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Two fires expected to merge in North County
By: EDWARD SIFUENTES and PAUL SISSON - Staff Writer | ∞
As night fell Tuesday, firefighters expected two fires threatening North County to merge into one blaze near Palomar Mountain.
The smaller 23,000 acre fire at Palomar Mountain was headed for a merge with the larger 200,000 acre Witch Creek fire, which spread from East County through Rancho Santa Fe. The Palomar Mountain blaze was dubbed the Poomacha fire for the street on which firefighters think it began.
"The two fires have not yet met, but we anticipate that will happen tonight or tomorrow when the winds change," said Chief Rick Hutchinson of the department. "We are actively chasing the fire, trying to stay ahead of it and protecting what we can at this point."
Hutchinson said the department expects the two fires to combine in the San Luis Rey River valley. He said the merge of the two fires could be more dangerous to fight because of the geography of the area. There would twice as much fuel burning in a confined area, which would turn it into a faster-moving fire.
Poomacha did plenty of damage on its own Tuesday, consuming more than 50 homes in the area, officials said. Though the fire briefly pushed into Valley Center by moving through canyons along Valley Center Road, firefighters appeared to stop it at North Lake Wohlford Road.
Firefighters pounded on front doors throughout the reservations shortly after the blaze ignited, telling them to evacuate immediately.
After being awakened from their beds at about 4 a.m., homeowners evacuated to the Harrah's Rincon Casino & Resort on Highway 76. Others were sent to the Palomar Observatory on Palomar Mountain and to the nearby Pala Indian Reservation, which had seen little fire as of nightfall.
Joanna Bigfeather, who lives with her family on Harolds Road about a quarter mile west of where the Poomacha fire started, said the concrete and steel casino was like an island for evacuees.
"When we got to the casino, it was completely dark, and it (the casino) was surrounded by a ring of fire," Bigfeather said. "It seemed like everything was on fire."
At nightfall Tuesday in Pauma Valley, homes still burned. Fire trucks raced down Highway 76 and up South Grade Road to try and save homes further up on Palomar Mountain's southern face.
One elegant two-story home, just off Highway 76, stood engulfed in flames with no firefighters in sight.
Nowhere was the scene more surreal than at Harrah's Rincon Casino.
About a quarter mile away, the fire consumed a home. But inside the casino, lines of slot machines cheerily flashed their neon lights at small groups of numb-looking evacuees. But there was no gambling going on at Harrah's Tuesday afternoon. Everyone ignored the machines and trained their eyes on televisions tuned to all-day fire coverage.
Back outside, a fire captain yelled for his crew to let one home in a cluster of four burn, even though they had their hoses ready.
"We've only got 1,000 gallons (of water)," the unidentified captain said. "This one's already gone. We need to keep it from getting the others."
The fire pushed tribal resources to the limit.
Jim Fletcher, superintendent for the Southern California Bureau of Indian Affairs, said the fire burned more than 20 structures in the La Jolla reservation and 15 other buildings at the Rincon reservation. Those numbers were likely to increase once the fire is under control and there is more time to tally damages.
Dick Watenpaugh, director of the Rincon tribal administration, said the tribe's fire department and other fire personnel were trying to protect property, but about two dozen homes were burned.
"For a while there, it controlled us, but our team did an excellent job," Watenpaugh said. "The fire has pretty much passed us."
Rincon closed its casino and was used as an evacuation shelter for about 400 people.
In 2003, the San Pasqual and Rincon reservations near Valley Center were heavily damaged by the Paradise fire. That fire burned some 67 tribal homes in San Pasqual and partly damaged the tribe's most important source of income, Valley View Casino.
In neighboring Rincon, more than 3,000 acres were burnt by the Paradise fire and more than 20 homes were lost.
On Tuesday, officials of the San Pasqual, Pala and Pauma tribes watched anxiously as winds blew flames from the Poomacha fire dangerously close.
Joely Proudfit, a public relations consultant for the Pauma Band of Mission Indians, said residents were under a mandatory evacuation order at Pauma. Most residents left the reservation and went to the Pala and Pechanga reservations for safety, she said.
Proudfit said residents reported seeing flames come near the reservation, but there were no reports of damage or injuries. Casino Pauma is closed until further notice.
"It's a minute-by-minute situation," Proudfit said.
City News Services contributed to this report. Contact staff writer Edward Sifuentes at (760) 740-3511 or esifuentes@nctimes.com.
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prlabtd wrote on Oct 23, 2007 11:45 PM:Oh wow,I hope they will be okay if the fire does join together!!! i feel terrible:(
john d johnson wrote on Oct 24, 2007 12:29 AM:I'M CONCERNED ABOUT THE RESIDENTS ALONG GOPHER CANYON ROAD AND HWY 76 TOWARDS OCEANSIDE.IF THESE FIRES LINK UP,WHAT IS THE CHANCES THE FIRE WOULD SWEEP UP THESE TINDER DRY CANYONS AND WHAT ARE THE AUTHORITIES DOING ABOUT GETTING THE C131'S OFF THE DAMN GROUND AND UP HERE TO NORTH COUNTY WHERE WE NEED THEM TO AVERT THIS CATASTROPHE?
JOHN wrote on Oct 24, 2007 12:37 AM:WHAT ARE THE AUTHORITIES DOING ABOUT GETTING THE C131'S UP HERE TO NORTH COUNTY TO STOP THE DEVASTATION POTENTIALLY CAUSED BY THE FIRES LINKING UP AND BLASTING UP GOPHER CANYON AND HWY 76 ALONG THE SAN LUIS REY RIVER BED ALL THE WAY TO OCEANSIDE? THIS SCENARIO IS LIKELY AND ONE THAT IS RIPE FOR DISASTER,THE LIKES OF WHICH WE HAVE NOT YET SEEN!WHAT PRESSURE CAN WE EXERT ON THEM TO FINALLY DO THIS?
john d johnson wrote on Oct 24, 2007 2:29 AM:ANYONE FORCED TO EVACUATE SHOULD CONTACT THEIR INSURANCE COMPANY AND APPLY FOR ADDITIONAL LIVING EXPENSES TO OFFSET THE COSTS FOR THEIR FOOD,LODGING,AND MISCELLANEOUS EXPENSES THEY MAY INCUR.SOME COMPANIES, INCLUDING THE SECOND LARGEST IN THE STATE, ARE PROVIDING LIMITED FUNDS IN ADVANCE.THERE IS NO DEDUCTIBLE.YOU DO NOT NEED TO HAVE YOUR POLICY WITH YOU.THIS WOULD APPLY TO ALL THOSE WHO HAVE HOMEOWNERS,MOBILE HOME,OR RENTER'S POLICIES.IN ADDITION, IF PEOPLE FIND THEMSELVES UNINSURED,I UNDERSTAND THE STATE INSURANCE COMMISSIONER HAS PROMISED TO PROVIDE EXPENSE COVERAGE ON A LIMITED BASIS.
tony wrote on Oct 24, 2007 4:44 AM:any word if the oceanside bonsall border is in any danger . All clear at n river rd and puerta del sol.
Randy wrote on Oct 24, 2007 5:13 AM:It's a good thing that the City of Oceanside has completely cleared the San Luis Rey riverbed of all vegetation. Otherwise, Oceansiders would have to worry about the fire burning straight down the river through Oceanside to the sea!
Anna wrote on Oct 24, 2007 5:57 AM:I'm in pennsylvania. Have family off Sleeping Indian Road in Oceanside. Does anyone have any info about that area?
Amy wrote on Oct 24, 2007 6:31 AM:have the fires conbined yet? We were evacuated on Jefferies ranch road in Oceanside... any news yet?
Amy wrote on Oct 24, 2007 6:32 AM:They've been evacuated on Jefferies ranch rd. and 76 in Oceanside, have the fire combined yet? any news on when and where?
amy wrote on Oct 24, 2007 6:33 AM:They've been evacuated on Jefferies ranch rd. and 76 in Oceanside, have the fire combined yet? any news on when and where?
Amy wrote on Oct 24, 2007 6:36 AM:I keep trying to post this, but it's not letting it thru, Hopefully this one will be posted. They've been evacuated on Jefferies ranch rd. and 76 in Oceanside, have the fire combined yet? any news on when and where?
Tersia wrote on Oct 24, 2007 7:07 AM:Any update on the Rice fire apporaching the Riverside County line, and De Luz?
help please wrote on Oct 24, 2007 7:15 AM:any one knows if Joseph S. Moore is ok? I know he lives in Oceanside. but do not know were? thanks for your help.. keeping all of you in prayer...
SLM wrote on Oct 24, 2007 7:23 AM:Amy - I live in Jeffries Ranch and have recvd no orders to evacuate. why would this area be evacuated at this point?
amy wrote on Oct 24, 2007 7:34 AM: SLM the two fires merged, fears of river bed catching. On EMS system 76 our area.
phil and tricia in bonsall wrote on Oct 24, 2007 7:42 AM:is the evacutaion in bonsall wrong info... is it likely for the fire to spread southwest to the san luis rey river??
SLM wrote on Oct 24, 2007 7:44 AM:I am not seeing anything on the news or the emergency websites. Where can I find this?
SLM wrote on Oct 24, 2007 7:49 AM:Amy - where exactly are you seeing the Jeffries Ranch evacuation info? I dont see anything on the news or on any websites.
rsponse to Anna wrote on Oct 24, 2007 8:02 AM:Sleeping Indian Road is not threatened, nor are they under mandatory evacuation. Winds have changed today and are now blowing in the opposite direction of Sleeping Indian.
robin wrote on Oct 24, 2007 8:15 AM:Obviously you have internet access so for the most information on any of the fires go to: www.sdcountyemergency.com. They are updating information about every 15 minutes, and it may be the only way to get accurate information. Blogs are great, but can also be a rumor-mill. I am in the Aguanga area (5 miles due north of Palomar Mtn) in Riverside County, and have used this website as the only means of info for the San Diego area. Give it a try.
Vista_Parent wrote on Oct 24, 2007 8:17 AM:Here is what I found on the SD County emergency website. ...10-24-07, 12:28 a.m. FALLBROOK EVACUATIONS : Reverse 9-1-1 was used to issue mandatory evacuations in the communities of Bonsall, San Luis Rey Heights and Winterwarm on the north side of Highway 76. Residents should use Highway 76 heading west away from the fires.
Verle wrote on Oct 24, 2007 8:17 AM:I live in Valley Center on Fruitvale Rd and Mac Tan. When I call home my answering machine picks up so I guess the house is still there and there is still power in the area. If you have an old style answering machine give it a call... if it answers you know it hasn't melted yet!!!
Vista_Parent wrote on Oct 24, 2007 8:19 AM:Hopefully the NCTimes will let this post through. Here is the website to go and check on the updated info from the county http://www.sdcountyemergency.com/
Sandy wrote on Oct 24, 2007 8:44 AM:Does anyone know anything about Summit Rd in the San Pasqual area?
Maria wrote on Oct 24, 2007 9:04 AM:My parents live in the Hidden Meadows neighborhood, off of Deer Springs Rd. off the 15. They have evacuated, but does anyone know how that area is doing?
Tree Huggers? wrote on Oct 24, 2007 9:46 AM:Thanks for saving the chapparel & coastal sage, Now the whole county is going up in flames!!! BUT it's not coming out of your pockets, no sir, taxpayers pay before & after... COASTAL COMMISSION+ SIERRA CLUB= BIG JOKE..
Elizabeth Cook wrote on Oct 24, 2007 10:20 AM:Maria, We live in Hidden Meadows but are camped out in Menifee. A co-worker drove from Temecula to her work in San Diego this morning and said the Deer Springs/ Mountain Meadow ramp is open. My husband has gone to see if the air quality is ok enough for us to return, but it looks pretty bad from our northern point of view. We were evacuated yestaerday about 7 AM from the east side of the Meadows. I'll try to remember to report back when I hear from my husband.
Elizabeth Cook wrote on Oct 24, 2007 10:47 AM:Report from Hidden Meadows - my husband has just called from a drive by of the Deer Springs/Mountain Meadow road ramp (10:40 AM) He tells me that it is being blocked by the CHP who appear to be "pretty irritable" about people asking if they can go up. However, if someone needs medication, the CHP is taking their name and phone number ostensibly to contact them later. I'd suggest if you need medication, you call your doctors office and not count on entry to the area - it could be never, you know. My husband is going to try and see if they can get to the North end of Broadway to see what they can if anything. He reports that the air quality is quite bad, pretty much like it was yesterday as we were evacuated.
J wrote on Oct 24, 2007 10:47 AM:Maria 9:04 From the NCT "Staff answers questions" bloggers and NCT staff - as far as anyone knows, Hidden Meadows is okay. The Poomacho Fire is going the other direction to Palomar Mtn. We are calling an old type answering machine at Lawrence Welk Drive and it is still answering. No word on when people can go home.
Elizabeth wrote on Oct 24, 2007 10:47 AM:Report from Hidden Meadows - my husband has just called from a drive by of the Deer Springs/Mountain Meadow road ramp (10:40 AM) He tells me that it is being blocked by the CHP who appear to be "pretty irritable" about people asking if they can go up. However, if someone needs medication, the CHP is taking their name and phone number ostensibly to contact them later. I'd suggest if you need medication, you call your doctors office and not count on entry to the area - it could be never, you know. My husband is going to try and see if they can get to the North end of Broadway to see what they can if anything. He reports that the air quality is quite bad, pretty much like it was yesterday as we were evacuated.
Joyce wrote on Oct 24, 2007 11:28 AM:I live in Fallbrook, does anyone know if the homes in Pala Mesa Fairways Villas off Pala Mesa Drive in that area are still intact ?
Kathie wrote on Oct 24, 2007 11:43 AM:Does anyone have any info for the Rincon Ranch Road residents in Pauma Valley?
oside wrote on Oct 24, 2007 1:02 PM:i just heard that both the camp pendleton fires and fallbrook fires have started to blow north away from oceanside thank God;for the rest of you, my prayers got out to all you and good luck!
Jay wrote on Oct 24, 2007 1:53 PM:Hi Joyce, I live on Daisy Lane, I snuck in early yesterday morning and found everything to be fine with the condos and all homes off of Daisy Lane.
Priscila wrote on Oct 24, 2007 1:57 PM:I live in Temecula, and I've noticed the wind changed this morning. I am afraid of the Palomar Mtn Fire heading Temecula. Does anyone have any update on this? I don't have access to local TV Channels Thanks
Kim wrote on Oct 24, 2007 2:40 PM:I can get the local Temecula channel (27) and they say that we at this time Temecula residents are safe and not in danger. The only thing we have to deal with is the smoke blowing in from the fires. They said that doesn't mean the fires are heading our way though.
Bee wrote on Oct 24, 2007 6:24 PM:Murrieta Unified school district states no school tomorrow Thursday Oct. 25. Via automated phone system.
Jodi wrote on Oct 24, 2007 10:20 PM:does any body know about san marcus area? have friends there.. Tim Quast & family and Mary Smith & family.. keeping all of you in prayer
debbi wrote on Oct 25, 2007 1:08 PM:im in colorado and i have members of my family in harrahs casino on rincon... we are having a hard time getting through to my uncle john admire if anyone reads this have him contact my mom... his house was the one that burned down the road from the casino... our prayers,thoughts and tears are with you... much love from colorado.
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