Directories
Quick Searches
Find a Job
Quick Search
For Employers
Yahoo! HotJobs Local Search
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.
More Stories
- Updates on fires near Temecula: Rice Canyon blaze still south of county Line; Wildomar fire extinguished
- Great Oak High School in session today; short days rest of week
- SD County fires not threatening Temecula, fire officials say
- Fires spark state's largest evacuation
- Shelters filling up in Temecula as evacuations continue
Advertisement
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.
SHANA wrote on Oct 23, 2007 2:18 PM:GOOD WORK IN KEEPING US APPRISED OF THE EVENTS. KEEPS ME FROM WORRYING SO MUCH.
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.
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.
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.
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
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!
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.
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 like the Wildomar fire is almost out. I can see if from my front lawn off of Bundy. We have had many aerial drops and it is almost all white smoke now.
OH MY GOD wrote on Oct 24, 2007 2:10 PM:am i screwed at clinton keith? i go outside and it looks terrible, i hear theres a fire in wildomar, idk how close is it???
in wildomar wrote on Oct 24, 2007 2:11 PM:the Wildomar fire appears to be out. Just white smoke no flames. 3 planes were on the scene in no time! Thank you Riverside county fire dept!!!
Big Bob wrote on Oct 24, 2007 2:11 PM:Just heard on KCAL 9 that the fire in Wildomar is out. Only bured 4-5 acres.
Dawn wrote on Oct 24, 2007 2:11 PM:Live in Wildomar and other than the brush fire we have off Grand ave seems like we are getting alot of smoke from the east, is there a fire to the east of Wildomar? and whats the status of the brush fire on Grand? anyone know? I hear the planes and see smoke but thats all. Any updates would be helpful as the stations ignore our area.
Sandia Creek wrote on Oct 24, 2007 2:13 PM:2:10pm - There are currently five CHP officers on corner of Sandia Creek and El Prado turning everyone around trying to get into San Diego County...
Other blog wrote on Oct 24, 2007 2:16 PM:Said that Murrieta was out and the Wildomar was off Ortega area.
molly/temecula creek wrote on Oct 24, 2007 2:20 PM:they are not letting anyone in the deluz area back into the fallbrook area....
area resident wrote on Oct 24, 2007 2:24 PM:it would be nice if the web site posted a map of local fires as they effect our area. its so hard to get info on local fires! please post more updates!
T Ruiz wrote on Oct 24, 2007 2:27 PM:We have a home at the base of Wildomar fire. Way to go CDF and Riv County Fire and all cooperating fire agencies!!!
South Temecula wrote on Oct 24, 2007 2:28 PM:I'd really like to know what's going on with the Poomacha fire, I'm over near Pechanga and ash is falling all around. Not tons of ash, but it does make me wonder how close it is and what's going on. The wind is picking up now, too, and the last thing we need are embers bringing the fire even closer.
Megan wrote on Oct 24, 2007 2:28 PM:I just heard from someone that they are doing evacuations off Murrieta Hot Springs by Sam's Club. Can anyone verify this for me?
Bridgette wrote on Oct 24, 2007 2:32 PM:I agree with "in Wildomar" there were water dropping planes here so fast! I live on Grand and watched them from our bedroom balcony.
Riverside County Updates wrote on Oct 24, 2007 2:36 PM:One of the best locations i have been able to find info on Riverside County Fire Information is http://ww2.rvcfire.org/firepio/process?action=viewIncidents Granted this site get overwhelmed very quickly so the best time to look at it is later in the evening. this is the Riverside County Fire Dept's Website listing all current incident's.
girlygirl wrote on Oct 24, 2007 2:37 PM:Yes please inform me about Murrieta Hot Springs as I live right near the 215 and Sams Club is nearby. In fact, I live right behind it! thanks.
TJJ wrote on Oct 24, 2007 2:38 PM:951-940-6985 is the number for Riverside Fire Evac Center.. Temecula area info.. a live person I was told.. I didn't call...I'm in Wolf Valley and all of the maps has this area out of the paths. Unless wind directions change..we're fine.. Here's a good map: http://www.nctimes.com/firemap/index.php
matt wrote on Oct 24, 2007 2:39 PM:megan your fine dont listen to what people say, why would that be evacuated, i think they would evacuate cal oaks or clinton keith way before they evacuate the center streets of murrieta
jonesy wrote on Oct 24, 2007 2:42 PM:I live in subdivision behind Sam's Club and have not heard of any evacuations. I see no fire, just a lot of smoke that has blown in from the mountain fires.
Ian wrote on Oct 24, 2007 2:42 PM:Is there a fire just south of the Morgan Hills / Vail Ranch area? I've seen smoke from here distinct from the Poomacha fire but have heard nothing about new fires.
TJJ wrote on Oct 24, 2007 2:45 PM:As long as they're sending folks to Temecula,..we're fine.. TVHS and Chap HS are both shelters with room left @ 2:41 pm 10/24.. Mandatory Evacuation: Birch Hill Mandatory evacuation Reverse 9-1-1 calls have been sent to 167 residents in Birch Hill near Palomar Mountain . Residents should go to the Temecula Community Recreation Center at 30875 Rancho Vista Road in Temecula. 10/24 1:45 p.m.
Lupe wrote on Oct 24, 2007 2:46 PM:Please put where you are hearing things from, if they are from tv/radio/emergency crews, this way we all are aware if they are credible, we can't just be guessing what is happening.
wildomar/murrieta wrote on Oct 24, 2007 2:47 PM:the smoke is so bad outside you can barely breathe! Its been like this for awhile, you would think this web site couls update all the fires in our area. This isnt from De luz its coming from the east, anybody know anything??
Oz wrote on Oct 24, 2007 2:48 PM:i'm out of town and this is driving me nuts. I've heard that the fire has reached Rancho California and Business Park.... can someone confirm if this is true?
TJJ wrote on Oct 24, 2007 2:49 PM:As long as they're sending folks to Temecula,..we're fine.. TVHS and Chap HS are both shelters with room left @ 2:41 pm 10/24.. Mandatory Evacuation: Birch Hill Mandatory evacuation Reverse 9-1-1 calls have been sent to 167 residents in Birch Hill near Palomar Mountain . Residents should go to the Temecula Community Recreation Center at 30875 Rancho Vista Road in Temecula. 10/24 1:45 p.m.
TJJ wrote on Oct 24, 2007 2:51 PM:As long as they're sending folks to Temecula,..we're fine.. TVHS and Chap HS are both shelters with room left @ 2:41 pm 10/24.. Mandatory Evacuation: Birch Hill Mandatory evacuation Reverse 9-1-1 calls have been sent to 167 residents in Birch Hill near Palomar Mountain . Residents should go to the Temecula Community Recreation Center at 30875 Rancho Vista Road in Temecula. 10/24 1:45 p.m.
Jeri wrote on Oct 24, 2007 2:53 PM:It was just announced that all schools in Temecula Valley School District will be closed tomorrow, thursday due to air quality.
Murrieta wrote on Oct 24, 2007 3:00 PM:I live in the Murrieta Hot Springs area and we would know if we got evacuated. Cops would tell us. Don't get freaked out.. That's the last thing we need, more rumors.
ps wrote on Oct 24, 2007 3:08 PM:What happened to the wonderful NC Times web monitor that was giving us updates from listening to the police/fire communications updates?
Laurie wrote on Oct 24, 2007 3:08 PM:There are still small flames and white smoke but the majority of the Wildomar fire is out.
TJJ wrote on Oct 24, 2007 3:18 PM:As long as they're sending folks to Temecula,..we're fine.. TVHS and Chap HS are both shelters with room left @ 2:41 pm 10/24.. Mandatory Evacuation: Birch Hill Mandatory evacuation Reverse 9-1-1 calls have been sent to 167 residents in Birch Hill near Palomar Mountain . Residents should go to the Temecula Community Recreation Center at 30875 Rancho Vista Road in Temecula. 10/24 1:45 p.m.
kandy wrote on Oct 24, 2007 3:22 PM:Hey everyone, there are a few fires around here. the rancho california one, one was recently put out on washington and nutmeg, there is one in wildomar, and there are some other ones locally. im trying to stay up to date so as i find anything out i will let you guys know. the fire in wildomar, is still burning and it is actually threatening structures now. you can smell the fire like camping and see the white ash in the air now. it is really getting scary.
michelle wrote on Oct 24, 2007 3:28 PM:Whats the information about the Wildomar fire. Im out here in Temecula, (harveston area) margarita/winchester. Anyone out there know anything??? There's nothing about it on the news yet???
Lindsay wrote on Oct 24, 2007 3:32 PM:Does anyone know of anything in French Valley? My husband is home and said a fire engine flew past him off Beech St towards the Silver Oaks Estates which are off Auld Rd. Any idea what was reported?
Erica wrote on Oct 24, 2007 3:38 PM:What? We are getting conflicting messages! Is the fire in Wildomar out or not?
Tanya wrote on Oct 24, 2007 3:41 PM:I am in Wildomar and would like to know if they have the fire here under control.
In Wildomar wrote on Oct 24, 2007 3:48 PM:The fire in Wildomar is out! People stop spreading rumors!!! I can clearly see it from my balcony very little white smoke, no flames. They did have a blurb on the news about it and they said it was out. Kandy, why are you saying its threatening structures when there is no more fire!!!
Erica wrote on Oct 24, 2007 3:53 PM:To In Wildomar: Thank you! I am tired of these rumors. If people are just trying to stir things up....it is NOT FUNNY! Be mature about this people, PLEASE.
to OZ @ 2:48 wrote on Oct 24, 2007 3:55 PM:No fires in Temecula, no significant fires in all of Riverside county. The De Luz part of Ricveside county is OK. There was a fire in the hill above Business Park monday. Long since gone. There is a lot of smoke blowing in from San Diego County due to a change inwind direction, believed to be no threat to Temecula.
lupe wrote on Oct 24, 2007 3:57 PM:hope that every one in temecula is doing ok. i've read the many comments that are posted around the sd & la ares and it's sad to read about all that is going on. i pray that everyone will come out of this and continue to do what ever there is to be done. i'm in san antonio, texas and i have family there in temecula. thank god they are ok. to all that have been affected by these fires may god bless each and everyone. lupe a.
lYNN wrote on Oct 24, 2007 4:02 PM:The small Wildomar fire that broke earlier has already been extinguished. Burn area is estimated at 12 acres,no structures damaged. A great job by all Fire personnel in jumping on this one. The Rainbow Canyon area that is part of the Rice Fire is nearly 100% contained. No threats, additional resources can be ordered up if needed. Poomacha Fire (Palomar Mtn.) is reported as uncontained. State fire teams have been assigned to this incident. Fire appears to be holding at the ridge and is approximately 10 miles from Pechanga and 12+ miles from City. Observers remain in the field in an effort to monitor status updates. No evacuations or immediate threat remains to City of Temecula. TVUSD as a precaution has indicated schools will be closed tomorrow. Community Meeting is scheduled at Great Oak HS for 6pm for residents along the southerly portion of the City to attend for fire status updates. Flyers and media contacts of both tv and radio were used. Channel 3 on both Verizon and Time Warner are running all updated information as well as a PSA from Mayor every 10 minutes. Riverside County Parks will be making an announcement that Lake Skinner is open on a first come, first serve basis for evacuees with small animals (dogs, cats, birds) and RV folks needing utilities, water, showers etc., There is still capacity at CHS for folks needing shelter resources
In Wildomar also wrote on Oct 24, 2007 4:10 PM:Yes, the fire in Wildomar is out!! Sean, I dont know or havent heard anything about Menifee, my parents live there I would have heard something
Winchester Road Near Murrieta wrote on Oct 24, 2007 4:19 PM:It's 4:18 p.m. The first time since we have been monitoring things that we smell smoke. Any idea whether it's just a shift in wind or something a bit more threatening? Thanks
lYNN wrote on Oct 24, 2007 4:22 PM:Rachel I got this off of the Temecula website if you go to Lake Elsinore one I am sure you will find info for ur home town.
Bob wrote on Oct 24, 2007 4:25 PM:There is a remarkable view toward Temecula from near my home in Murrieta around 4:00 PM Wednesday. Looking southeast toward the mountain above without moving my eyes the left portion of my view is no smoke at ground level. I can see part of Palomar Mountain and the observatory clearly, and to the left of that another mountain range 45 miles away clearly. From the center of view the right side has is white smoke above Redhawk and the south part of Temecula so I cannot even see the closest hills. I ran to get my camera. What has happened is yesterday the wind was blowing the smoke from the fire on the other side of Palomar Mountain and the fires in Rainbow, Fallbrook, part of De Luz in San Diego County west toward the ocean, and Camp Pendleton out over the ocean. Now the Santa Ana reverse wind is dying down and the regular winds FROM the ocean are starting to blow back TO the northeast. Therefore southern Temecula and some other places are going to experience uncomfortable smoke for a day or so. During the time for me to type this the smoke cloud front moved and another two or three miles east obscuring more of the view.
Dawn wrote on Oct 24, 2007 4:26 PM:Any word on wildomar schools would be nice as would I am sure murrieta too. Still no word on where this smoke from the east is coming from! Air outside is really bad and seems to keep getting worse. Please update on all fires! the wildomar fire is out completely!
ZIB wrote on Oct 24, 2007 4:28 PM:curious to know the latest on Murietta Hot Springs / French Valley and surrounding areas... Looks okay so far.... I'll check back for updates
Bill wrote on Oct 24, 2007 4:30 PM:A good site for updates in Temecula area is www.cityoftemecula.org , I found it very informative
Nicole wrote on Oct 24, 2007 4:33 PM:I live in Menifee and so far I have not heard of or seen a fire...
Bill wrote on Oct 24, 2007 4:36 PM:a good site for the Temecula area is at www.cityoftemecula.org, I found it very informative
To Rachel... wrote on Oct 24, 2007 4:48 PM:Update: Southern California fires Wednesday, October 24, 1:30 p.m.: We are closely monitoring the brushfire in the hills west of Grand Avenue in Wildomar. Police and fire officials have assured us that the fire does not pose a threat to our schools at this time. Most students at David A. Brown Middle School, which was on a minimum day, have gone home. We are not evacuating any other schools in the area at this time. We are, however, asking that physical activities be limited to indoors. All athletics events and activities have been cancelled, unless they are indoors. All campuses will be open on Thursday. We will continue to monitor the situation and will make changes to the schedule throughout the day if needed. Please check back here for more updates. For more information, contact Public Information Officer Jose Carvajal at (951) 253-7174 or at jose.carvajal@leusd.k12.ca.us.
RedHawk Temecula wrote on Oct 24, 2007 4:48 PM:There is a big meeting tonight at Great Oak HS for the residents of Redhawk, Vail Ranch, Wolf Valley. It is at 6:00PM.
mike wrote on Oct 24, 2007 4:49 PM:If you are curious about the safety of your home in Fallbrook check out this map. It is not official but gives a general idea of where the burn area is. http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?msa=0&msid=114250687465160386813.00043d08ac31fe3357571&ie=UTF8&z=8&om=1
CC wrote on Oct 24, 2007 4:51 PM:I just drove the I 15 from San Diego. There is a fire that the wonderful firefighters are working on just to the side of the road near Rainbow. Lots of smoke, but it looks like they have it somewhat under control. Traffic is slowing a bit (both directions) with the people trying to get a peak. Other than that the 15 is moving very nicely.
Cooper wrote on Oct 24, 2007 4:59 PM:The planes did a beautiful job flying and keeping that Wildomar fire under control. Unbelievable how low they flew.
Joe wrote on Oct 24, 2007 5:04 PM:I'm in south Temecula and the wind is dead stop...some good news finally...
Cooper wrote on Oct 24, 2007 5:41 PM:I know Temecula Schools are out tomorrow. Do we know if the Murrieta Valley School District is too?
Firefighter wrote on Oct 24, 2007 5:44 PM:Media does not want to worry residents of Temecula, but have 2 loved ones in Pauma fighting the fires right now. The support they need is not there and is not expected to be there until tomorrow. The firest spread like crazy in the night so communities of Redhawk should be aware and ready if need be. You don't necessarily have to pack, but at least know what you would take and where it is just in case. My prayers are with everyone. A few friends of mine lost their home in Rancho Bernardo and they were given 5 minutes notice.
CC wrote on Oct 24, 2007 5:46 PM:I just saw on cityoftemecula.org that all Temecula schools are closed because of the smoke. I was able to confirm this on the TVUSD website.
Oz wrote on Oct 24, 2007 5:56 PM:Next concern.... I'm at the east coast flew out of San Diego airport on Sunday morning. Has anyone come back from that part of San Diego? I heard that alot of freeways are closed and the 76. Need to find a way back to Temecula.
Bee wrote on Oct 24, 2007 6:22 PM:Word from Murrieta unified..No school tomorrow, including all schools with daycare centers.
lynn wrote on Oct 24, 2007 6:23 PM:I just got a recorded message from the murrieta school district. No school tomorrow due to smoke and unhealthy breathing conditions. Phew took them long enough. Does anyone know how close the Deluz riverside county line is from la Cresta? thanks!
Ahsan wrote on Oct 24, 2007 6:24 PM:Can any one update this group about the meeting in Redhawk today at 6:00PM? What was shared by the Firefighters and the city? Thanks!
DirtyCowboy wrote on Oct 24, 2007 6:36 PM:In Henderson, NV and just home from work and would like to know whatever info avail for my sister and her family in Glen Oaks Hills area or Temecula (Just north of Vail Lake) Any info would be greatly appreciated and I will share whatever info I can gather. Thanx.
CC wrote on Oct 24, 2007 6:45 PM:To Oz, I went down to San Diego today and back to Temecula on the I 15 with no problems. Amazingly with no traffic to boot.
TemeculaMom wrote on Oct 24, 2007 6:47 PM:For OZ...Take the 15 all the way up and avoid the 76. As of right now all the freeways are open.
Murrieta Mom wrote on Oct 24, 2007 6:48 PM:Check Murrieta School District's page for updates on school sessions. No school on Thursday. Authorities will determine if the kids will be back on Friday. They will contact us via automatic phone calls (hey, reverse 911... take a clue from the schools... at least they contact us DILIGENTLY over any matter). Good luck to all in this crazy mess.
becky wrote on Oct 24, 2007 6:48 PM:I saw on a fallbrook fire website that the poochama(sp?) and witch fire has MERGED and that is what is over at palomar mtn----now 12 miles from pechanga----my husband is a detective for pechanga----also I am a RN and wouls like to volunteer here, anyone know who to call? or go?? thanks
To Murrieta Mom wrote on Oct 24, 2007 7:09 PM:The reverse 911 systems has saved lives during this fire (Only 1 versus 22 in the Cedar fire). It works very good and to joke about it shows your lack of intelligence and symapthy. Read the paper or watch the news and get the information for yourself and don't be so lazy.
Teri wrote on Oct 24, 2007 7:28 PM:Just got back from a Town meeting called for the people in Redhawk, Wolf Creek and Vail Ranch homes. Was a very informative meeting, with Riverside County and Temecula Fire Officials in attendance. I will sleep a lot better tonight after attending! The smoke in Temecula is mainly from Poomacha fire and is still 12+ miles away. The Rice fire is to south about 4 miles away but Fire Chiefs feel very confident with their plan of attack, especially since we have no winds...thank GOD! They already have ground crews here in Southern Temecula watching to keep track to make sure if anything does try to come over the mountain, we are well covered with fire teams ready to pounce on them. Major KUDOS to our Temecula council, mayor and most of all...fire teams and sheriffs! You all ROCK!
JT wrote on Oct 24, 2007 7:29 PM:RE: Firefighter wrote on Oct 24, 2007 5:44 PM: Do you have an update?
k wrote on Oct 24, 2007 7:33 PM:Thanks for the Town meeting update...sounds like things are going well. I appreciate the info.
Teri wrote on Oct 24, 2007 7:38 PM:One thing to note though on the fire status around Temecula...still be prepared!! They stressed this several times as they are at the mercy of mother nature right now. All 5 shelters Temecula & Murrieta have set up are already full but the Mayor stated they are already in the process of getting other sites ready. Keep checking http://www.temecula.org/ and Channel 3 on Time Warner for updated info is what we were advised to do.
Temeculamom wrote on Oct 24, 2007 7:42 PM:Teri: Just a little correction, the website is www.cityoftemecula.com. temecula.org is the chambers address.
toni wrote on Oct 24, 2007 7:46 PM:I was not able to attend the meeting in temecula tonight due to chronic asthma. Did they say what kind of containment was on the Rice fire? I am glad that now they seem to be more active and forthcoming with information of the fires.
to temeculamom wrote on Oct 24, 2007 7:47 PM:cityoftemecula.org does have fire updates as well as .com
Ivy wrote on Oct 24, 2007 7:50 PM:cityoftemecula.com is also incorrect. It is www.CITYOFtemecula.ORG
Kaye wrote on Oct 24, 2007 7:54 PM:My friend who lives in Redhawk says that they were told there is no threat from the Rice fire even though there is no containment. The majority of the smoke is from the Poomancha fire. Hope this helps.
DirtyCowboy wrote on Oct 24, 2007 7:55 PM:I understand the concern on Redhawk area and its surrounds but I am very concerned with the Vail Lake/Glen Oak hills/Aguanga area where my sster lives. I know the only thing between them and the fire is brush and Rte 79. Any info on how they plan on keeping the fire from getting to that area?
Teri wrote on Oct 24, 2007 7:55 PM:Thanks Temeculamom. Sorry 'bout that. Don't want to give any wrong info. Toni, they said the Rice fire is only about 20% contained and the Poomacha about 10% containment. You can also get updates here as well http://www.sdcountyemergency.com/. You know, I was quite disappointed with a lot of townfolks that attended though ast they were rude and left when the fire chief of Temecula was speaking. They thought because he was almost done, that was all the info. They were SADLY mistaken. They gave us maps of the fire and pointed out the wind flow and everything to those who stayed.
Teri wrote on Oct 24, 2007 7:59 PM:Also ... the Poomacha fire hasn't merged with Witch fire as others were stating. According to CAL Fire and Riverside Fire.
murrieta citizen wrote on Oct 24, 2007 8:23 PM:i dont think that fire will get close to murrieta or temecul, well any closer then it is now.
Lainey wrote on Oct 24, 2007 8:33 PM:Even though we have most everything together ready to go in case of evacuation, I have written up a list of everything that we would need. Some things we will grab at the last minute, like pillows. Other things, like photo albums, are already to go. I made sure we included things like medicine, cash (if power goes out, can only buy things by cash), dog shot and medical records in case shelter needs proof of immunization. Also, a major thing to do before evacuation is to take photos or video of what you home looks like BEFORE the evacuation. That way you can prove to any insurance carrier that you really did own something ((We splurged and got a marble top dining room table, way out of our lifestyle but we really loved it....now we can prove we have it)). Otherwise, most insurance companies will want to see RECEIPTS. I was in Hurricane Andrew in '92, and the insurance company wanted to see my receipts, which I pointed out to him that they were probably in the Everglades since we lost everything. I happened to have taken a roll of photos before I left, I don't know why I did it, but it helped proveour case to them...
Frequent Reader wrote on Oct 24, 2007 9:23 PM:John Hall is the man! Thanks to the Californian/ North County Times for making this blog available. Better info than the TV. KOGO is largely ignoring northern San Diego county as well. Go Californinan!
Mary wrote on Oct 24, 2007 9:28 PM:Someone please tell me what this chopper with the spot light is doing... It's freaking me out!
Sarah Wilkins, NCT staff writer wrote on Oct 24, 2007 9:32 PM:To Toni: As of 7:55 p.m., the last update available, the Rice fire was 20 percent contained and had burned 9,000 acres. According to state fire officials, "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. 1,095 firefighters are assigned to this fire under unified command. The estimated cost of this fire is $1.2 million."
Dave wrote on Oct 24, 2007 9:45 PM:At 4:15 KFWB reported that the Witch Fire began on private property that carried SDG&E transmission lines. The winds caused parallel lines to touch and arc.
Betty wrote on Oct 24, 2007 9:55 PM:From the wine country: I see flames on the downside of the second ridge behind Redhawk, where the fire has stalled on the ridge. It has been there like that all day. It has made very little progress over the ridge, just a little bit. But the light is steady and unmistakable. There is no wind and very quiet right now. The fire has made progress going east, as it appears from the smoke and glow under, but it is confined to the other side of the second ridge. Keep your fingers crossed. Can you believe that the beaurocrats would argue over spotters in the AC? That's unbelievable. Very disappointing.
TIME WARNER CUSTOMERS wrote on Oct 24, 2007 9:55 PM:BECAUSE WE HAD NO COVERAGE FOR TEMECULA DURING THESE FIRES...WE CAN ALL GO TO http://www.kzswtv.com/ AND GO TO THE BOTTOM OF THE PAGE WHERE IT SAYS Want to see KZSW on your television? Let your television provider know, Click on the link to be directed to their contact us page. IT IS SO FAST AND EASY TO DO...HOPEFULLY, IF ENOUGH PEOPLE REQUEST KZSW, WE WILL HAVE COVERAGE IF SOMETHING LIKE THIS HAPPENS AGAIN.
To Murrieta Mom wrote on Oct 24, 2007 10:01 PM:I am a Murrieta mom as well but this is not a crazy mess, this is a real tragedy. The school district's connect ed is the best thing that happened for us parents of the District but it will not reach those who lives in Murrieta that are not going to our school district. The reverse 911 is not to be laughed off, it had saved lives and I don't even know if we have that here in Murrieta. Our city website is not even up to date. At least in Temecula, their site is updated. Please show some symphaty, this is not a joke blog, the Californian is doing a great job of keeping us updated with our questions and so as the other bloggers. With no tv station that covers our area, it's hard.
jamie wrote on Oct 24, 2007 10:04 PM:when you guys are saying deluz canyon- do you mean deluz, like up rancho california road coming from temecula?????
jamie wrote on Oct 24, 2007 10:05 PM:deluz canyon = deluz?? temecula? off rancho ca road ? please i need to know
In response to Becky wrote on Oct 24, 2007 10:06 PM:I read on the kfmb website that Pechanga is now an evacuation Center. Also if you live in the Temecula and Murrieta, Vista Murrieta is an evacuation site. They are off 215 and Clinton Keith or the 2 Highschools iin Temecula
Wolf creek Girl wrote on Oct 24, 2007 10:24 PM:Thank you NCtimes! Seeing the flames and the thick smoke by the mountains through Pechanga parkway on my way home to Wolf Creek on Tuesday and not knowing what is going on is nerve wracking. Not enough info from major TV stations. Thanks to NCtimes for providing updates on their website.It helped a lot.
mark from murrieta wrote on Oct 24, 2007 10:26 PM:anyone hear if they caught the one setting all the little fires in and around murrieta, one at the dog park on nutmeg & Jackson, then 1/2 hour later, in the green belt behind my house!!!! (which me and the neighbors put out with our shovels!!) thanks everyone and numerous others that I heard of the rest of the afternoon?
Concerned DS wrote on Oct 24, 2007 10:32 PM:Thank God, it seems like the fires may settle in the next few days. I have learned more from these postings than anywhere else. Thanks to one and all for your efforts !! If nothing else, we have learned from this disaster that there is Inadequate News coverage for our area. What Next? How can we make this a major issue? I completely agree that we need to make this an issue of urgency for our local communities. Our frustrations are not unwaranted.
Re wrote on Oct 24, 2007 10:34 PM:-----ATTENTION----- The fire in Elsinore/Wildomar off of Grand Ave. are in fact real. I live at Lake Shore Stables.. near corydon rd... off of robert street... And i just wanted to inform u. THAT it is real. we had to evacuate 80+ horses today. By the time were done, the fire fighters had contained the fire... if you dont believe the news...then go look for yourslef. cant miss it. the only BLACK/chared mountian in the whole dang city.
off Ynez wrote on Oct 24, 2007 11:23 PM:Thanks Teri for posting info about the meeting tonight. Thanks also to NC Times for providing Temecula with this blog. God Speed to Firefighters.
Rachel wrote on Oct 25, 2007 5:55 AM:To: mark from murrieta; I don't know exactly, but my dad phoned my mom and I think that they found him. but he was dead. but i'm not sure, can anyone confirm this? i don't know.
George wrote on Oct 25, 2007 8:17 AM:Anyone know the traffic situation on 215 from Menifee to Murrieta.
Paul wrote on Oct 25, 2007 9:55 AM:Hopefully they get the Rice fire contained pretty soon because I read that it is burning North towards Riverside county. This is what is said in the NC Times Fire map. "Rice Fire has burned 9,500 acres. It is 20 percent contained. It is burning north to Riverside. There are 1,000 firefighters on the line. 10/25, 8:45 a.m." (www.nctimes.com/firemap/index.php)
Don wrote on Oct 25, 2007 1:31 PM:I haven't seen anyone comment on one of the hardest working individuals in this whole mess. I'm speaking of the lady who stood there and signed for the deaf while the Govenor, the Mayor and all sorts of people came to the microphone. I got up at 5 am and saw her signing away just as fast as you or I can speak. At 7pm she was still at it! The next morning, there she was again. Someone should pin a medal on her for her dedication and professionalisim. The journalists might have gotten hoarse reporting the news. They deserve credit too. But this lady deserves special praise on a national level.
Betty wrote on Oct 25, 2007 2:44 PM:From the wine country: All the ridges are obscured as the smoke settled in. Early in the morning it was distinct as a trail, but the entire sky is now covered with a grey pall. We can now smell smoke for the first time. We also have ashfall now. No planes visible doing anything. The wind direction change sure has dramatically changed the air quality. Sure would like to know what's happening on the Northeast edge of the Poomacha fire. What does Aguanga see? Is the Observatory okay? Sure hope they saved that.
toni wrote on Oct 25, 2007 3:28 PM:it seems that all the news is on the returning victims of the burnt out area and no concerns for the fires still raging out of control and the pictures of the president strolling up streets of stately houses is decieving. There is alot of people still in danger and it feels as if we have been abandoned. from temecula
Betty wrote on Oct 25, 2007 4:39 PM:From the wine country: We have smoke at ground level now. Can't see the mountains anymore except for a small strip. I am handing out the smoke masks. I should have realized while I was watching the ridges that our area would also fill with smoke, but...the fire is 10 miles away, isn't it? All day long the smoke was overhead, now it's down. Someone who understands the physics of it, please explain. Never, ever, has this happened before, not even with fires which were way closer. I may have to evacuate due to the smoke alone. Also, keep tracking that Santiago fire.
toni wrote on Oct 25, 2007 6:58 PM:You would think by the news that all the fires were out and that the danger was gone and every one was returning home. What is the update on the fires headed towards temecula? Please?
John wrote on Oct 25, 2007 7:56 PM:This is really irritating. I check the city of Temecula website and the information isn't very helpful. We have the Santiago fire which is 3 miles from the Riverside county line. (As of 4:30) Then we have the Poomacha fire which is 8 to 9 miles away from the Riverside county line.(As of 4:30) That's pretty much all it says aside from the fact that there's a lot of smoke, but we don't need to evacuate. It's also tells us that there is "no immediate threat" to our area. Maybe I wouldn't worry if it provided more up to date and detailed information.
- ESCONDIDO: Man shot dead at Fourth of July party (19)
- TEMECULA: Parade, fireworks draw thousands on nation's birthday (11)
- FALLBROOK: Peruvian chocolatier living sweet American dream (11)
- CARLSBAD: Golf benefit raises $20,000 for Conner's Cause (9)
- SAN PASQUAL VALLEY: Animal park offering extended hours, extra shows and activities (7)
Advertisement