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Some Fallbrook residents allowed to return home Thursday
By: TERI FIGUEROA - Staff Writer
Many more frustrated; water scare surfaces | ∞
FALLBROOK ---- Most residents of this small town, frustrated after three days of forced evacuation from their homes, were finally let back home Thursday evening.
Officials reopened essentially the parts of town not scorched by the Rice fire this week.
The dying threat of the fire, which burned 9,000 acres since Monday, stayed mostly in the north end of Fallbrook.
As of 8 p.m. Thursday, firefighters had the blaze 40 percent contained, said California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection spokesman David Shew.
They expect to have their arms around it by Sunday morning, the CalFire spokesman said.
Getting the OK to get residents back to streets that were overrun by the blaze will take some time. One problem: downed powerlines.
"Most of the area, from a fire perceptive, is OK. But we have to get a green light from the power company" before the burn areas can reopen, Shew said.
The fire started Monday morning on the east side of Interstate 15, jumping the freeway around noon. It rushed up the hills toward Fallbrook, taking with it about 200 homes ---- including at least 84 mobile homes in a park populated by many senior citizens.
Since then, firefighters kept the blaze away from homes as it headed north through the valleys and toward Riverside County.
By Thursday, the fire's boundary appeared to remain static, including what had once been a volatile line on the north part of the blaze, said Shew.
Firefighters were building the remaining eight miles of fire break they needed to stop the spread of flames.
"They've been working very hard all day at containing it to those areas," Stew said. "They are doing a good job of keeping it where it is."
The announcement that people could go home came late in a day that saw frustrated residents ---- out of their homes for three days ---- try to slip past armed guards at roadblocks.
With the winds shifting after hot Santa Anas died down this week, county officials first opened up the southernmost slice of the city, south of Burma Road and west of South Mission Road, on Thursday morning.
Folks with homes near but outside of those areas tried to talk their way past police and National Guard troops standing at roadblocks, but many had little luck. Those who were allowed back in had to show proof they were residents before the orange cones were lifted out of their way.
And passing through one barrier didn't mean smooth sailing. Many who made it through one blockade were turned away farther up the road.
One southwestern Fallbrook resident was turned away ---- teenager, animals and more stuffed in her car ---- after she was told the water was bad, and residents in her area were not permitted to return home.
But that may have been one of the many pieces of false information making the rounds among residents of the tiny town.
The water in Fallbrook is fine, officials said Thursday, even though the chlorination building fell victim to the Rice fire.
"Our water is not the reason why people are not being allowed in," said Keith Lewinger, general manger of the Fallbrook Public Utility District. "The water situation has nothing to do with it."
Lewinger said the district had been able to make a temporary fix to keep the water clean.
Lewinger was reached on his cell phone by a reporter, who was also on a cell phone, standing near the barricade at the corner of Olive Hill and Burma roads ---- and watching when authorities told one woman that water contamination was why they would not allow her through the barriers to return home.
Many residents said ---- in person or in e-mails and blogs to the North County Times ---- that they were frustrated by what they said was spotty information about who could come back to Fallbrook and when.
At the corner of Olive Hill and Burma, Laurie Diaz said that she relied on friends and "a lifeline" of Web blogs while she spent her evacuation time in Irvine with family.
As she waited to be let in through the second roadblock she hit as she headed home, Diaz shook her head in frustration.
"There's no fire here anymore," she said. "They are doing a good job ---- of keeping us out."
She paused for a moment, then added, "We aren't upset. We know they are just doing their job."
Penny Fedorchak, owner of El Jardin restaurant, said she wanted to get home and get the restaurant reopened by Saturday, even with a limited menu. Flashing her business card didn't get her past the orange cones and armed men.
"What a journey. What a journey," she said, recalling the frustrating three days she's been kept out of her home.
As residents of the west end of Fallbrook began to return, folks who had decided not to leave the community started emerging from their homes.
For the last few days, very few people have been on the streets of downtown Fallbrook. Many in town were firefighters and lawmen.
But by Thursday, people were out in slightly larger numbers. On Main Street, with thick ash still raining down, three gardeners wearing masks trimmed trees in front of a business.
One 61-year-old Fallbrook man, who asked that his name not be published, said he spent the last few days coming out of his west-end home only occasionally, checking on the homes of friends.
The 24-year resident of Fallbrook said that as the fire danger appeared to turn well away from his home near the western edge of town, he slipped out and headed to a market on Wednesday.
"I had to get an emergency supply of caramel apples," the man said.
Most of the shops in town closed for the last few days ---- but not all. El Toro, a popular grocery store and eatery on North Main Street, remained open for grateful residents who stayed behind.
Store owner Mohammad Rahman said that many of his employees lived in Fallbrook and stayed in the area, and that he wanted to be sure to keep the store open for people who might need food and other supplies.
Rahman said he lost money by keeping the store open ---- but that was of little consequence to the man who had served at the town's honorary mayor for many years.
"We didn't stay open for customers," Rahman said. "We stayed open for the community."
Rahman said that he and his employees had fielded call after call from area residents who had been evacuated, seeking updates on neighborhoods and such.
As for the water situation, utilities district manager Lewinger said that the concerns about running low on water may have stemmed from the district's request that Fallbrook residents limit their water use for the next few days.
Outdoor irrigation usage ---- mainly for the area's growers ---- should be limited to the following hours until Monday, Lewinger said. People at even-numbered property addresses in the community should irrigate only between midnight and noon. Those at odd-numbered property addresses should irrigate between the hours of noon to midnight.
"If everybody returns and turns on everything all at once, we are going to run out of water," Lewinger said.
Contact staff writer Teri Figueroa at (760) 631-6624 or tfigueroa@nctimes.com.
Partial lifting of Fallbrook evacuation order
Fallbrook residents within the following boundaries may return home:
- West of Gird Road between Highway 76 and Reche Road
- West of Reche Road from Gird to Live Oak Park.
- West of Reche Road.
- North on Live Oak Park from Reche Road to Alavarado.
- West of Live Oak Park on Alvarado to Stage Coach.
- North on Stage Coach to East Mission Road.
- West on East Mission to the western boundary of Fallbrook.
No access will be allowed east or west of these boundaries. Access will be granted only to residents with identification. Residents may not return by way of Camp Pendleton.
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eva wrote on Oct 25, 2007 10:58 PM:We are allowed to go home! I got a call and a friend said that it had been lifted since 7pm. I was home by 9pm and have never been so happy! I live right in the middle of town near main street and am so happy! I didn't hear anything on the news about this. Maybe they did this on purpose..so it didn't get to bad in the a.m. Thank you to all the firefighters for keeping fallbrook safe. But, in the future, pleaser realize that the people who got evacuated need more info then what we where getting on the news. NC TIMES ROCKS! The nctimes was pretty much the only place I could get any real information!
Heather wrote on Oct 25, 2007 11:07 PM:It seems like we can go home now. It has been frustrating to be on lock out, or in, but we have a lot of homes to be grateful for, and plenty of neighbors to help without homes. Let's be happy to be alive.
farmer wrote on Oct 26, 2007 1:04 AM:I can see my house from the freeway, but can't get past the armed force that is taking over Fallbrook!!! I am pissed......
Marie wrote on Oct 26, 2007 1:38 AM:I have a brother on N Orange and friends all over Fallbrook.The TV news on Fallbrook was scarce. It is good to find this source for news. Wish I had found it sooner.Is there a posting for locations of shelters?
Home Owner wrote on Oct 26, 2007 2:55 AM:The way fire evacuations are handled by police has to be changed. Some people want to leave other prefer to stay and protect their homes. The reality is that the police and fire people are spread too thin to protect every bodies home. It makes a lot more sense to allow those who want to stay to stay to not only protect their own home but their neighbors as well. The only trouble is that if you choose to stay you are treated like a jew hiding out from the Gestapo in Nazi Germany. You are not allowed to come and go as needed for food and supplies. This has got to change. Please look into this matter and see if the way home owners are treated can not be improved upon. The way it is presently handled is not fair and just. Perhaps voluntary evacuations should only be used in the future?
Sandy/Fallbrook resident wrote on Oct 26, 2007 5:35 AM:I am home finally and was never so happy to be home! The water is good and I saw NO down power lines, not to say they are not there. My home is on June st, all homes are good here.
to Home Owner wrote on Oct 26, 2007 6:23 AM:The two dead people in Poway are a perfect example of what happens when "home owners" decide to stay and protect their home and property. There are many reasons why ALL of Fallbrook needed to be evacuated during the firestorm. The only reason why the town of Fallbrook did not burn down is because of the heroic firefighters and the wind changed. You are correct about the need for the police to handle the mandatory evacuation differently next time. If there is a next time they should arrest and heavily fine anyone who defies a mandatory evacuation order. In a stressful, chaotic emergency situation their needs to be LAW and ORDER, not I get choose what ever I feel is in MY best interest.
Fallbrook wrote on Oct 26, 2007 7:01 AM:Very well said (entry 6:23AM). Any one who is not evacuated,is doing a dis-service to the community.
gabriel/homeowner wrote on Oct 26, 2007 7:03 AM:As always in these situations "egos" and power play a role.To many chiefs keeping people out because the have the color of authority.Remeber when you vote next time.
Art wrote on Oct 26, 2007 7:06 AM:Fallbrook needs its own “Homeland Security Office” with a web site that during disasters publishes all official news and notices from, the Sheriff, Fallbrook Fire the Fallbrook Public Utility District and all schools etc. As it was most residents were sent north and then forgotten which was shameful. And of course those that stayed close by never knew what was going on. This complete breakdown in communications caused unnecessary hardships to say the least.
ger wrote on Oct 26, 2007 7:26 AM:Those who are working the fire, police, firemen, uttility workers, deserve a big pat on the back. The problems with the fallbrook fire come from people higher on the ladder. That is why there will be an evaluation of procedures after the fire. What I do know is I just want to go home!
Mike wrote on Oct 26, 2007 7:34 AM:Are they moving the road blockage to other points in the city or are they blocking / checking everyone at Mission and 76?
Mike wrote on Oct 26, 2007 7:36 AM:Actually, there are water problems for a few in Fallbrook. Those of us on the southeast corner of town are supplied by the Rainbow Municipal Water District. We received recorded message phone calls yesterday, informing us that there may have been reservoir contamination as a result of fire-fighting helicopters dipping their buckets as well as ash contamination. The message stated that they were currently testing the water, but that the testing would take several days.
To to Home Owner wrote on Oct 26, 2007 7:39 AM:What people like you do not realize is that you are slowly but surely sacrificing your freedom. Better to endure hardship than be a slave to the state. Citizens should be treated as adults not children. If we are no longer adults then who is, the government? Such a message says citizens do not know what is best for them but someone else, the ruling class, does. The founders of our country left Europe 200 years ago to escape such oppression. We are very foolish to so easily return to such. "
FallbrookBob wrote on Oct 26, 2007 7:55 AM:I disagree with "To Home Owner". The government cannot force you to evacuate your home. A lot of people were evacuated in Fallbrook and Bonsal. They clogged the few roads out of here and swamped nearby hotels. We stayed to protect our home. I had the garden hoses ready in the front and back. If I saw an ember hit the house or property, I could extinguish it before it could do any damage. I also watched our neighbors' houses. I didn't see a single firefighter in our neighborhood the entire week. You have to use your head, but in some cases it is best to stay and fight. I have been through many brush fires and have always stayed and fought. I have saved many homes with just water buckets and garden hoses.
to Art wrote on Oct 26, 2007 7:57 AM:In Fallbrook homes were lost; people were displaced, and inconvenienced, and yet to date NO ONE in Fallbrook died! I have a bed ridden Father that had to evacuate and it was VERY difficult moving him. In an emergency situation I would much rather have EVERY resource available devoted to saving lives and property, then distracted by having to keep all the evacuees "informed". How much “hardship” and inconvenience is 1 life worth? The system worked perfectly because NO ONE DIED!
to to to home owner? wrote on Oct 26, 2007 8:11 AM:This was an EMERGENCY SITUATION!!! A FIRE!!! I have always voted for and been out spoken about individual rights. But I do not support anarchy. It is arrogant to think that you “know better” than fire officials who have been charged with saving our lives. The fire officials in our County have done an amazing job saving peoples lives!
to fallbrook bob wrote on Oct 26, 2007 8:15 AM:You are exactly right bob. We would have lost many more homes if people like you hadn't been there to put out the embers...shame on you "to home owner"
To to Art wrote on Oct 26, 2007 8:19 AM:You said, "How much “hardship” and inconvenience is 1 life worth? The system worked perfectly because NO ONE DIED!" So I guess, according to your logic, those that died in our past history for our freedom did so in vain?
Scott-Bonsall wrote on Oct 26, 2007 8:22 AM:Great job by our firefighters in saving most of Fallbrook/Bonsall and with limited resources. THANK YOU!!! I agree that all Fallbrook homeowners should be able to return their property, with perhaps the only exception where there is water contamination. If necessary, they can once again effectively evacuate. We must maintain the right to protect our own property. Regarding evacuation, many of us live in rural areas and like other similar areas, I know homes were saved by able homeowners, due to the stretched fire-fighting resources. In the spirit of our pioneering ancestors, good for them!
to Art wrote on Oct 26, 2007 8:22 AM:That is definately something to be proud of in Fallbrook. The last thing you want is to have your town on the National news... because of casualties.
ILoveFiremen wrote on Oct 26, 2007 8:35 AM:Right, your freedome to stay is so impt that firefighters should have to rescue your fanny - and NOT fight the fire - when you realize you've gotten in over your head! That makes a lot of sense. Why don't you appreciate the hard work of firefighters and law enforcement instead of complaining. What a bunch of self-centered ingrates. A different story if you'd lost your homes, wouldn't it be? You should be ashamed.
Blue Heron Bob wrote on Oct 26, 2007 8:48 AM:Don, you can get right in at Vista Del Rio. I surveyed it yesterday. Wait until you smell your house - had to clean the fridge out yesterday - not pretty. ...
Tim wrote on Oct 26, 2007 8:48 AM:Arrest everyone that stayed behind? For what? As if the police dont already have enough to do. When the traffic flowed thru Ammunition what should I have done, drove down my driveway to sit in front of my driveway all night. Staying put with a hose to put out embers is one thing, trying to fight back a 40 ft wall of fire with a slip and slide is another. Its absolutely incredible that some people think that those who stayed are of lower intelligence, be thankful one of these lawbreakers may have extinguished that ember before it landed on your roof. Cvs was open and they made thier pharmacy available, and Albertsons was open which provided a break for the firefighters a number of times. To those that left, before you condemn those that stayed make sure you think about the good done by those that stayed. Many people also checked in on thier neighbors property, watering it down and feeding animals, not just thier own. Thank God none of those people died trying to water "YOUR" property.
NC resident wrote on Oct 26, 2007 8:51 AM:You people out there bickering over whether or not you should have been forced to leave is disgusting. Instead of being greatful to those firefighters for your life and some of your homes, you choose to bad mouth the system. Well, let's see . . . If there were no evacuations and 100 people parished in the fire, yep . . . you would be complaining about that too. Shame on you. Be happy and get over the fact that you had to stay away from your home for awhile!!!
Pilotocarlos wrote on Oct 26, 2007 8:55 AM:Communications between firefighters appears to have been great. Communication between law enforcement personnel and the public was not so great. All the experiences of folks being told different stories by authorities at check points, the hour and half delay in opening the town, etc., show a great weakness. So, along with check marks on all the good things, in the "need-to-improve" category there should be check for improving communications among law enforcement personnel and to the public. Overall, however, a big thanks to those who protect life and property.
Tim wrote on Oct 26, 2007 8:59 AM:Like I said, putting out embers, putting out embers, do we need to go thru that again. We do appreciate, but realize that firemen cant be everywhere putting out embers, your neighbor hosing down that ember helped to keep that ember from igniting your house.Be thankful for that, some say that was foolish, thats not the point, the point is they were willing to do it. Alot of ash and ember fell in town, it wasnt burning. Possibly due to your neighbor and thier garden hose. As a matter of fact I was informed by a LAW OFFICER to stay put, that I was fine where I was.
Tim wrote on Oct 26, 2007 9:10 AM:It is disgusting that people are arguing, and accusing and such. Some people decided to leave and some decided to stay, simple as that. What does it matter to you what decision another makes, after all its them not you. The system only did thier job, nothing more nothing less. You should be upset about the possibilty that it could be arson and looting and such.
SB wrote on Oct 26, 2007 9:28 AM:I'm getting angered due to the fact that I'm not be given honest facts of why I can't go back to my HOME which is located between Hillcrest and E. Mission. First, rumors of bad water, then the SDGE needs to give the green light, then after calling the Chamber, there still is fire down in the river area. What's the straight scoop? I watched the Gavlin fire which was less than half a mile from my home and there was no run around like we are getting now! Someone in charge needs to understand that people appreciate straight talk. Also, where's Bill Horn?
daniel wrote on Oct 26, 2007 9:29 AM:if you live in an area that is not open can you get in to the open areas to stay with friends?
USMC wife wrote on Oct 26, 2007 9:33 AM:With all of this political bickering, you're all missing a major point: THIS IS AMERICA! We all have the freedom to voice our opinions about this, before, during, and after a crisis. My husband is currently in Iraq, fighting to give others the right to speak their minds. They can't yet even GRASP the concept of freedom, but their children might be able to (they're growing up without ever having known the tyranny of Saddam Hussein). So when you chastise others who disagree with you, please remember that freedom isn't free, good people DIED for your RIGHT to put your neighbors down.
Dale wrote on Oct 26, 2007 10:05 AM:I have been in my house since Tues AM in the Los Alisos/Camino Alisos area. We have power, water, etc. I have seen SDG&E, AT&T trucks drive area on Wed/Thurs. There is no reasion people can not return to their homes. They have no water in Ramona and those poeple were allowed to return. This error on the side of caution mentality has gone way to far.
Pat from Pala Mesa wrote on Oct 26, 2007 10:11 AM:Trying to find out if we can get into our homes near golf fairways - Pala Mesa Fairways. Does anyone know about this area?
horses need to go home wrote on Oct 26, 2007 10:26 AM:We're on an area untouched by fire south of Pala Mesa: still not allowed home..WHHY? our neighbor that stayed ahs water and electricity...our horses are miserable, and have been for 5 days...we appreciate the firefighters and police, but are FRUSTRATED by what appears to be excessive caution!!
Francis wrote on Oct 26, 2007 10:34 AM:Those who violated the law and ignored the mandatory evacuation order should be detained in a common location until they can be prosecuted. Then they should be either fined or jailed for putting the lives of our first responders in danger.
Irma wrote on Oct 26, 2007 10:43 AM:Is E.Mission Rd. and Santa Margarita Rd., between the Shell gas station and Circle K open and ready to return safely, anybody, please? Also, one quick comment, Praise not thanks needs to be given to ALL our rescue crew, thank heaven for them. People, don't complain, just be thankful that we're still here. Why all the bickering? Praise the Lord and move forward.
Ex-Usmc wrote on Oct 26, 2007 10:43 AM:TO USMC-wife...... and the other half of your statement which you neglected to write... is that those neighbors have the right to stand up in thier defence when they are being attacked.
Kay wrote on Oct 26, 2007 11:02 AM:A perspective that seems to have been overlooked. I lived in Harmony Grove a number of years ago when a Santa Ana wind driven fire roared through that canyon. Our side of the road didn't burn and we were left in place only because they didn't have the roadways and personnel to get everyone out ahead of the fire. It was moving so fast that they were forced to concentrate on those literally in the path. We were at home for four days with no running water, no electricity, no phones. That's right, no TV and no blog to air our grievances even! Here's the point. It wasn't a big problem because we had plenty of stored water, food (including pet food), camping equipment including flashlights, batteries, stove and fuel. Just a four day campout at home. Some people didn't see it that way and were allowed to leave but not come back in (which has long been standard procedure for many good reasons). Finally, my point - now is a good time to evaluate your emergency supplies. Were you prepared to handle a 4-7 day emergency without relying on outside resources? Fire season isn't over yet and earthquake season never ends.
Gird Valley wrote on Oct 26, 2007 11:06 AM:Anyone home in Gird Valley Fallbrook? specifically on the East side of the FB Golf Course? I've heard no cops are stopping folks there but there hasn't been any official notice. My house is in the "approx burn perimiter", but hasn't burned.
joel wrote on Oct 26, 2007 11:08 AM:Pat, I'm in the same boat. All the official info I've seen says the pala mesa area is still closed. I'd love to at least hear an estimate or a reason...
Georgie wrote on Oct 26, 2007 11:14 AM:If they are keeping people out, I'm sure it is for a good reason. Yes, it is frustrating, and I have a mother who is itching to get back to Pala Mesa, but, my God, these professionals saved her house and most of Fallbrook. Now we want to second-guess them!
Bill wrote on Oct 26, 2007 11:17 AM:We made an active decision to stay with our home, based on where we live in Fallbrook, access into and out of town, and visibility of any impending fire danger. As well, several other families stayed behind for similar reasons. We met and worked as a team to monitor the activities in the neighborhood. We slept in shifts so that there were always several people awake and alert. I don't believe that any of us actually slept in a bed over the last four days. There are a couple of homes that were a concern to us because of their condition. We monitored them, as well, watching for any signs of fire, and fed and watered the animals that were left behind in the evacuation. Not once during the last four days did any of us observe fire officials or law enforcement pass by our homes. This is not to say that it didn't happen, but with resources spread so thin, it wasn't likely. As well, this is not a condemnation of their efforts, but a reality that we all must live with. In the aftermath -- Would I do this again? Yes, I would. Do I appreciate the efforts of the firefighters and law enforcement? Yes, I do. Am I naive enough to believe that they are omniscient and can save everyone's home? No, I am not. Am I satisfied with the dissemination of information and communications? No, I am not. (Thanks to NC Times, however, for providing most of what we did receive.) The fact of the matter is that this was a natural disaster that strained resources, capabilities, relations, and patience. Most people actively chose to make the decisions they made. We do have that right in this country. I do not have to have a "lemming" mentality and follow along just because I am told to do so. There are times when you have to make your own decisions based on the information that you can process and have available. Sometimes, you have to make your mark and stand your ground. We have all witnessed, that even the most informed political propundants make mistakes, receive misinformation, or are disinformed. Likely we will be brewing over that for some time to come. It's time that we evaluate what has happened, Thank God for what we do have, and fix what we can. As well, I Thank God that I live in a country where I am free to make my own decisions and choices, and not herded because someone else thinks I should be.
pissed off on Wilt Rd. wrote on Oct 26, 2007 11:17 AM:Our home, on the south end of Wilt (the LAST home on the list of 4 destroyed homes on WIlt-2373)burnt to the ground! We did EVERYTHING right. We kept our property clean of brush. The... has their tower right above us. Do you think THEY bothered to clear crap around their tower?? "Do as I say..not as I do" THEY need to be held accountable!
Live Oak home owner wrote on Oct 26, 2007 11:19 AM:Many of my neigbors have been in their homes since Tuesday, and have been fine with water and power. Live Oak Park Rd. was open last night, and yet today, the Border Patrol was telling travelers down this road to go into town and get supplies. However, when we tried to return, the Sheriff Dept. had taken over and turned us away. Some of us had children at home for whom we were out buying food, or animals we were picking up from shelters. To keep us separated is horrific! This lack of clear, common sense is amazing and WE ARE LIVID! LET US GO HOME! WE HAVE POWER AND WATER AND WE JUST WANT TO BE WITH OUR FAMILIES WHOM WE LEFT BACK AT THE HOUSE! GEEZ! Right now I'm stranded on Gum Tree Lane trying to get back to my kids! Someone PLEASE knock some sen se into the "authorities" We shouldn't be living in a police state where the police themselves can't make up their minds on the what TRUTH to disseminate. Thank God for lap tops!
Yolanda wrote on Oct 26, 2007 11:24 AM:Many of my neigbors have been in their homes since Tuesday, and have been fine with water and power. Live Oak Park Rd. was open last night, and yet today, the Border Patrol was telling travelers down this road to go into town and get supplies. However, when we tried to return, the Sheriff Dept. had taken over and turned us away. Some of us had children at home for whom we were out buying food, or animals we were picking up from shelters. To keep us separated is horrific! This lack of clear, common sense is amazing and WE ARE LIVID! LET US GO HOME! WE HAVE POWER AND WATER AND WE JUST WANT TO BE WITH OUR FAMILIES WHOM WE LEFT BACK AT THE HOUSE! GEEZ! Right now I'm stranded on Gum Tree Lane trying to get back to my kids! Someone PLEASE knock some sen se into the "authorities" We shouldn't be living in a police state where the police themselves can't make up their minds on the what TRUTH to disseminate. Thank God for lap tops!
LB wrote on Oct 26, 2007 11:34 AM:The main reason some of the areas are still closed is due to power lines being down. The north east section of Fallbrook is still without power and it is not expected to be back until 12 tonight. You can keep track by looking at www.sdge.com and click on outages.
Monique wrote on Oct 26, 2007 11:39 AM:Hospital officials will be planning a coordinated, safe and secure reopening of the facility as soon as it is possible. Employees will also be notified when to return to work. Updates will continue to be posted on the hospital's website at www.fallbrookhospital.com.
Ange wrote on Oct 26, 2007 11:58 AM:I just heard they closed 76 again due to a fire along the river. Anyone know if this is true?
TM wrote on Oct 26, 2007 12:02 PM:All criticism aside, whether you stayed or left, that is our personal freedom. I left because I have kids that I had to think about and a disabled Mother in Law with breathing problems.That said, I am grateful for all the info I got from this blog site from the people who stayed and for all the effort they gave to help their town of Fallbrook. And we are a TOWN> a small town that neds to get it together now ans help those of us that lost their homes...Any word on a local fallbrook relief effort? I just got home and Im ready now to get back out there and help my town.Anybody with info wold be really appreciated! Go WARRIORS!:)
fallbrookresident wrote on Oct 26, 2007 12:03 PM:The danger is that next time a fire threatens people may not leave when ordered to evacuate because they were not let in when the danger ended or heard about people who were not let back in. We were given mis-information and official information that the blockaid officers said were "lies" and yet neighbors who stayed said it was safe. If you can prove you live in an area not affected - why won't they let you in???? Next time there will be more deaths if they don't agree that the orders to officers were too strict and that they will try to do better next time.
Winterwarm Resident wrote on Oct 26, 2007 12:06 PM:To Bill: I think I'm in love (for stating my exact sentiments so succinctly). You couldn't have possibly said it any better!
Julie wrote on Oct 26, 2007 12:29 PM:Hey everyone. An update for those in east Fallbrook. I live on Citrus/Wilt Rd. I'm so sorry to the family who lost their home on Wilt and is mad. You do have to understand that a lot of these fires started from embers in the wind. It was random. I have been home Wed. pm until an hour ago, we left for Temecula. We saw a lot of damage and the houses that were burnt were random. We talked to Rainbow Water guys who said the water was fine in the area, but we're still drinking bottled in case. The workers in the area have done an incredible job. All night, the l ast 2 nights, patrol cars are patrolling the area for looters. Fire trucks are surveying the area. As we drove around east Fallbrook, we saw numberous areas still smoking, ready to light up again. There is a reason people shouldn't be in east Fallbrook. A police man said they have to go through burnt homes to look for bodies. We all have to be patient. I did see many downed lines in our areas.
Julie wrote on Oct 26, 2007 12:31 PM:As far as returning in east Fallbrook. Wilt road, pala mesa, etc. They told us when we left this morning that if we left they couldn't tell us when we'd be able to return. Probably not for another 24-48 hours.
Lynne wrote on Oct 26, 2007 12:43 PM:It is time for Fallbrook to really review how they live in the "Friendly Village." This little village needs to pull it's panties up and become a city and learn to take care of itself. Otherwise we will always be the step-child of the county and get no action to prevent this from happening again.... To hell with depending on others, if every person who was worried or concerned REALLY looked at what we want and NEED for our town - we could really make some changes. WE SHOULD NOT HAVE TO DO THIS AGAIN!!! I realize this is a huge task, but I don't think it's one we can ignore any more.
SB wrote on Oct 26, 2007 12:48 PM:It is a fact that Fallbrook is in a nestled corner of the county, i.e. out of sight, out of mind. Where is our elected officials representation in respect to this tragedy? Again, why are we not getting striaght talk. Called in to the Chamber again and they stated that folks North of E. Mission couldn't get in because of fire still active down at the river area. LB states that SDGE is working on downed power lines and need to give the green light. My question is, what if there were downed power lines and no conflagration, would we all be told to evacuate and wait until SDGE made the repairs? How absurd! Another thought about Mr. Horn who pushed the last bond to widen Hwy 76, it would have been awesome if the money on the first bond years ago would have done what it was supposed to do........this would have been a great evacuation route!
Julie wrote on Oct 26, 2007 12:56 PM:To Ange, I'm sorry, I wrote this long blog and then lost my internet connection. I heard about not coming back to east fallbrook from police at a road block by live oak park/gird and again at the road block at the Mission Freeway exit. Between us, there are ways in. If you do get in an area you're not suppose to be in, just keep off the roads. rainbow water said our water on wilt/citrus was ok, but we're drinking bottled water anyways.
julie wrote on Oct 26, 2007 12:59 PM:ange, if you try to go back and can get on Gird Rd. Canonita is open (the gate) through to Wilt Rd.
julie wrote on Oct 26, 2007 1:11 PM: It's not absurd to not let people in because of downed power lines. That is how the fire started in Rainbow/Fallbrook. There is still a lot of Fallbrook left to burn if they don't make sure all the hot spots are out. If it did start burning again, they wouldn't know who to warn to get out because they would assume that you're already out.
homeagain wrote on Oct 26, 2007 1:12 PM:Message for SB...the road past the bonsall intersection by the Arco station from Vista area is open to all residents of Fallbrook. We are home and traffic was light and we live on the north of east mission. All is well....but will boil water for a while until we are told it is ok. Hope you get home.
Danny wrote on Oct 26, 2007 1:35 PM:Hi, I live in San Luis Rey Heights, its near ramona and the 76 highway, and im wondering if they're letting people back in that area or not.
homeagain wrote on Oct 26, 2007 2:10 PM:Just got an automatic call from the Fallbrook Water District and it said all of Fallbrook Water was safe! It said if your address is odd, to only water outside from midnight to noon and if your address is even to water from noon to midnight. They said if everyone watered at once, it would be a negative for the supply system. Glad to be home. Just a reminder that if you shut off your gas before leaving last Monday, relight your water heater. Found out the hard way with a cold shower. Still happy to be in my house. I will pray for the neighbors that have no home left after the fires.
grateful wrote on Oct 26, 2007 2:13 PM:Yes, Danny, You can get home via the usual routes. Everything on the south end of mission is OK
To Julie wrote on Oct 26, 2007 2:35 PM:Well said. I was not willing to risk the lives of my family so we left. Further more, if there is ANY chance of a fire again, I would leave for the same reason. It just isn't worth it.
Tim R. wrote on Oct 26, 2007 3:00 PM:poor fallbrook... =( I've lived in fallbrook for the past 3 years. It's very beautiful. :(
KM wrote on Oct 26, 2007 3:30 PM:Stop complaining about not being able to go home right now. It is for your own safety you selfish fool.
Disgusted w/the media.. wrote on Oct 26, 2007 3:32 PM:NCT editors, it is obvious that you are editing way to many comments here. The last posting was over a half hour ago. I do know that many of the postings here have and can generate good stories for you, let's hear them, not delete them.
Jamie wrote on Oct 26, 2007 3:56 PM:Dose anyone know anything about Rainbow? I live on Rainbow Glen Rd. on the west side of the 15 fwy. I think that my house is still there, but I am waiting in Anaheim with my daughter until we get the all is clear. I haven't heard anything on the news or read anything in the blogs about Rainbow.
Buffy wrote on Oct 26, 2007 4:23 PM:For all those people that say that those who stayed should have been rounded up and contained and prosecuted each and everyone...... wow, what are you thinking? Nevermind, let me ask what the H E double L are you smoking? Its time for all of you self righteous people to come down off your thrones. I stayed, thats right I stayed.... I say it again... I STAYED, point is.... what does it matter to you? I didnt know I needed your approval, maybe I should have just gotten in line like the rest and had the little bar code on my forehead scanned over at PC. If I start to fall into the logic floating around this blog I may as well just sign up for my passport to Iran. Why is it that the people that left are attacking the people that stayed? Calling us irresponsible and foolish...... I havent heard anyone that stayed calling you cowards and such. My honest opinion is that while you are venting frustration about trying to get home you know that those who didnt leave are already home and youre aiming your frustration at them. Get over it, and for that moron that said we should have all been arrested, doesnt law enforcement have better things to do that look for the happy flower you have growing in your backyard?
To Buffy wrote on Oct 26, 2007 4:53 PM:You know what Buffy, you people caused more grief to others around you. You are too stubborn to leave your house. You all cause more work for law enforcement. I understand your home is important but it IS replaceable. Lives are NOT! I apologize to the law enforcement for people like Buffy. I know all you wre trying to do was best. Some people just don;t appreciate it!
Buffy wrote on Oct 26, 2007 5:16 PM:Please let me state to you, I was told to stay put where I was by law enforcement officers, myself as well as my neighbors. They advised us to keep an open eye for anything suspicious and call 911. WE WERE TOLD THAT WE WERE OUT OF HARMS WAY AND THAT WE WERE BETTER OFF TO STAY PUT BY TWO CHP OFFICERS. I suggest before you jump us you get your info clear.
Legal Beagle... wrote on Oct 26, 2007 5:40 PM:When it came to "mandatory evacuation" one must remember that many residents did not think or believe it was meant for them. As part of the California mentality many people immediately started to conjugate and litigate the order. The reason for this being is that all of their adult lives they have learned to dispute authority. Their mind set is one of a six year old. Only wish I wasn't retired and back on the force. Then we would see "mandatory evacuation" at it's best.
Rod wrote on Oct 26, 2007 5:45 PM:to Legal Beagle....Californians have the mindset of a six yr old? That comment will get you elected for mayor............. NOT!
Francis wrote on Oct 26, 2007 9:08 PM:This fire presented a serious public safety crisis. The authorities made the decision to issue a mandatory evacuation order. If you ignored that order, you broke the law. If you ignored that order, you put the lives of our first responders and law enforcement officers in jeopardy. Next time, I hope authorities have a plan in place to handle tens of thousands of detainees (those who refuse to evacuate immediately and without protest). These people would be placed in a temporary detention center until the crisis ends, at which point they would be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. During their detention these people would be educated as to why ignoring lawful orders creates instability and chaos in society. If the mandatory evacuation order has no teeth behind it, then why label it "mandatory" in the first place? The whole point of this policy is to save lives, let's start getting serious about keeping people in line.
Chris wrote on Oct 26, 2007 10:25 PM:to Francis: are you trying to be funny? We are not sheep and it is the American way to question authority. Maybe you'd be happier in N. Korea or Iran.
Ryan wrote on Oct 26, 2007 10:30 PM:I currently live in Palm Springs, Ca. But my mom still lives at my home of twenty years out in De Luz. I see so many of you "bickering" if you will, (not all but some) about not being let back or about those who chose to stay behind and protect what they have worked hard for. Those who did stay behind did so due to their previous knowledge of the fires in that town and surrounding areas. Staying and protecting your house means you know that there's a chance that you can save it, especially when there are a lack of firefights in your area. Obviously if you have a large wall of flames 50 feet from your house, you'll probably have the brains to leave. But if not that's your choice. I keep seeing people saying things like "The who ignored the evacuation calls should be prosecuted to the full extent of the law" and "You need to leave you're getting in the firefighter's way". But honestly, you're obviously not in town seeing any of this. So you don't know if we're in their way. I would think that the firefighters would be greatful to those who were fighting to save their own homes, because that's one less home they have to worry about and they can focus on the ones in more danger of burning sooner. Those who should be prosecuted, are those who lets say live on an acre, their house is in the front, and they have nothing but dead brush in the back because they're too lazy to cut it all back. They are the ones putting our homes in danger. Not the ones actually fighting. If your house was in the burn area and it's still standing, thank the firefighters and local citizens like Casey Sovacool and David Duitsman who stayed behind to fight. And for those of you who lost your house and don't have fire insurance, you have my sympathy, but you should know better, look where you live, you're not exactly surrounded by miles and miles of concrete. The news coverage on this fire was not as great as the other because it was a smaller fire, and less homes were in danger than lets say, Rancho Bernardo, or Poway. Although, it was rather annoying not knowing what was going on, at least the news did give some coverage, you can't honestly expect they are going to be giving coverage everytime the fire claimed another house or street. The reporters did the best they could considering how much was burning throught the county. And they're not keeping you out because of the "water" it's because they (the city/county/utility companies) have to make sure everything, meaning all possible dangers, are taken care of before they let you back in, otherwise if another fire starts after you're home and your house burns, they are held liable. And it's not like they have the ability to go down every part of every street in town in one day and do all their inspections within a twenty-four hour period. Have some patience, and let them make sure everything is safe for you to return home. And remember they are not doing this to anger you, they are just doing their jobs, meaning they are doing what they are told.
mike wrote on Oct 26, 2007 10:34 PM:When are they going to open El Paisano, Macadamia, Riverview? There is no fire there any longer. There are alot of sheriffs manning the roadblocks.It seems like they are trying to keep something secret. I feel like a criminal because I want to go home. At this point I think the only way in is by filing a lawsuit.
50YearFallbrookResident wrote on Oct 26, 2007 10:40 PM:Francis who posted a comment at 9:08 PM, let me tell you this, I have lived in this town for fifty years, and having the courage to stay and protect your home, rather than fleeing like a child from a monster, is a personal choice. What I am having a hard time understanding is why it is that you are so "disturbed" by the people who stayed behind. You obviously fled town in fear. So how do you know that we were in their way? Not one single firefighter was on my street to protect my home, which happens to be one of three homes on the street. Which are still standing because of myself and my wife. Otherwise the fire would have consumed them, the most that got burned was an acre of my back yard. They didn't even know I was there because there were never any lights on because of downed power lines and my car was in the garage! You sound like the type of person that would try and prosecute the firefighters for "not saving your home" if they didn't try and save it because of the bigger house down the street. Shame on you.
Rob wrote on Oct 26, 2007 10:41 PM:Francis you are of the few residents of Fallbrook that give the town a bad name. It's people like you that should have lost their home in the fire if you didn't.
Michael wrote on Oct 26, 2007 10:44 PM:To Francis: You have obviously never been in true danger of losing your home otherwise you would have never said anything of the sort. You should really hope no one in town finds out who you really are because if they do, you are going to have many angry neighbors at your door.
Shelly wrote on Oct 26, 2007 10:49 PM:Francis, I stayed behind and was told by the firefighters that by turning on my sprinkers on the roof, in the yard, and by doing the same at my neighbors house, I saved them time, energy, and allowed them to focus on fewer houses, which made their job easier! And saved my house and the surrounding three houses!
jeff wrote on Oct 27, 2007 1:32 AM:Hey Francis I just read an article that talked about FEMA staging a fake news conference about crisis relief in Cal because of the fires, they had thier own employees set up as reporters asking bogus question..... hmmmm and we should just listen along and do what were told without question like lemmings. Another thing, for those people that left.... how can you say we got in the way, how can you say we endangered anyone or anything..... oh wait a minute, thats right YOU WERENT HERE! Do you have ESP?
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