Some RB neighborhoods open
Residents of West Rancho Bernardo, Rancho Penasquitos and 4S Ranch are being allowed to return to their homes, city officials said this afternoon. Also being opened back up are Santa Luz south of Rancho Bernardo Road (City Limits), west of Interstate 15, east of Rancho Santa Fe Farms Road, and north of Highway 56.
Mandatory evacuations remain for other areas of San Pasqual Valley in the area south of the city of Escondido, west of Guejito Truck Trail, east of Interstate 15 and north of Highland Valley Road; North Rancho Bernardo -- south of Highland Valley Road, west of Pomerado Road, east of Interstate 15 and north of Rancho Bernardo Road.
2:25 p.m.
Valley Center update
In Valley Center, there are unconfirmed reports of three homes lost near Lake Wohlford, reportedly in the Guejito Road area. None of downtown Valley Center appeared to be burning or smoking. About 1500 evacuees were taking shelter at Valley Center High School.
--Paul Sisson
2:09 p.m.
Homes in Rainbow Glen, North Fallbrook are OK for now
Rainbow Glen and North Fallbrook had blackened landscapes Wednesday, but it appeared homes there have not been damaged.
Right now crews are dropping retardent on the west side of Interstate 15 near Rainbow Glen.
1:56 p.m.
Avocado losses
SAN DIEGO (AP) - If guacamole prices are higher when the Super Bowl rolls around in February, blame the fires in Southern California.
Emergency officials say 20,000 acres of avocado trees in northern San Diego County have been lost, at least a third of the state's crop, with another 15,000 acres threatened by flames.
In California, about 62,000 acres are planted with avocados and the industry is worth about $276,000 annually, said state agricultural officials.
"If they can survive the fire, they can still harvest later," said state Department of Agriculture spokesman Jay Van Rein, but if the trees are lost, growers will have to replant their orchards and wait years to harvest again.
1:56 p.m.
Palomar Mountain OK in places; Valley Center still in danger
The top of Palomar Mountain was not burned and the observatory, post office and other structures there remained standing Wednesday. A lot of vegetation on the bottom slope of the mountain had been burned away, and fire continued to burn on the mountain's south slope, where crews were dropping retardant. Much of the mountain is deserted, save for crews clearing the roads of debris and rock.
Several homes on the La Jolla Indian Reservation appeared to be destroyed.
Pauma was largely deserted, with a lot of smoke coming from the fires near Palomar and Fallbrook but no flames in Pauma Valley.
On and near the Rincon Reservation, about 20 homes appeared to have been destroyed, and the catholic church there burned down yesterday. Many evacuees are taking shelter at Harrah's Casino and Resort, which is closed to the public but is open to evacuees and firefighters.
The Lake Henshaw area did not appear to be burned.
The area around Valley View Casino has several burned structures.
1:53 p.m.
Rancho Bernardo update
Staff Writer Ann Moss reports that evacuees trying to return to their homes in the Trails housing development north of Paseo Del Verano North in Rancho Bernardo expressed frustration and anger that they weren't allowed back into their neighborhoods this morning and afternoon. She said there was tension between some residents and police at the scene. She also said she has been told that at least 80 homes were destroyed in the housing development. She said she and staff photographer Hayne Palmour were allowed into the site and noticed that fire trucks were going house to house putting out smoldering debris and hot embers in an effort to make the area safe before residents returned. She said firefighters were also finding valuables in the rubble of burned-down homes and placing them in front of the structures. "One firefighter said people weren't going to be allowed to walk into the burned structures and that they wanted them to at least have some valuables to take out of here with them." She said, for example, that firefighters found a grandfather clock that had not been damaged in any way among the ruins of one home burned to the ground. She reports that city officials were tagging destroyed homes with stickers declaring the structures as destroyed and uninhabitable, a requirement for homeowners to be able to apply immediately for federal financial aid. She also reports that one of the national networks -- presumably ABC, based on the logos on the trucks -- has set up and will be broadcasting its national news tonight from Aquacate Way.
1:45 p.m.
Miramar opens evacuation center
MIRAMAR-- The Miramar Marine Corps Air Station is opening an evacuation site for active duty members of the military, Department of Defense civilians and their families beginning today at 3 p.m.
Individuals wishing to use site should arrive through the East Gate off of Interstate 15 where they will be directed to the check-in center inside the Billeting Office. Department of Defense civilians and family members will be authorized to eat in the Mess Hall.
Evacuees are asked to bring their own food and drink, blankets and toiletries if possible.
For more information please contact the Miramar Public Affairs Office at (858) 577-6000 or (858) 864-3436.
1:20 p.m.
Fallbrook fire update
FALLBROOK -- The Rice Canyon fire has destroyed some homes in North Fallbrook.
It was burning in De Luz Wednesday afternoon , but appeared to be contained in Via de Gavilan on the north side of the Santa Margarita River.
Two helicopters were doing water drops on an area east of North Stagecoach and south of the Santa Margarita River.
-- Tom Pfingston
1:16 p.m.
Valley Center High School evacuation site update
Staff writer Paul Sisson some time today at the evacuation center at Valley Center High School. He said there are about 1,500 people at the high school, where they were being cared for and served food by police and Red Cross personnel. "Everyone seemed pretty happy with the attention and service they were getting," he said. "Everyone was free to leave, but most people want to stay close to their homes for when the evacuation is lifted." He said he didn't see any fire in the area, but could see smoke coming from Pauma Valley, Mount Palomar and Palomar Mountain.
1:14 a.m.
Poomacha fire update
VALLEY CENTER -- Driven by Santa Ana winds gusting to 40 miles per hour, the southwestern flank of the Poomacha fire accelerated down Mount Rodriguez this morning toward the northeastern side of the Paradise Mountain neighborhood of Valley Center.
But by noon, the fire had turned west and was moving swiftly through the unpopulated lowlands of the county's Hell Hole Canyon open space preserve.
The fire's advance toward homes was slowed substantially by lack of fuel in areas that burned in the 2003 Paradise fire and by crews who guarded scattered homes in the Hell Creek basin.
About 40 homes along Marshall Way, Ricardo Ranch Road and Carlatta Lane appeared to have escaped immediate danger as relatively low flames were having trouble getting up the hill toward the residences.
Sheriffs deputies worked hard to enforce an evacuation order, climbing fences at times as they went door-to-door through Paradise Mountain, an isolated rural community of roughly 400 homes.
An edge of the Witch Creek fire that was burning on Rancho Guejito remained a threat to the southeast ridgeline of the community. Homeowners who refused to leave were permitted to remain; deputies tied yellow tape to their fences to alert potential rescue workers.
Officials were particularly eager to evacuate lingering residents of Skyline Ranch, a retirement community of about 200 homes that sits in the heart of the neighborhood and was the site of massive fire protection efforts during the Paradise fire.
- Dan McSwain
12:05 p.m.
State opening assistance centers
Severeal state assistance centers are set to open starting Thursday, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has announce.
"The devastation and loss of life from these wildfires has been horrific, but the people of California are going to rebuild and we must do all we can to help these communities recover," he said.
The centers will serve asone-stop sources for disaster relief services including information on how to replace records lost in the fires, file insurance claims and apply for assistance and housing.
Three centers open Thursday and two additional centers open on Friday.
The hours of operation for the centers are Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The Rancho Bernardo-Glassman Recreation Center in San Diego will have extended hours Monday through Friday and will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Additional centers will be opened in the region as needed.
Centers opening Thursday are:
Rancho Bernardo-Glassman Recreation Center
18448 W. Bernardo Drive
San Diego
Ramona Community School
1710 Montecito Road
Ramona
Fallbrook Community Center
341 Heald Lane
Fallbrook
Centers open Friday morning are:
Rancho San Diego-Cuyamaca College
900 Rancho San Diego Parkway
El Cajon
Castaic Regional Sports Complex
31230 N. Castaic Road
11:54 a.m.
Southwest Escondido still closed
Some media reports that residents are able to return to Southwest Escondido, including Summercreek, are incorrect, authorities said late this morning. Residents in that area are not expected to be allowed to return until possibly sometime Thursday evening. All evacuated areas in Escondido remain closed until further notice.
-- Escondido City press release
11:41 a.m.
Discount rooms to evacuees at RB Radisson Suites Hotel
RANCHO BERNARDO -- Evacuees unable to return to their homes will get specially discounted rooms from the Rancho Bernardo Radisson Suites Hotel, the hotel said today. The rooms will be available as soon as evacuation orders are lifted in the area.
The hotel is located at 11520 W. Bernardo Court. Reservations can be made by calling (858) 451-6600.
General Manager Tammie Wheatley said the hotel "will work with anyone who has a distressed financial situation."
11:40 a.m.
FEMA launches aid site
The Federal Emergency Management Agency has activated its online registration site and call centers to take applications from Californians who suffered damages and losses in connection with the wildfires.
President Bush's disaster declaration for California has opened the way for eligible fire victims to receive funds for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover.
Residents who were displaced or sustained damage because of the ongoing wildfires can apply for assistance by going online at www.fema.gov and clicking on "Apply for Assistance" or calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362).
The TTY number is 1-800-462-7585. Telephone lines are open and Internet registration is available seven days a week.
11:39 a.m.
Escondido hotline for going home
The city of Escondido has established a hotline residents can call to get the latest information on getting back into the homes.
Escondido residents only can call (760) 839-6262.
The areas of southwest Escondido and Summercreek remain under a mandatory evacuation that is expected to be in place until sometime Thursday evening, city officials said.
11:34 a.m.
Clean up precautions issued
As some residents are allowed back into their homes and neighborhoods by officials, there are several precautions they should take as they begin the task of cleaning up:
Avoid disseminating ash into the air; do not use leaf blowers or non-HEPA filter vacuums.
The Regional Water Control Quality Board asks that you avoid washing ash into storm drains if possible.
Wear gloves, long-sleeved shirts, and long pants to avoid skin contact.
If you do get ash on your skin, wash it off as soon as possible.
Wear well-fitting dust masks; those rated N-95 or P-100 provide better protection than simple dust or surgical masks. Persons with heart or lung disease should consult a physician before using a mask.
Lightly mist indoor and outdoor hard surfaces before gently sweeping ash, followed by wet mopping. On lightly dusted areas, a damp cloth or wet mop may be all that is needed.
Collected ash may be disposed of in your regular trash collection. Ash may be stored in plastic bags or other containers that will prevent it from being disturbed.
Ash deposited on indoor and outdoor surfaces near the fire is relatively non-toxic and is similar to ash that might be found in your fireplace. However, any ash:
May be irritating to the skin
Will contain small amounts of cancer-causing chemical
Can be irritating to the nose and throat and may cause coughing
May trigger asthmatic attacks in people who already have asthma
11:28 a.m.
Fires close four Kaiser Permanente offices
The following four Kaiser Permanente medical offices are closed until further notice due to the fire, the health care nonprofit said Wednesday:
Bonita, 3955 Bonita Road, Bonita
Escondido, 732 N. Broadway St.,
Rancho Bernardo, 11939 Rancho Bernardo Road
Rancho San Diego, 3875 Avocado Blvd., La Mesa
Other Kaiser Permanente offices remain open, including these in North County:
Carlsbad Medical Offices, 6860 Avenida Encinas
Oceanside Medical Offices, 3609 Ocean Ranch Blvd
San Marcos Medical Offices, 400 Craven Road
Vista Medical Offices, 780 Shadowridge Drive
Also open: Kaiser Permanente Foundation Hospital, at 4647 Zion Ave., in San Diego.
Kaiser Permanente San Diego members may contact at (619) 662-5656 for an updated message regarding the status of medical offices.
Additional information is available at the Kaiser Permanente Web site at www.kp.org.
For medical emergencies, call 9-1-1 or go to the nearest hospital. For appointments call (800) 290-5000.
Kaiser Permanente San Diego has also established an emergency hotline for Kaiser Permanente staff and physicians to call for updates at (619) 528-3393.
11:24 a.m.
Continue saving electricity, SDG&E says
San Diego Gas & Electric is asking customers to continue limiting non-essential electricity consumption. The utilty issued an update at 9:30 a.m. today advising that transmission lines continue to be out of service due to the wildfires.
"There is currently a fire burning under our transmission lines in Camp
Pendleton. This line is critical to our region's energy supply. Those lines are now out of service," SDG&E stated on its Web site at (http://www.sdge.com).
Customers should continue to use electricity as needed for health and safety, according to utiilty instructions.
As of this morning, 19,500 customers throughout the county are without power, the utility stated. That number is an improvement from yesterday, when 28,000 customers were without power. However, the utility warned that numbers are expected to rise as customers return to their homes.
SDG&E reported that 31 natural gas outages are leaving 1,608 customers in five communities without gas. Many of these are in Rancho Bernardo and other areas that have been evacuated, the utility said.
11:21 a.m.
San Marcos shelter closes today
SAN MARCOS -- The shelter at Mission Hills High School will close this afternoon, according to Jenny Peterson, public information officer for the city. The overflow shelter at San Marcos High School closed Monday.
The Mission Hills shelter, run by the American Red Cross, averaged 200 people a day and may have peaked at more than 300 Tuesday, Peterson said.
Most evacuees were from Escondido, Peterson said. Their numbers have begun to dwindle as Escondido officials report the possible opening of some neighborhoods today, she said. The shelter can be reopened if necessary.
San Marcos' emergency operation center remains open to monitor the regional fires.
-- Colleen Mensching, staff writer
11 a.m.
Some Poway and Rancho Bernardo folks can go home
Residents of the northeastern section of Rancho Bernardo and those on the border with Poway are being allowed to return to their homes this morning.
The parameters for those being allowed to go home are residents south of Paseo del Verano North, east of Pomerado Road, north of Espola Road, and west of the City of Poway.
Announcements about repopulation efforts will be made later today for:
Areas of San Pasqual Valley - South of the City of Escondido, west of Guejito Truck Trail, east of Interstate 15 and north of Highland Valley Road
Areas of North Rancho Bernardo - South of Highland Valley Road, west of Pomerado Road, east of Interstate 15 and north of Rancho Bernardo Road
Areas of west Rancho Bernardo, Rancho Penasquitos, 4S Ranch and Santa Luz south of Lake Hodges, west of -15, east of Rancho Santa Fe Road and north of Highway 56
10:36 a.m.
Military helicopters joining firefight
Fourteen military helicopters are being pressed into the fight against the county's wildfires, U.S. Rep. Duncan Hunter said this morning.
The fleet includes six Marine helicopters, six National Guard choppers and two from the Navy.
The helicopters should be in the air by this afternoon, Hunter said.
10:33 a.m.
Health and Human Services closures
Nine county Health and Human Services offices, including several in North County, are closed due to the wildfires.
In Escondido:
Child Welfare Services and Aging & Independence Services, 463 N. Midway Drive
North Inland Family Resource Center, 620 East Valley Parkway
North Inland Public Health Center, 606 East Valley Parkway
North Inland Regional Center, 600 East Valley Parkway
In Ramona:
North Inland Ramona Community Resource Center, 1521 Main St.
In Fallbrook:
North Inland Fallbrook Family Resource Center, 137 East Hawthorne St.
North Inland Fallbrook Branch Office, 130 East Alvarado St.
Residents needing services from one of the facilities in Escondido, Ramona or Fallbrook, should utilize the North Coastal Family Resource Center, 1315 Union Plaza Court, Oceanside.
--Colleen Mensching
10:15 a.m.
Escondido Humane Society needs help
The Escondido Humane Society is calling for supplies, volunteers, and donations to assist with the care of over 600 animals.
The shelter has accepted animals from evacuees, but is at capacity, and recommends that evacuees take their pets with them if at all possible.
If required to evacuate, the shelter would need vehicles to assist in the transportation of its animals to several North County locations. Anyone willing to assist in this transportation, if required, is encouraged to stand ready at the shelter at 3450 East Valley Parkway.
Staff at the shelter is limited. Only those with animal emergencies in Escondido, San Marcos, and Poway are asked to call the shelter at (760) 888-2275.
10:12
CHP warns against returning to evacuated areas
The California Highway Patrol reported this morning that in an effort to skirt roadblocks into evacuated areas, some motorists are parking on the side of Interstate-15 south of Lake Hodges in Escondido and walking into their evacuated neighbhorhoods. A CHP official said that's illegal and dangerous. She said the CHP will station officers along the freeway to stop motorists from trying to walk into evacuated areas, saying that if necessary motorists will be arrested.
Escondido evacuation update
ESCONDIDO -- Escondido officials hope to lift evacuation orders for two neighborhoods by 1 p.m. today, according to spokeswoman Joyce Masterson.
Residents of Sonata and Rancho Pasqual may be allowed back into their homes then, Masterson said.
Masterson emphasized that current evacuations do not mean homes are burning, but reflect firefighters' fears that winds could change and send flames toward those areas.
As of 8 a.m., evacuation orders are in place for:
• Sonata
• Mary Lane/Anaheim/San Pasqual Road
• Rancho San Pasqual/Vista Monte
• Lomas Serenas
• Mountain View to Citrus to East Valley Parkway to Wohlford and Hidden Trails
• Via Loma Vista
• Via Rancho Parkway from Felicita to Del Dios to Hamilton to Summer Creek
- Colleen Mensching, staff writer 8:06
I-5 update
Southbound Interstate 5 is open from Orange County to San Diego, according to California Highway Patrol officials.
Northbound travelers are only permitted through the Camp Pendleton area with a CHP motorcycle escort, due to heavy smoke and low visibility, officials said.
CHP hopes to have the freeway completely open within the hour. --Colleen Mensching, staff writer 7:35 a.m.
Lake Wohlford area added to evacuation list
Reverse 911 calls are being made to 409 residents in Valley Center threatened by the Poomacha Fire 3 miles east of Lake Wohlford Road. - KPBS
I-5 still closed through Pendleton
Interstate 5 remains closed through Camp Pendleton, a California Highway Patrol dispatcher said at 6:30 a.m. There is still no estimated time it will reopen, she said. -- Colleen Mensching, staff writer, 6:50 a.m.
Essential personnel only at Camp Pendleton
OCEANSIDE -- Only "key and essential" personnel are to report to Camp Pendleton, where two fires are burning this morning, according to the base's Web site.
I Marine Expeditionary Force and Marine Corps Base personnel are included in the order to report and should arrive 7:30 a.m.
All other military members and DoD employees will not be required to report to work due to safety concerns related to the 6,000 acres Horno Fire that has closed Interstate 5. Those personnel must contact their organizations and provide an update to their status. - Colleen Mensching, 6:48 a.m.
Witch Creek, Poomacha fires merge
The San Diego Office of Emergency Services is reporting that the Witch Creek and Poomacha fires have merged, creating a 200,000 acre fire. - NCT, 6:41
Palomar Mountain area added to evacuation list
PALOMAR MOUNTAIN -- Officials have called for mandatory evacuation for the 167 residents of Birth Hill near Palomar Mountain.
Residents are being asked to go to the Temecula Community Recreation Center at 30875 Rancho Vista Road in Temecula. - Stacy Brandt, staff writer, 5:44 a.m.
Highway 76 shut down east of Pala Casino
PALA -- The California Highway Patrol has closed Highway 76 just east of the Pala Casino because of the Poomacha Fire, officials said.
The road was closed shortly before 5 a.m. Wednesday. It was unclear when it would reopen.
Though the Pala hotel and spa are closed, the casino will remain open, according to its Web site.
- Stacy Brandt, staff writer, 5:24 a.m.
Fires worsen at Camp Pendleton; I-5, Metrolink shut down in area.
CAMP PENDLETON -- Marine officials have requested that Metrolink train service be temporarily shut down between Oceanside and San Clemente because of fires burning on base, according to county officials.
At least two fires are still burning on the base, including one that started Tuesday afternoon, and another that started around 1 a.m. Wednesday near Interstate 5.
The interstate was still closed between Oceanside and San Onofre as of 4:30 a.m. It was unclear when it might reopen and how many acres are involved, said Col. Alec Kleinsmith, a spokesman for Camp Pendleton.
The first fire was 10 percent contained Wednesday morning and had burned between 3,000 and 6,000 acres, officials said.
No one was injured in either blaze and no structures had been threatened, Kleinsmith said. - Stacy Brandt, staff writer 4:50 a.m.
Winds expected to calm, temperatures may gradually drop
NORTH COUNTY -- Some of the weather conditions that have been driving fires throughout the county is expected to abate a bit today, officials said.
While it's still expected to be relatively hot today -- from low 80s on the coast to mid 90s inland -- it will gradually cool down throughout the week, according to the National Weather Service. Temperatures in the 70s are expected by this weekend.
Winds are expected to slow down today, but dry conditions will remain, the service predicts.
Critical fire weather conditions are expected at least through this afternoon. - Stacy Brandt, staff writer 5:10 a.m.
De Luz under mandatory evacuation order; some in Bonsall received incorrect reverse 911 calls
DE LUZ -- Officials have called for mandatory evacuation of the De Luz area north of Camp Pendleton. Residents can leave by taking De Luz / Murrieta road north of Sandia Creek Drive north toward Riverside County, Sheriff's Department officials said.
Some resident south of Highway 76 in Bonsall received incorrect evacuation calls early Wednesday morning, said John Buchanan, spokesman for the North County Fire Protection District.
Only Bonsall residents north of Highway 76 were under mandatory evacuation as of 4 a.m., he said. - Stacy Brandt, staff writer, 4:28 a.m.
Farmers Insurance sets up mobile claims centers
LOS ANGELES -- Farmers Insurance Group of Companies has expanded its mobile claims centers, adding 11 new centers for customers to file on-the-spot claims. These mobile claims centers are located throughout Southern California.
In San Diego, customers can receive help at 7 different locations:
· Mira Mesa High School
· San Marcos High School
· Mission High School
· Escondido High School
· Carlsbad High School
· Del Mar Fairgrounds
· Qualcomm Stadium
Base officials: Pendleton not under mandatory evacuation order
CAMP PENDLETON -- Despite fires that scorched Camp Pendleton on Tuesday and into Wednesday morning, there are no evacuation orders for Marines living there, base officials said.
Because Interstate 5 is currently closed from Highway 76 to San Onofre, anyone wanting to leave the base can do so by exiting the main gate, going under the interstate and heading south on North Coast Highway. - Stacy Brandt, NCT 3:45 a.m.
Update: Backfires at fault for closure of I-5 at Highway 76
OCEANSIDE -- A chunk of Interstate 5 between Oceanside and San Onofre was closed early Wednesday morning, as firefighters on Camp Pendleton lit a blaze to prevent fires on the base from threatening the freeway.
Though the blaze did jump into the median, there was no damage to the interstate, said Staff Sgt. Jesse Lora, a spokesman for the base.
It was unclear at 2:30 a.m. when the freeway would reopen.
Officers initially only planned to shut down a small portion of the interstate, but when wind gusts caused the flames to jump onto the freeway, the highway patrol decided to close it from Highway 76 to Christianos Road, said Larry Landeros, an officer with the California Highway Patrol.
Officers at the south end of the closure are turning drivers around and telling them to take Highway 78 to Interstate 15 as a detour.
There was also a small flare up off of Harbor Drive just north of Oceanside, Landeros said. That blaze had already been contained by 2:30 a.m. - Stacy Brandt, NCT
Julian evacuation order updated
San Diego County Sheriff's officials report the town of Julian has been evacuated. The town has no more power or water, and mandatory evacuations will be in effect through Thursday due to possibility of winds shifting back into town.
El Camino evacuation center at capacity
OCEANSIDE -- The shelter at El Camino High School filled up Tuesday night, according to the police.
Officers are asking evacuees to instead go to MiraCosta College, 1 Barnard Drive off of College Avenue.
Camp Pendleton fire closes Interstate 5 at Highway 76
OCEANSIDE -- California Highway Patrol closed a section of Interstate 5 early Wednesday morning after fires burning on Camp Pendleton jumped the highway and started burning on the west side near the Border Patrol checkpoint, authorities said.
The city of Oceanside is not threatened at this time, authorities at the scene at the I-5 closure said.
Traffic was being diverted from northbound I-5 at Highway 76. Officers were sending traffic from there to College Blvd. and then back down to Highway 78.
No information was available as to when the highway may reopen.
- Stacy Brandt, staff writer, 1:48 a.m.
Portion of Interstate 5 closed in Oceanside
Interstate 5 is closed in both directions between Harbor Drive and Highway 76, according to the California Highway Patrol Web site. More to follow. - NCT staff, 1:33 a.m.
More evacuations from Rice Canyon Fire
Evacuations are being ordered on the north side of Highway 76 in Bonsall, San Luis Rey Heights and Winterwarm via reverse 9-1-1 calls.
Legislators strike deal to get additional air support
SAN DIEGO -- Unhappy with state firefighters reluctance to use available military helicopters to fight the fires blazing across San Diego County, a trio of U.S. Congressmen announced late Tuesday night they had arranged a deal to get them into the air.
U.S. Representatives Duncan Hunter, R-El Cajon; Darrell Issa, R-Vista; and Brian Bilbray, R-Solana Beach, said they had reached an agreement with the head of the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection that could get 19 military helicopters off tarmacs and fighting blazes by today.
State fire officials had said previously that they could only use military aircraft if they were carrying trained state fire "spotters" to oversee fire operations in every aircraft. With forces spread thin by the current disaster, spotters haven't been available and military aircraft had not joined the firefight.
Hunter, Issa and Bilbray -- along with County Supervisor Ron Roberts at the county's emergency operations center -- said at a 10:50 p.m. press conference that they had a "firm but fair" discussion with Ruben Grijalva, director of the state fire department.
Hunter said that Grijalva agreed to waive the spotter requirement and allow military fire crews to fly alone as long as the Marine Corps send him a letter officially requesting him to do so.
The congressman said that letter was on its way and the aircraft would be dropping fire retardant or water on flames today.
"After a brisk discussion, he agreed that if the Marine Corps would ask for the waiver, he would allow it," Bilbray said.
Unhappiness over the inability to get military aircraft and fire crews to help fight local fires dates back to San Diego County's last major blaze -- the 2003 wildfires that killed 16 people and destroyed more than 2,500 homes.
Hunter and other local congressional representatives complained bitterly then that the state was refusing to use military help, and vowed to make changes.
However, the congressman said Tuesday night that there had still been problems getting all available military aircraft to help, and decided to call state officials personally. Gig Conaughton, NCT, 12:48 a.m.
El Capitan fire burns itself out
A small brush fire that burned around El Capitan Reservoir north of Alpine has burned itself out. The blaze consumed vegetation before running out of fuel around 9:30 p.m. -- California Department of Forestry, 11:55 p.m.
Red Flag warning in effect till 3 p.m.
A red flag warning has been extended by the National Weather Service for all of Southern California through 3 p.m. Wednesday. Extreme Santa Ana conditions will continue through tonight and slowly diminish by Wednesday, though single-digit humidity is expected to persist. Cooler conditions will be more noticeable and widespread Thursday as ocean air moves in, forecasters said.
Rice Canyon Fire heads west toward Camp Pendleton
FALLBROOK -- The Rice Canyon Fire was moving west through residential areas toward the Santa Margarita riverbed and threatened Camp Pendleton late Tuesday night, said David Shew, spokesman for California Department of Forestry.
Hundreds of homes are threatened, he said. Reverse 911 calls went out to the Olive Hill area late Tuesday calling for voluntary evacuations. Numerous media reports said that many Fallbrook residents had returned to their homes throughout the course of the day Tuesday despite the evacuation order, prompting fire officials to reissue that mandatory order late Tuesday.
Crews have the blaze 10 percent contained, however, Shew said the winds that have died down throughout the day could pick up at any time which would reinvigorate the flames.
Shew said he did not expect full containment until Sunday.
"It's going to be a while yet before we've got this thing buttoned down," he said.
Roughly 300 firefighters were battling the blaze late Tuesday night.
Much of the Rainbow area remained without power. Some residents reported being without power for as long as three days. - Stacy Brandt, staff writer, 11:20 p.m.
SANDAG Meeting postponed, offices closed Wednesday
The SANDAG Board meeting scheduled for Friday, Oct. 26 has been postponed to Friday, Nov. 9, due to the countywide fire emergency. SANDAG offices will be closed Wednesday.
Visit www.sandag.org for updates.
--- Noelle Ibrahim, NCT Staff Writer, 11:01 p.m.
Poomacha Fire continues to burn
The Poomacha Fire, which started as a structure fire on the La Jolla Indian Reservation, has burned more than 20,000 acres, destroyed 50 homes and is threatening 2,000 homes as of 9:10 p.m. The communities of Valley Center, Rincon Hidden Meadows and Deer Springs are threatened. This fire has resulted in 10 firefighter injuries. - CAL Fire, 10:54 p.m.
Mandatory Evacuations in Julian
Residents were ordered by the Sheriff's Department to evacuate Julian at 9:30 p.m. Tuesday. Currently, there is no power or phone service in Julian, county officials said.
Because of the potential for the winds to shift toward the town, the evacuation order will remain in effect at least until Thursday, fire officials said. - Darryn Bennett, staff writer, 10:12 p.m.
Rosa fire near Temecula 70 percent contained
The Rosa fire in Riverside County, northwest of Temecula, has burned 411 acres and is 70 percent contained as of 10 p.m., according to Justin Scribner of the Perris Information Center. Investigators have determined the cause of the fire as arson. If you have any information about the cause of the fire, call (800) 633-2836.
Donations accepted Wednesday morning
Non-perishable food and personal hygiene items will be accepted Wednesday morning at Qualcomm Stadium between 9:00 a.m. and noon, county officials said.
Donations from individuals should be delivered to the A-3 section of the stadium parking lot, and restaurants delivering prepared food can drop off donations during the same hours at Gate F.
People making corporate or bulk donations can call (619) 980-5424 to make a delivery appointment.
Officials said the stadium is now serving as the central distribution point for stockpiles of goods that will be used at evacuation sites countywide. - Darryn Bennett, staff writer, 9:45 p.m.
Updated list of homes destroyed in Escondido
The following is an updated list of homes in Escondido have either been damaged or destroyed, as of 7 p.m.
· 1464 Sierra Linda Drive
· 1432 Sierra Linda Drive
· 4148 Sierra Linda Drive
· 1488 Sierra Linda Drive
· 1310 Sierra Linda Drive
· 1460 Sierra Linda Drive
· 1470 Sierra Linda Drive
· 1209 Sierra Linda Drive
· 841 Concerto Glen
· 843 Concerto Glen
· 4057 Vortex Place
· 1405 Valle Grande Drive
· 1435 Valle Grande Drive
· 1434 Victoria Glen
· 1444 Victoria Glen
· 3919 Tierra Vista Place
· 3925 Tierra Vista Place
· 3932 Tierra Vista Place
· 3940 Tierra Vista Place
· 4143 Vista Bonita
· 4139 Vista Bonita
· 1448 Vista Bonita
· 4130 Vista Bonita
· 1350 N. Escondido Blvd., Apt. Units 32 - 36
· 2800 Mountain View Drive
· 2810 Mountain View Drive
· 2756 Mountain View Drive
· 2762 Mountain View Drive
· 2680 Canyon Crest Dr.
· 2682 Canyon Crest Dr.
· 2686 Canyon Crest Dr.
· 2696 Canyon Crest Dr.
· 2690 Canyon Crest Dr.
· 20605 Viento Valle
· 20845 Viento Valle
· 2653 Groton Place
· 176 Rancho Del Rey
· 2939 Sunset Hills Drive
· 2921 Sunset Hills Drive
The following are the confirmed homes in Escondido that have been damaged, as of 10:49 a.m.
· 741 Fino Glen
· 743 Fino Glen
· 751 Fino Glen
· 753 Fino Glen
· 761 Fino Glen
· 763 Fino Glen
· 1147 Inspiration Lane
· 1153 Inspiration Lane
· 12 Coach Road
· 19 Stonepointe Drive
· 4148 Vista Bonita Lane
· 4150 Vista Bonita Lane
· 3510 Avenida Amorosa
· 3522 Avenida Amorosa
· 3542 Avenida Amorosa
· 201 Calle Florecita
· 232 Calle Florecita
· 3414 Lomas Serenas Drive
· 3418 Lomas Serenas Drive
· 3425 Lomas Serenas Drive
· 3426 Lomas Serenas Drive
· 1435 Queenston
· 1350 Sierra Linda Drive
-- North County Times, 8:57 p.m.
Boil water order issued
RAMONA -- Although Ramona is under mandatory evacuation orders, those residents remaining in the city are being advised to boil tap water or use bottled water for drinking and cooking until further notice, county officials said. Tap water pressure should be restored around 1 a.m.
Darryn Bennett, staff writer, 8:58 p.m.
Voluntary evacuation order issued in Julian
JULIAN -- Residents in Julian are being told to be ready to evacuate as a precaution because the Witch Creek fire could spread east and threaten the community, a spokesman for the county's Office of Emergency Services said.
Residents are also being told to stay tuned to media reports to know whether to evacuate, county officials said. - Darryn Bennett, staff writer 8:38 p.m.
Mandatory evacuations still in place in Escondido
The following areas in Escondido are still under mandatory evacuations:
• Sonata
• Mary Lane/Anaheim/San Pasqual Road
• Rancho San Pasqual/Vista Monte
• Lomas Serenas
• Mountain View to Citrus to East Valley Parkway to Wohlford and Hidden Trails
• Via Loma Vista
• Via Rancho Parkway from Felicita to Del Dios to Hamilton to Summer Creek
There is a possibility that Sonata could be opened later this evening, but that has not yet been confirmed, according to the Escondido Fire Department. -- Noelle Ibrahim, 8:48 p.m.
Harris Fire 10 percent contained; Witch Fire still 1 percent contained
The Harris Fire is 72,000 acres and 10% contained, full containment is expected October 31st. The cost to date to fight the fire is $2,100,000. One additional civilian suffered burns and was treated and transported to a local hospital. A total of 21 civilians have been injured and one killed by this fire. 4500 people are or have been threatened and evacuated. Additional evacuations are being ordered. An estimated 200 to 500 homes have been destroyed or damaged. 1500 homes are or have been threatened. An additional 452 people are assigned to the incident and are either enroute or were initial attack and have not been released from the line to check in. The total personnel count is 1211.
The Witch Fire is 196,420 acres and 1 percent contained. 12 firefighters have been injured on this fire, currently there are 1,492 firefighters assigned to this incident. Fire will continue to move west and southwest, threatening the communities of San Diego, Poway, Ramona, Escondido, Lakeside, Valley Center, San Marcos and Rancho Santa Fe. Fire has spread to the east threatening the communities of Julian and Pine Hills. Current efforts are working towards a more accurate fire perimeter size.
The Rice fire is 7,500 acres and 10% contained with full containment expected on October 28th, with full control expected Nobermber 5th. 1 firefighter has been injured. 206 residences have been destroyed, 2 commercial properties, 40 outbuildings, 91 vehicles and 20,000 Avocado trees. Active burning in the Rainbow Glen area. Evacuation of Deluz Canyon area.
The Poomacha Fire is 20,000 acres and 0% contained, there has been 10 injuries to firefighters, 218 firefighters are assigned to this incident. 50 homes have been destroyed. Fire increased in size substantially due to extreme fire behavior, lack of resources and high winds. Some resources are beginning to arrive at the incident, but no significant perimeter control has been initiated due to structure protection priorities.
Officials: Camp Pendleton fires should be 100 percent contained late Tuesday
CAMP PENDLETON -- Two fires that ignited on the base around 2:00 p.m. Tuesday afternoon are expected to be 100 percent contained by late Tuesday night or early Wednesday morning, base officials said.
No injuries or damages have been reported in connection with the fires, said a Camp Pendleton spokesman.
The first fire began in the Camp Margarita 33 Area behind the Marine Corps Air Station, and the second fire is located in the Las Pulgas 43 Area near Basilone Road, according to Commanding Officer James B. Seaton III.
Officers said that base housing areas are not threatened by either blaze.
Currently, less than eight miles of Basilone Road is closed between Deer Park and Las Pulgas 43 Area Landfill entrance, authorities said, and they expect to open more of the road Wednesday morning.
Base officials also said personnel who were ordered to evacuate Camp Horno 53 Area Tuesday afternoon were allowed to return by 8:00 that evening. - Darryn Bennett, staff writer 8:26 p.m.
Evacuation lifted for part of Encinitas
The evacuation order for the Olivenhein area of Encinitas has been lifted as of 8 p.m. It is open to residents only. The National Guard is checking ID's at access points. Residents may also call the City of San Diego Community Access Phone at (619) 570-1070 for additional fire information. -- Noelle Ibrahim, NCT, 8:02 p.m.
Posted in Local on Friday, October 26, 2007 12:00 am Updated: 7:05 pm. | Tags: 2007fire
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