mia wrote on Oct 23, 2007 3:03 PM:Any update on the Fallbrook fire. I live on E. Mission Road (~2 miles in).
Matt wrote on Oct 23, 2007 3:08 PM:I heard there is fire further north near Lake Elsinore. Is there any truth to this?? Please tell me quick.
jj wrote on Oct 23, 2007 3:14 PM:"David" I couldn't agree with you more. There is certainly the population in southwest Riverside county to support it.
MY LETTER TO ROADRUNNER TIME-WARNER wrote on Oct 23, 2007 3:26 PM:I have lived in Murrieta, CA (92563) for the last 10 years. I have worked in San Diego for the last 20 years. Now more then ever as Southern California is burning I need information relating to San Diego. Los Angeles programming is useless to me. I am very dissatisfied with this aspect of my cable TV. I would also like to point out that the San Diego County Line is only 7 miles from my house, and it has been years since I have been in Los Angeles County. I will be looking for alternate TV service if you cannot provide San Diego Coverage.
sarah... wrote on Oct 23, 2007 3:36 PM:these fires are freakin' me out! PLEASE let us know how close is the DE LUZ fire to Murrieta &/or Wildomar... it seems really smokey around here & I'm getting nervous! please update us on HOW CLOSE??!!?? this is the ONLY PLACE I am recieving local news from...
Christina wrote on Oct 23, 2007 3:37 PM:Anyone with Verizon cable tune into channel 27 for local Temecula news (yippee!), by radio, KFMB 760 am is extremely informative and constantly taking calls from Temecula residents with questions. Also, it was reported that Riverside county residents can call 951-940-6985, that is the Riverside County Fire information line. Hope that info helps! I was just in Redhawk (at 3 p.m.) and although smoky, no sign of flames close-by.
Christina wrote on Oct 23, 2007 3:39 PM:I tried to find a TV provider in Temecula that offered San Diego coverage instead of LA coverage. I was told it is a "territory" issue and that the providers here CAN NOT offer San Diego unless the LA channels opt-out, which they will not.
Cable TV Grouse wrote on Oct 23, 2007 3:44 PM:Yep!!! Why do we have to have LA stations when we are so close to San Diego? Timewarner -- Take notice!!!
Bob wrote on Oct 23, 2007 3:51 PM:I have been following that other comment section after the article Mel mentioned at 2:49 PM. I had posted several answers to other's questions earlier. I just printed out the comments there. It printed 49 pages through the 3:28 PM post. WOW!
Debra wrote on Oct 23, 2007 3:54 PM:I work for the Sheriff's Department..no new info to give but wanted to let everyonbe know there is a fire information line for both San Diego anbd Riverside counties...obviously can't post them here (rules and all) but I found it on the City of Temecula website under fire info... also the posts about the channel 27 news is correct.,have it on now and they just advised the only evacuations in the Temecula area are in the De Luz areas already noted..No evacutaions in the Redhawk area at this time.
transplant wrote on Oct 23, 2007 4:00 PM:I'm sick of it as well, Riverside and San Bernandino could certainly support their own news stations for both radio and TV the population out here is large enough, when things like this happen we desparately need more outlets for our news updates rather than having to poke around online for half an hour in attempt to find any relevant news at all.
Bob wrote on Oct 23, 2007 4:07 PM:I just went outside and looked over to the Rosa fire. It is hard to tell how large an area is on fire because the wind is blowing the smoke horizontally soon after it rises. For sure it is putting out a lot of white smoke from the left end, as viewed from Murrieta. The smoke appears to be blowing north west along the ridge of the Elsinore Mountainsfor miles. It does look like there are other places within a half mile or so of the obvious source in De Luz that are also burning. I suspect there is a lot more acreage currently on fire there than was burning several hours ago.
Know-It-All wrote on Oct 23, 2007 4:08 PM:To all of you gripping about LA network stations in Temecula, be advised that it is not caused by Verizon, Time Warner, DirecTV, etc. It is an FCC (read federal issue). Temecula falls within the DMA (techno-jargon for Designated Market Area). Because all of Riverside County falls within the Los Angeles DMA - we have LA network stations. Time Warner does broadcast the independant KUSI on channel 8. If you want to see San Diego stations, all of you need to band together, hire a expensive Washington FCC lawyer and sue the Federal Communications Commissions and try to get the DMA regulations overturned. Good luck.
update wrote on Oct 23, 2007 4:30 PM:Rice Canyon Fire 10/23 10:15 a.m. North County Fire District reports approximately 6,100 acres burned with an unknown containment level. Burn damage includes the Valley Oaks Trailer Park and Pala Mesa Village condos. Residents are under a mandatory evacuation and instructed to go to San Clemente State Park. The Rice Canyon Fire in Rice Canyon, North San Diego County has crossed I-15 and Hwy 395.
Mark in Temecula wrote on Oct 23, 2007 4:38 PM:KUSI was off air last time I checked. There is a local Temecula station if you have Verizon (chan 27) as posted above.
DirtyCowboy wrote on Oct 23, 2007 4:39 PM:TEMECULA: Glen Oaks Hills area. A fire was spotted by my sister and brother-in-law. He is out there right now trying to put it out with his water truck however now response has been made from the Fire Department and he maybe fighting a losing battle. My sister is packing up right now with her kids. PLEASE KEEP YOUR EYES & EARS OPEN!
david wrote on Oct 23, 2007 4:40 PM:channel 27 is KZSW...you can at least get it on the web if not TV. great local news coverage, lots of info about Temecula. Every half hour or so they are speaking to a Fire Capt who is in the fire above Temecula. No danger for area outside of De Luz...evac centers in various places in Temecula.
Sam wrote on Oct 23, 2007 4:45 PM:Just a question regarding some of these fires - is it less painful on the home owner to lose their house in a fire or through foreclosure ? !!!
Bob wrote on Oct 23, 2007 4:56 PM:The fire that down by the hwy 76, Pala, Pauma, Poomacha La Jolla Indian areas that is making so much smoke looks like a picture of a far off volcano erupting. The ridge is 16 miles from my house in Murrieta. The column of smoke was rising high, then blown west. The fire is generating a lot of smoke, more than earlier. Now the wind must have increased over by the fire there since I started writing this. The column of smoke is bending west at a much lower altitude. However each time I looked an hour or so apart the east side of the smoke column has moved to the east. The observatory is 20 miles in a straight line from my home in Murrieta. It is usually visible from here including today. I have a 3-D map where the hills and mountains are raised, so it is a lot easier to figure things out. I estimate the observatory is four miles east of the ridge behind which the east side of the smoke column is seen from here. Therefore the ridge of the mountain runs southeast so the fire itself could be much closer OR much further than four miles from the observatory.
miss SD news wrote on Oct 23, 2007 4:59 PM:I agree, its not that I don't care, its just that what is happening in Ventura County will probably not affect me. I was born and raised in North San Diego and still have family in Oceanside, but live in Murrieta, thank goodness for Jef and Jer on Star because I do get that station, but thats the radio. Southwest Riverside needs a San Diego news station. The news on Verizon Ch27 is horrible and not up to the minute information!
missSDnews wrote on Oct 23, 2007 5:04 PM:Rumors of a fire in Lake Elsinore are false. I work in L.E. and there are no fires. Also visit the City of Murrieta web site. Murrieta is not in danger.
toni wrote on Oct 23, 2007 5:11 PM:update on the fire southeast of temecula ;ease
Useless News wrote on Oct 23, 2007 5:11 PM:Okay all of these local news sources are trolling for advertising dollars constantly from local businesses. Now that we need them we get nothing. KZSW has been repeating the news since noon, the local newspapers and websites are 2 hours old. For all the advertising dollars that are being poured into these sources we should be getting better than this
jgh wrote on Oct 23, 2007 5:14 PM:thank you miss SD! it's long over due that we in the temecula murrieta area be afforded the opportunity to get the san diego news on our well paid for TV's. you feel like you're cut off up here. no disrespect to LA, but we also have family in carlsbad, san marcos, vista, and oceanside.
diane wrote on Oct 23, 2007 5:17 PM:thanks for the info about KZSW being online. we don't get that channel.
Blake wrote on Oct 23, 2007 5:22 PM:Sam...go away
alexxx wrote on Oct 23, 2007 5:35 PM:yay such relief! News said the 2 fires is gonna be put out by 6pm in Temecula, No evaculation till further notice! :] so for all those who live by pechanga like meee feel relieved!
toni wrote on Oct 23, 2007 5:37 PM:rainbow fire update please. it isn't looking very good fromall the smoke
alexxx wrote on Oct 23, 2007 5:37 PM:yay such relief! News said the 2 fires is gonna be put out by 6pm in Temecula, No evaculation till further notice! :] PECHANGA feel relieved!
alex wrote on Oct 23, 2007 5:38 PM:yay such relief! News said the 2 fires is gonna be put out by 6pm in Temecula, No evaculation till further notice! :] PECHANGA feel relieved!
alex wrote on Oct 23, 2007 5:39 PM:yay the 2 fires by Temecula are gonna be put out by 6pm so no evaculation till further notice! feel relieved like me! x]
Know-It-All wrote on Oct 23, 2007 5:42 PM:Sam, Since you asked, foreclosure is by far the best way to go. You get to take all your stuff out first, like pictures, videos, furniture, big screen T.V., etc. With foreclosure, you can see it coming many months down the road and you can prepare for it. Fire happens in a flash (pun intended).
Jenny wrote on Oct 23, 2007 5:43 PM:ANYONE KNOW HOW THE FIRES STARTED??? I dont think they were lit on their own...who is responsible for them??? Its odd that all of a sudden we have fires going on in different parts of southern california....dont you think??
toni wrote on Oct 23, 2007 5:55 PM:from where I amat I can see small flames on the ridge way down towards palomar or the rainbow area I think it is time to go for myself at least. If a firein san diego can burn 39 miles this huge one can eat 6 miles.
DirtyCowboy wrote on Oct 23, 2007 6:01 PM:Fire update: Sister is reporting that the fire being seen from the Glen Oaks Hills are (fron atop ridges) is the fire and/or smoke from the Palomar Mountain area (Poomancha Fire) Please keep alert in this area. there is nothing but brush between this fire and the Aguanga/Glen Oaks Hills area.
DirtyCowboy wrote on Oct 23, 2007 6:08 PM:Toni: Where are you at in conjunction to major roads. Im trying to keep an eye out for that Poomancha Fire and to let family know when the need to evacuate is. They live via cel phone so Reverse 911 will not work for them
toni wrote on Oct 23, 2007 6:10 PM:fire updates please like the one coming into temecula south east
Fallbrook/De Luz fires wrote on Oct 23, 2007 6:15 PM:I have some pix from 3:30 today. I know the won't let me post the url. My business Remember When Media. One word with dot com at the end. NCTimes, you have my permission to publish they pics.(send an email and I'll send a release. They are high res. and were taken to help people get a perspective. They were taken from Renaissance Estates.
inSanJose wrote on Oct 23, 2007 6:21 PM:Anyone know what the fire looks like around Vista del Rio in Fallbrook?
mark wrote on Oct 23, 2007 6:23 PM:I live on the corner of Pauba Rd. and Via Rami, across the street from Poloma Elem. and I just saw several fire companies, one from Carson City, Nevada and several others, stopping off at Linfield Christian School, perhaps to take a break or possibly to be briefed before heading out......FYI!! - nice to know companies from as far away from Carson City are here to help
Verizon Fios wrote on Oct 23, 2007 6:29 PM:Channel 27 ABSOLUTELY NO DANGER FOR TEMECULA ALL SCHOOLS TO REMAIN OPEN
Sam wrote on Oct 23, 2007 6:34 PM:Blake, I doubt you even understood my point. The insurance companies need to investigate every claim that will arise here, and the police and Feds need to review all these fires. San Diego real estate values is crashing at full speed and some of these fire are undoubtedly intentional which is a crime that has hurt many people.
Mark wrote on Oct 23, 2007 6:50 PM:watching the fire from my balcony, I can see the flames have just about reached the top of the peak. This is the fire burning East of the I-15 in Temecula, not the fire burning on the West side of the 15 near De Luz! Not sure which fire is which...so many of em'!!
DirtyCowboy wrote on Oct 23, 2007 7:21 PM:Mark: Are you sure those are flames or just the glow? I'm trying to keep a look-out for my sister up in the Hills east of temecula and I feel helpless being here in Hendertucky, NV. If you have any more info please post. Thanx
Chad wrote on Oct 23, 2007 7:23 PM:In San Jose, I posted a pic of the Vista Del Rio fire on another post in N.C. times. Look under "Fallbrook fire unpredictable" Use CTRL F and search for the "Chad" posts. The fire has grown alot since the picture though.
Keeping watch in Paseo Del Sol wrote on Oct 23, 2007 7:25 PM:Fire is now peaking above RedHawk(but far away) can see the glow from Paseo Del Sol. Saw a fleet of fire trucks from Reno here in Temecula tonight.
temecula wrote on Oct 23, 2007 7:30 PM:go to this article, it has more posting on the blog to describe the smoke behind pechanga casino from the folks at redhawk area. "Fire breaks out west of Temecula" on the NC news website under temecula.
toni wrote on Oct 23, 2007 7:35 PM:Are there any firefighters fighting this palomar/rainbow fire as it has now crested the ridge that of temecula thanks for any information.
Justamom wrote on Oct 23, 2007 7:40 PM: You said,"ABSOLUTELY NO DANGER FOR TEMECULA ALL SCHOOLS TO REMAIN OPEN" I have to wonder, why on earth would you want to send your kids to school? Think how much they could learn with you at home! Off the top of my head, these current events include science, history, psychology, math, study skills, language arts... Beyond that, don't you want to share this time of tragedy with your children? They will remember it for the rest of their lives. Why not make the most of that? This is what they mean they refer to "quality time".
HP wrote on Oct 23, 2007 7:58 PM:Does anyone have an update on the fire on the east side of Temecula? Looks like its moving west toward RedHawk. Please share.
DirtyCowboy wrote on Oct 23, 2007 8:04 PM:Temecula: My brother-in-law just called to let me know that the smell of smoke in the Aguanga area from the Poomancha Fire is strong where as around noon today only smoke seen, no smell. He is keeping watch in the Glan Oaks Hills area atop one of the ridges there. More information to be posted as it comes
AvocadoJoe wrote on Oct 23, 2007 8:09 PM:Went up to De Luz at 4:00pm, and we were able to get to our property through Via Santa Rosa. We saw the burnt areas on the hills, and saw that from what we could see they were dorment. However, we did not go to Via Vasquaro and Via Barranca. The fire from Fallbrook looked pretty scary then; it was over the hills above Santa Margarita Ecological Preserve and the River. No structural damage so far. Several Avocado groves were left with the burn scare. I'll post some pics at my site later on.
DirtyCowboy wrote on Oct 23, 2007 8:18 PM:HP: the only fire out that way, which is more South-Southeast then east is the Poomancha fire that is still miles away but i am keeping a close eye on it
inSanJose wrote on Oct 23, 2007 8:20 PM:Chad, can you post that link here. I think that the thread has broken in both "Fallbrook fire 'unpredictable' . . ." and "Fallbrook fire aftermath . . ."? Thank you.
Seeing Orange wrote on Oct 23, 2007 8:22 PM:I am seeing orange on the south side of Temecula, near redhawk. Why no updates on this fire? Anynone know have infor about it? It can't be too far from city line.
DirtyCowboy wrote on Oct 23, 2007 8:34 PM:Seeing Orange: I believe the glow you are seeing is the glow from the Poomancha fire. You can smell smoke from it in Aguanga and the glow is very apparent in the Glen Oaks hills area
Deluz wrote on Oct 23, 2007 8:36 PM:i see that fire too, no threat too deluz as far as i can see.. 2 arsons in temecula last night.. one not 100 yards from my house. Scary stuff, but get some sleep, the cops will let you know if you need to worry
Utah wrote on Oct 23, 2007 8:37 PM:Thanks for all the comments. It's hard being so far away when family and friends are going through so much. Be Safe!
rob wrote on Oct 23, 2007 8:39 PM:im by the peachanga casino. and i am hearing from my neighbors that pechange is being evac. any cmformations?
carol wrote on Oct 23, 2007 8:41 PM:Neighbor heard on 760 kfmb that pechanga was supposed to evacuate. I can't find anything on any evacuations for this fire in Riverside county. This is extremely frustrating. City of Temecula should post something even if it isn't in city boundaries.
SW wrote on Oct 23, 2007 8:43 PM:I live in Harveston and could see the flames on my way home from Murietta. I can really see them in now that I'm back in Temecula, but can't find anything on this fire. Looks like the Western edge of Mt. Palomar to me but I'm not sure.
lisa wrote on Oct 23, 2007 8:57 PM:I just called Pechanga, and they are not evacuating, at least not now. Hope this helps!
DirtyCowboy wrote on Oct 23, 2007 9:01 PM:the link www.fire.ca.gov has a decent map on its google maps that show areas under evacuation and other information (shelters, road closures, etc.) This goole map seems to be updated regularly.
carol wrote on Oct 23, 2007 9:04 PM:On City of Temecula web site (http://www.cityoftemecula.org/Temecula/Fire+Information.htm), I found this: FIRE INFORMATION HOTLINES Riverside County - (951)940-6985 I called. No evacs at this time. They are watching and expect it may cross county line in 12-24 hours. Reverse 911 calls will be made when they call evacuations. BE PREPARED in case it happens.
Temecula Mom wrote on Oct 23, 2007 9:17 PM:Just came from dinner at Pechanga. No evacuations, however flames could be seen coming over the ridge just south of the water tower, and very smoky.
antenna guy wrote on Oct 23, 2007 9:17 PM:We used an antenna to receive San Diego stations since moving here in 1989, just because we feel more connected to SD than to LA. We still have to keep it as watching the Chargers is crucial, and a few games don't make it onto channel 2. They don't have much to say about Riverside county, but there is news about the Fallbrook fires.
KP wrote on Oct 23, 2007 9:42 PM:http://www.fire.ca.gov/ Great place for updates on fires in CA. Even those in Temecula.
Laurie wrote on Oct 23, 2007 10:02 PM:A helpful web site is Calif. Dept of Forestry: http://www.fire.ca.gov/ They have info on all the fires (including the ones we can see from Temecula and Murrieta: Poomacha and Rosa/Roca) and it is updated regularly.
Lauri Lockwood, Californian editor wrote on Oct 23, 2007 10:25 PM:We will be posting a new story soon. Riverside County firefighters have assured us that neither the Palomar Mountain fire nor the Fallbrook fire are an immediate threat to Southwest Riverside County. At this point, although the Mt. Palomar fire is more visible, fire officials here are saying that the Fallbrook fire concerns them more. There are no evacuations in place for Pechanga or Temecula. If evacuations are ordered or the fires are getting close enough for officials to consider them, there should be a story posted on this site saying so.
Bill wrote on Oct 23, 2007 10:29 PM:Thank you Lauri for your efforts,this was my only source of info in that I am out of state right now, once again that you!!!
diane wrote on Oct 23, 2007 10:34 PM:Ms. Lockwood, you rock. Thanks for being one of the only local sources of info for Temecula!
Annie Cavi wrote on Oct 23, 2007 10:44 PM:Anybody hear about Willow Creek?
Fire Watcher wrote on Oct 23, 2007 10:58 PM:The fire is no threat to me at this moment but we have friends up in De Luz around Sycamore Mesa road and I wanted to know if that area was still in danger, I know earlier the roads were block off going up rancho calif. rd. and I wanted a cureent update Thank You
to antenna guy wrote on Oct 23, 2007 11:25 PM:your post at 9:17 PM shows good sense. If you live in many areas of Murrieta or Temecula or some locationNorth you may be able to use a small UHF antenna and get the small Temecula TV station KZSW if its not on your cable. It is UHF 27. I am behind a hill from their antenna but it is carried on my Verizon Fios cable. I think their antena is on top the hill near Clinton Keith and Califoria Oaks in Murriets.
Bob wrote on Oct 23, 2007 11:33 PM:I just took a last look at the smoke and reflection from the Poomacha Fire for the evening about 11:30 PM. See my 4:56 PM coment for more detail. I looked at for awhile thru binoculars about every hour through the afternoon and evening. I live in Murrieta and have a good view looking southeast. Anyway it is still bright, but I estimate its now showing only about one-half the width it was displaying earlier this evening.
Lynn wrote on Oct 23, 2007 11:49 PM:We just returned home to La Cresta area and we saw 2 fires burning in De Luz. I called the fire info number and they said that the rice and poomacha fires were burning near the Santa Margarita watershed area. does any one know approx how far that area is from La cresta[clinton keith) It looks so close.TIA
Christina wrote on Oct 23, 2007 11:50 PM:All the posts have been so helpful. I also live in Murrieta and have been finding it hard to get any updated information for the area. Thanks all!!
Lauri Lockwood, Californian editor wrote on Oct 23, 2007 11:59 PM:NEWS ALERT! Sheriff's deputies and fire engines are now searching for a yard fire in a neighborhood off Wolf Valley Road/Pechanga Parkway. It's either a house fire or a back yard on fire. The officers and firefighters are navigating streets in the area trying to find the home. Although the fire is visible from a ways a way, they are struggling to figure out exactly what street it's on. Stand by for more information
WOW wrote on Oct 24, 2007 12:09 AM:i live by vmhs in the new model homes by the subway and starbucks. from here i can see fire over the mountain, idk how close it is cause i cant see over the mountain, all i know is its big enough to see . how is this happening, how does this many fires just start, i dont understand:(
Relieved wrote on Oct 24, 2007 12:11 AM:Thank you Bob for your post at 11:33 pm. I just can't seem to get myself to sleep, and I cannot view the fires immediately from my Murrieta home angle .. but your post (and Lauri's at 10:25 pm) have greatly relieved me. Like the others, it has been frustrating to view the news coverage and not hear much of anything about these fires approaching Temecula. I can now go to sleep, and will check the status of things first thing in the morning. Again, thank you.
syd wrote on Oct 24, 2007 12:21 AM:are de luz residents still evacuated? My boyfriends family evacuated at 2am tuesday, but returned. Should they be evacuated?
Juanita in Redhawk wrote on Oct 24, 2007 12:23 AM:What?! A fire by Wolf Valley? I don't hear any sirens and my house is kind of low in the valley but we are about a three or four minute drive away from that neighborhood. Is this a real danger or is it just a precaution?
Shocked but ready to go wrote on Oct 24, 2007 12:49 AM:Lauri, Do you have any more info? I know you're probably just listening to scanners. But I live right off of Wolf Valley and Pechanga Parkway. There's a brand new Fire Station about 1.5 blocks from me. I think I would've heard the sirens. I was hoping I can get a night of rest. But I'd rather stay up and get into presentable clothing if need be. There's too much going on right now. I can't turn off the TV. And I sure as hell can't log off the internet. Thanks for keeping us posted.
anon wrote on Oct 24, 2007 1:13 AM:I am confused at what people are looking at! The flames are 50% what they were just hours ago?
Robin of Murrieta wrote on Oct 24, 2007 4:46 AM:You can also go to KPBS.org...for local internet news and radio broadcasting
Robin of Murrieta wrote on Oct 24, 2007 4:53 AM:You can go to kpbs.org for internet broadcast for the latest updates that are local
Christina wrote on Oct 24, 2007 6:33 AM:We are off of Del Oso Oro and I was awoken by a barage of firetrucks and sherrifs. I haven't heard any news of evac. but when I look towads the plateu all I see is thick, black smoke. Any good maps tracking the movement- as the wind is picking up again =(
RN in Temecula wrote on Oct 24, 2007 7:10 AM:WOW! The smoke this morning is unimaginable! Everyone try to stay insideas much as possible; all the Fallbrook smoke will be floating our way today. Try to get masks or use a wet hankerchief when outside. The toxins in the air are awful. The elderly and small children are most susceptible. Even if you can't smell it, it's there! Don't know about you all, but my family feels like they have a sore throat and getting sick...my guess is that it's from the smoke. Gosh, it looks like day from the east and night from the west. Craziness....
ED wrote on Oct 24, 2007 7:19 AM:Yeah im off of Murrieta Hot Springs... there is some very very dark smoke in the sky!
Teresa wrote on Oct 24, 2007 7:34 AM:I called the fire dept and they said there is a structure burning in Bear Creek. I am off of Oso Oro as well.
BD wrote on Oct 24, 2007 7:41 AM:I am up here in LA Cresta and have a view of the plateau and see alot of smoke and dark skys towards De luz and Palamar Mt. About 20 min ago some fire engines drove by on Avenida La Cresta. Dont know if La Cresta has a fire or not? I wish there was more info up here.
calle del oso oro wrote on Oct 24, 2007 7:43 AM:I was told it was an isolated house fire off of club view. Not related to a wildfire.
Ali wrote on Oct 24, 2007 7:45 AM:I am appalled that TVUSD would leave their campuses open for students when two schools are being used as evacuation sites! No one knows who is going to be on those campuses. I think it is incredibly irresponsible. I also can’t understand why TVUSD would push having kids in school when they know these air conditions are bad for everyone, especially kids. Does the superintendent’s foot have to be on fire to call off school?
worried.. wrote on Oct 24, 2007 7:46 AM:when i walked outside this morning on my way to work, it looked like heaven to the north & hell to south! kinda freaky... :-0
ED wrote on Oct 24, 2007 7:55 AM:If anyone knows anything about La cresta or anything close to that let me know. Im at work all day and i will have no way of finding out..Thank you
anne wrote on Oct 24, 2007 8:06 AM:any news this morning on the pauma valley fire - route 7- pomancha fire?
toni wrote on Oct 24, 2007 8:42 AM:any news on the rice canyon fires and poomacha fires, and the witch creek fires did they all merge? they seem to be coming into temecula and if so how fast are they traveling at this time? what is the containment? I am on the edge of Temecula and news is not very forthcoming.
Levia wrote on Oct 24, 2007 8:43 AM:I agree with Ali. The air quality alone should be reason enough to keep schools in TVUSD closed, and what if things get worse? Imagine the chaos of trying to pick up kids and then evacuating!
Temecula wrote on Oct 24, 2007 9:26 AM:Our corporate office is closing our Temecula and San Bernardino offices due to poor quality. The EPA has a website that monitors the AQI and of course we are unhealthy.
toni wrote on Oct 24, 2007 9:27 AM:any news on the merging witch fire and pomancha fire move towards temecula plus did the rice fire merge as well and where is all the marines and help to get ahead of it instead of just being on it?
lucy wrote on Oct 24, 2007 9:49 AM:Yesterday called Murrieta City ADmin and they informed me they have NO reverse 911 system. but not to worry as the firemen would go door to door to alert us of evacuation should that become necessary. Firemen should be fighting the fire, not trying to cover almost 100,000 residents.
Cheryl wrote on Oct 24, 2007 9:54 AM:We live in Bear Creek, at about 6am I heard sirens, when I left the house at 6:15 you could see smoke from a house fire on the South side of Clinton Keith across from Bear Creek. Not related to the wild fires...
toni wrote on Oct 24, 2007 10:03 AM:I just called the riverside number for fire update and they said to call the san diego fire update because and I quote "they are not our fires" well here one they are OUR fires Lets stick together on this and help each other out we need all of our resourses from other states and all the countys and cities working together
Trev wrote on Oct 24, 2007 10:11 AM:I'm sure they are busy...but I am sick of feeling like the Temecula Valley doesn't matter...
Bob wrote on Oct 24, 2007 10:41 AM:Here is the information I found regarding the Rice and Poomacha fires: Poomacha Fire Evacuations are in progress along the Highway 76 cxorridor. The communities of Valley Center, Rincon, Pauma Valley, Hidden Meadows, Deer Springs, Vista and Palomar are threatened. This fire has resulted in 10 firefighter injuries. 659 firefighters are currently assigned to this fire under unified command with CAL FIRE and the Cleveland National Forest. Poomacha Fire Information Line (619) 590-3160. Rice Fire This fire has burned 7,500 acres in Rice Canyon in Northern San Diego County and is 10 percent contained. 206 homes, 2 commercial properties and 40 outbuildings have been destroyed. 1,500 homes are threatened currently. 35,000 people have been evacuated from the communities of Fallbrook and Deluz Canyon. Camp Pendleton and Oceanside are threatened. One firefighter injury has been reported. 723 firefighters are assigned to this fire under unified command including 723 CAL FIRE staff. Rice Fire Information Line (619) 590-3160. I found this info on the California information website. http://www.fire.ca.gov/
Jeff wrote on Oct 24, 2007 11:17 AM:See now someone should show the Govt, that we need SD cable because as already stated it is so hard to get information for the Temecula area.
Trev wrote on Oct 24, 2007 11:26 AM:People have no concern for us in Temecula...now if Pechanga was burning you know they would be *$@*ing bricks because that is lost revenue.
lucy wrote on Oct 24, 2007 11:34 AM:I agree Murrieta/Temecula etc needs a better venue to keep us posted with the latest info. And Murrieta needs a reverse 911 calling system if it is true we are without one. When the "air clears" a bit, people should contact the local govt and request this.
lisa wrote on Oct 24, 2007 11:40 AM:It appears a house fire happened this morning in my neighborhood (Calle Del Oro and Bear Creek). I could not get through firetrucks this morning. It appears isolated. Just my observation, but I don't see how an ember got down over two housing tracts to my lil neighborhood, esp with all of our tile roof tops.
toni wrote on Oct 24, 2007 11:59 AM:What is the status of the now witch/pomacha fires as it relates to Temecula
murrieta wrote on Oct 24, 2007 12:01 PM:the smoke seems to be going down the hill near old town temecula can anyone tell me how that fire is also i have direct tv and there are no local channels to see what is going on we need to change that so we can keep updated on our community
Philip wrote on Oct 24, 2007 12:06 PM:Several evacuation centers have opened in Temecula and Murrieta, do they still need volunteers, is there a hot line for people wanting to volunteer?
Diane wrote on Oct 24, 2007 12:13 PM:Does anyone have an update on firefight in De Luz. Another NCT message board said fire was burning there at 10:13 a.m.
Rose wrote on Oct 24, 2007 12:22 PM:I just picked up my son at GOHS near the smoking Palomar Mtn fire. The smoke there at the school is REALLY pretty bad! There were a lot of upset parents picking up their kids. UNBELIEVABLE to think they still have classes in session with this kind of unhealthy smoke around the kids. I myself can not withstand the inhalation of the smoke, it hurt my eyes, my throat and I started to get a headache. These poor kids don't have to be there.
Murrieta wrote on Oct 24, 2007 12:23 PM:For updated info on San Diego fires visit www.sdcountyemergency.com
ramona in de luz wrote on Oct 24, 2007 12:25 PM:keep up the great work at trying to make us feel alittle safer and informed I have a very large four legged family and I need all the news I can get.I appreciate the support.
Lauri Lockwood, Californian editor wrote on Oct 24, 2007 12:47 PM:New update coming shortly, but I'll address some of the questions raised. The De Luz fire is all but out. It was 411 acres yesterday morning and it's 411 acres today. That fire is NOT advancing at all. Firefighters there are just "mopping up," which means they're dousing embers left in a charred field, etc. Neither the Poochaca fire nor the Rice Canyon fire are truly threatening our area. Despite what people are saying, they are both miles away from us. There will be PLENTY of notice if they are advancing and residents need to evacuate, etc. Even though the fires are not threatening us, the smoke from them is hanging heavy over Temecula today, especially in the south. Please remember that more smoke does not necessarily equate to more threat from the nearby fires. The atmospheric conditions today have translated to more smoke. I cannot stress enough that no evacuations have been ordered for Southwest County. Check back here for updates. NEWS UPDATE: A tree is on fire at Nutmeg and Washington in Murrieta. Firefighters are heading there. And there is a fire near Grand Avenue in Lake Elsiore. Firefighters are on their way. We will update our Web site with their status in 15 or 20 minutes.
Crowne Hill wrote on Oct 24, 2007 12:51 PM:This is the TVUSD update/ “explanation” as to why our students are in school. I guess the air quality is still okay? Good thing they have a district rep. there to look out for us! Maybe the rep should be sent to GOHS!!! Wednesday, October 24, 2007 (11:21 a.m.) - All schools within the Temecula Valley Unified School District are currently open -There will be no outdoor sports activities today. -Students are being kept indoors, except for passing periods. -Students are being kept indoors for lunch. (Except for the time it takes to buy their lunch outside) -High Schools will be on minimum day schedules on Thursday & Friday, due to the lack of space to hold lunch indoors. With a minimum day schedule, high school students will be able to leave campus ? before lunch. Arrangements have been made today to allow students to eat their ? lunch inside their classrooms. - We are continually monitoring the air quality. - We continue to remain in close contact with the City's Emergency Operations Command post. A representative from the District Office is at the command post to receive regular updates on the wildfires.
TC wrote on Oct 24, 2007 12:51 PM:For the residents of the south end of Temecula largely the Wolf Creek, Red Hawk, and Vail Ranch developments, there will be a community meeting this evening (Wednesday, October 24, 2007) at 6 p.m. at Great Oak High School with updates provided by CAL FIRE/Riverside County Fire Department.
Amber Canyon Lake wrote on Oct 24, 2007 12:53 PM:Does anyone have any info on the black/grey smoke, seems to be a new fire, by Canyon Lake? I can't asses from where I am at what it is. It seems to be around the WalMart/Freeway area off Railroad Canyon maybe.
lucy wrote on Oct 24, 2007 1:13 PM:There is a lot of smoke in North Murrieta or South Lake Elsinore and planes flying overhead. Any News?
jefferson Street wrote on Oct 24, 2007 1:31 PM:I live on the west side of Murrieta. I saw what appeared to be a column of white smoke on the slope just north of me. Does anyone know if this is a new/old fire?
Kent Davy, Editor wrote on Oct 24, 2007 1:31 PM:1:15 p.m. update WILDOMAR ---- A new fire is reported burning in the hills west of this unincorporated community. As of 1 p.m. the fire had consumed about 2 acres of brush near the intersection of Grand Avenue and Wesley Street. No structures are currently threatened said a spokeswoman for the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection. A tree was on fire near Washington and Nutmeg in Murrieta. If we don't hear more about this one consider that good news. With all that's working we may not be able to update this if it turns out to be nothing. Smoke has been spotted in the Menifee area. Firefighters are heading out to investigate. If this turns into a working fire we'll be updating you on it. --- John Hall, Lauri Lockwood
Bill M wrote on Oct 24, 2007 1:33 PM:I just came back from De Luz, San Diego Co side, on De Luz Road and Daily Drive. Everything was fine, but a little smoky. However, when I left the area at 12:50pm, they were stopping everybody from coming into san Diego county, just before the county line. I saw at least 6 patrol cars heading into De Luz. No problem getting into Riverside De Luz area, as I could see.
Amber wrote on Oct 24, 2007 1:36 PM:Thank you John and Lauri. I drove down to Mission Trail in Lake Elsinore and I can see the flames on the mountain side south of the lake. There is a lot of white smoke. Isn't white smoke usually a good sign, that there is water on it...i sure hope so. I saw quite a lot of planes as well buzzing around and saw a fire pickup on his way down railroad canyon head that way toward the fire. I sure hope they get it under control quickly.
cali wrote on Oct 24, 2007 1:46 PM:I dont understand if there is a fight at the high school, the news is sure here! But God, forbid that a fire is approaching our city and we cant get any news coverage!
Mini in KY wrote on Oct 24, 2007 1:51 PM:Any news about fires in Murrieta, Hoping Marty & family are OK.
Mr, John wrote on Oct 24, 2007 1:55 PM:Van Avery Prep is still an evacuation center. Ask for Tina.
Lupe wrote on Oct 24, 2007 1:56 PM:Is there a threat to homes off of the 15 between cal oaks road and clinton keith road. Clinton keith runs into temecula, i see about a tree on fire on nutmeg and washington, did that spread, is there any other news on that?
Kent Davy, Editor wrote on Oct 24, 2007 1:59 PM:From Californian Editor Lauri Lockwood: New update coming shortly, but I'll address some of the questions raised. The De Luz fire is all but out. It was 411 acres yesterday morning and it's 411 acres today. That fire is NOT advancing at all. Firefighters there are just "mopping up," which means they're dousing embers left in a charred field, etc. Neither the Poochaca fire nor the Rice Canyon fire are truly threatening our area. Despite what people are saying, they are both miles away from us. There will be PLENTY of notice if they are advancing and residents need to evacuate, etc. Even though the fires are not threatening us, the smoke from them is hanging heavy over Temecula today, especially in the south. Please remember that more smoke does not necessarily equate to more threat from the nearby fires. The atmospheric conditions today have translated to more smoke. I cannot stress enough that no evacuations have been ordered for Southwest County. Check back here for updates. NEWS UPDATE: A tree is on fire at Nutmeg and Washington in Murrieta. Firefighters are heading there. And there is a fire near Grand Avenue in Lake Elsiore. Firefighters are on their way. We will update our Web site with their status in 15 or 20 minutes.
Ed from Murrieta wrote on Oct 24, 2007 2:00 PM:I just got home from driving to Lake Elsinore and checking out the fire. At first we could see large flames racing up the mountain just west of Grand and north of Central. There were/are multiple aircraft there dropping both water and retardant. It began at 12:55 and now it's mostly white smoke. There looks to be plenty of firemen on the scene. Hopefully they knocked this one down in time. We continue to see just a ton of smoke from the south and hope all of you down there are well.
mayette wrote on Oct 24, 2007 2:03 PM:why aren't there enough information on what's going on in temecula and how we're affected by these fires surrounding us? will they give us an update as they hit the send button on the reverse 911 message?
Julie Wildomar wrote on Oct 24, 2007 2:08 PM:It looks l