Parts of Rancho Sante Fe opened
The evacuation order for Rancho Santa Fe has been partially lifted, allowing access to some areas of the community, county officials announced.
Residents of Rancho Santa Fe can return to their homes except for those on Del Dios Highway and in the community of Del Dios, according to the county.
Access to the following streets will be limited to residents only:
Las Colinas
El Mirador
La Valle Plateada
El Vuelo
Zumaque
El Sicomoro Street
- 12:10 p.m
Postal service to return to normal in most areas
The U.S. Postal Service said Thursday that mail delivery is expected to return to normal in areas throughout the county except where mandatory evacuations remain in place or where air quality still is unhealthy.
The postal service asks residents not to try to pick up mail at local post offices unless they are told to do so.
Local information and assistance is available by calling U.S. Postal Service consumer affairs at 858-674-2670. Consumer affairs - located at 11251 Rancho Carmel Drive, San Diego, CA, at entrance #3 - will be available to help customers from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m Saturdays., and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sundays.
Residents who cannot receive mail because their homes have been damaged or destroyed are asked to contact their local post office to make alternative arrangements. Undeliverable mail will be held for pick-up at local post offices or wherever mail is available for that zip code.
Mail for the following evacuated communities has been relocated for customer pick-up at the following locations
- Julian 92036 moved to the Borrego Springs Post Office, 2599 Country Club Rd.
- Santa Ysabel 92070 moved to the Warner Springs Post Office, 31650 Hwy. 79.
Pick-up time is 11 am to 4 pm at both locations.
- Dulzura 91917, Jamul 91935, Potrero 91963 and Tecate 91980 moved to the El Cajon Main Post Office, 401 W. Lexington.
- Ramona 92065 moved to the Carmel Mountain Post Office, 11251 Rancho Carmel Drive, San Diego at the south end of the Margaret Sellers Processing & Distribution Center in Rm. 117 near the flagpole.
- Bonsall 92003 and Fallbrook 92028 moved to the Murrieta Carrier Annex, 39571 Los Alamos, just off the I-215 in Murrieta. That facility is located at the west end of a shopping center.
Pick-up time is 10 am to 4 pm at the above locations. Proper photo I.D. is required.
- 12:05 p.m.
Helicopter crash reported in Ramona
A chopper has reportedly gone down in the Ramona area. Unconfirmed reports are that two people in a helicopter, possibly one contracted by a power company, were taken to the hospital after a crash. For more information, check back with nctimes.com.
- 11:30 a.m.
All San Diego residential areas open to residents
All residential areas within the city of San Diego are open for people to return to their homes, except two areas with limited access, the mayor's office announced around 11 a.m. Thursday.
Access to San Pasqual Valley area still is limited because of a road closure near the intersection of San Pasqual Valley Road and Old Milky Way. The fire-damaged La Terraza condominium complex at 10878 Poblado Road also is not accessible, the mayor's office said in a news release.
Residents can return to all other areas of the city, including north Rancho Bernardo and the community of Westwood.
City public works crews, police and fire officials will remain in the recently opened areas throughout the day to help those trying to return to their homes.
- 11:21 a.m.
Property tax relief available for fire victims
The county assessor's office announced Thursday that county residents whose property was damaged or destroyed in the wildfires can receive property tax relief.
The tax relief program requires the reassessment of property to reflect its damaged condition. The reduced value remains in effect until the property is rebuilt or repaired.
After property is rebuilt or replaced, owners can retain their previous taxable value if the property is rebuilt in a similar manner, so the property tax assessment will not be increased beyone what it was before the fire.
The tax relief is available for any property damage, including homes, structures, businesses, groves, and mobilehomes paying taxes. Damage to the contents of a home is not taxable and is not eligible for relief.
Property owners who suffered property damage and who file a calamity application with the county assessor's office can have their property tax payments due Dec. 10 deferred without penalties or interest until the assessor's office completes its review and mails an adjusted tax bill. Owners then have 30 days from the date the adjusted bill is mailed to pay the tax.
The claim form is available at www.sdarcc.com. For more information, call the assessor's Main Office at (858) 505-6262, in East County at (619) 401-5700, in North County at (760) 940-6868 and Chula Vista (619) 498-2200.
- 10:16 a.m.
Scripps sets up mobile clinic in Rancho Bernardo
A Scripps Health medical response team and mobile medical unit has been sent to Rancho Bernardo to provide basic medical services to firefighters and evacuated residents who are returning to their homes, Scripps said in a news release.
A volunteer team of physicians and nurses working under the auspices of the San Diego Fire Department will be at Rancho Bernardo Community Park, 18448 W. Bernardo Dr. near the fire department's base camp.
Scripps is among other service providers, including the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the American Red Cross, who to assist people at a local assistance center set up at the recreation center at the park.
The medical team will provide first aid and basic medical services. Patients with more serious medical issues will be referred to nearby emergency rooms.
Mental health professionals from the Scripps Employee Assistance Program will also provide services to address stress and grief issues.
The mobile medical unit and two treatment tents will be in Rancho Bernardo about one week, providing free medical services between 7 a.m. and 8 p.m. Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday.
- 10:05 a.m.
Scripps re-opens four health-care facilities
Scripps Health facilities in Rancho Bernardo, Carmel Valley, Rancho San Diego and Bonita have re-opened to serve residents affected by the fires.
The openings mean all of Scripps' facilities are now open to serve the public, Scripps Health said in a news release.
Patients with a wide range of conditions associated with the fires, including respiratory distress, minor burns and anxiety, are being seen at the health care locations.
For more information, please visit www.scripps.org or call 1-800-SCRIPPS.
9:59 a.m.
RB residents can pick up mail
Residents from the mandatory evacuation areas of Rancho Bernardo can pick up their mail between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. at 16960 Bernardo Center Dr., the U.S. Postal Service announced Thursday.
Residents should bring a picture ID to obtain their mail.
Mail will be delivered to other Rancho Bernardo areas today.
9:55 a.m.
High Valley residents can return home
Residents evacuated from the High Valley area of Poway can return to their homes, the city announced Thursday morning.
Periodic street closures will occur in the High Valley area as San Diego Gas & Electric continues working to secure power lines and restore power to all homes, according to the city.
Residents are being asked to assess their property and utilities. If utilities have been turned off, call these numbers to have service restored:
SDG&E: 800-411-7343
Water: 858-668-4401
EDCO is planning regular trash collection.
The city of Poway has formed the Poway City Assists Rebuilding Efforts Team to provide personal, one-on-one, individualized service to Poway residents who lost their homes in the wildfires. Those who have lost their homes can contact the team by calling Krissy Toft at (858) 668-4552.
More information about the team also is available at the City's website, www.poway.org.
9:30 a.m.
Residents can return to Escondido
The City of Escondido announced Thursday morning that evacuation orders for the entire city have been lifted. All residents of the city can return home.
9:30 a.m.
Road closure iformation updated
The California Department of Transportation announced several road closures Thursday morning:
- Interstate 5 Truck scales
- Interstate 5 San Aliso Creek rest areas
- Interstate 15 northbound and southbound off-ramps to Mission Road
- Highway 67 from Slaughterhouse Canyon to Highway 78/Highway 79
- Highway 76 from Pankey Road to Highway 79
- Highway 78 from San Pasqual Valley Road to Santa Ysabel/Highway 79
- Highway 94 from Steele Canyon to Forest Gate Road
- Highway 188 and Tecate Port of Entry
The Interstate 15 northbound and southbound off-ramps to Pomerado Road are open, with lane restrictions.
No restrictions are in place for high-profile vehicles and motorcycles on Interstate 8 from Alpine to the Imperial County line.
Road closure information is available at www.dot.ca.gov/sdtraffic or by callin 5-1-1.
- 9:25 a.m.
Aid available for dog owners
The Amercan Kennel Club and the California Federation of Dog Clubs have coordinated efforts to provide food, collars, leashes, and crates to dog owners affected by the fires.
Those who need assistance providing for the security and well-being of their dogs can call 800-949-3746 and ask for Susan.
The California School of Dog Grooming, 633 S. Rancho Santa Fe Rd., San Marcos, 92078, has been designated as the site for the distribution of donated supplies and a growing list of volunteers offering foster care, available kennels, dog runs, RV parking spaces, spare bedrooms, sofa beds and other items.
Monetary donations can be made to the California Federation of Dog Clubs with a note saying "Fire Fund."
Burned bodies found in home in unincorporated area of Poway
The charred remains of two people were discovered inside a residence in the unincorporated area of Poway, according to the San Diego County Sheriff's Department.
The two bodies are believed to be a male and female and appear to have been burned by the Witch Creek wild fire, according to a release by the Sheriff's Department. Sheriff's Deputies from the Poway Patrol Station discovered the bodies after they were sent to the residence Wednesday evening for a welfare check, after neighbors reported that the two adults were missing.
The two adults were told by neighbors to evacuate the residence due to the approaching fire on Tuesday, at about midnight, authorities said. When deputies arrived at the home Wednesday night, they saw the residence was "completely destroyed by the fire," according to the release. They were unable to locate the two reported missing adults and no human remains were located using a cursory check of the rubble. A Sheriff's Department Search and Rescue was sent to the seen later in the evening, and at about 7:35 p.m. Wednesday they located the human remains of one individual.
At 12:30 a.m. on Thursday, a second set of human remains was located in the rubble, the release said.
- The San Diego County Medical Examiner's Office is continuing the investigation.
9:06 a.m.
San Diego County officials: Thousands of acres charred
The latest information on fires burning in the North County, according to San Diego city and county officials who spoke during a 7 a.m. press conference:
Rice Fire: Close to 9,500 acres have been charred, as the flames continue to burn north into the Riverside area. The blaze is 20 percent contained. More than 1,000 firefighters are on hand.
Camp Pendleton: 17,000 acres have burned, no structures have been lost and no residents have had to be relocated in the last 12 hours. The fire is 40 to 45 percent contained.
Poomacha Fire: 35,000 acres have been burned as of 8 a.m. The fire is 10 percent contained and there are roughly 700 personnel responding. Fire official said during a county press conference Thursday morning that they know that structures have been damaged and destroyed, but that they have not been able to get into the area to assess the damage. Teams will be going in today.
Witch Fire: 198,178 acres have burned, 1061 residences, 171 outbuildings and 239 automobiles were destroyed. An additional 62 residences were damaged. The fire is 20 percent contained and no longer burning actively in the City of San Diego, fire officials said.
- Shayna Chabner, Staff Writer
8:15 a.m.
Residents allowed to return to Fairbanks Ranch, parts of Fallbrook, Rancho Bernardo
Residents of the Westwood area of Rancho Bernardo and the Olive Hill Area of Fallbrook are now welcome to return to their homes, city and county officials said during a 7 a.m. news conference.
Repopulating the western part of the county is the primary focus of San Diego County officials, Ron Lane, the director of the San Diego County Office of Emergency Services said, adding that the goal is to have all San Diego city residents back in their homes by the end of the day.
"We will work with residents to get you back in as quickly as possible, but we have to make sure it's safe," Lane said.
The reentry status for communities throughout North County are as follows:
- Fairbanks Ranch is open
- Ran4S Ranch, including the residence within the perimeter of Fairbanks Ranch to west, the San Dieguito River to the north and the City of San Diego to the east and south, is open.
- Rancho Bernardo: The Westwood community of Rancho Bernardo is open this morning, as of 8 a.m. The Trails residential development off Pomerado Road should be open this afternoon. A specific time for reentry was not available at 8 a.m.
- Fallbrook: The Olive Hill Area of Fallbrook is now open to all residents who can present a valid identification card. The area includes all residents who live north of Burma Road and Olive Hill. Access to the community is off of Highway 76.
All other areas of Fallbrook remain under mandatory evacuation, although a significant portion of the town, including the downtown area, which did not have fire damage, should be able to return within the next 24 hours. Areas within significant burn areas in the eastern part of the city may take a bit longer, officials said.
- Ramona: The community is not open at this time because the water system was severely damaged during the fire. The water supply was drained with sprinklers that were left on after people evacuated and there is no water pressure, officials said. As the city's water supply is refilled, officials said, they hope to let people return later in the day.
For updates on when mandatory evacuations might be lifted, visit www.sdcountyemergency.com, or call 211.
- Shayna Chabner, Staff Writer
8 a.m.
Road closure update for 7 a.m. Thursday
Officers with the California Highway Patrol said that traffic looked "great" Thursday morning at 7 a.m., with very little congestion on any of the city's major arteries. Closures on the following roads remained closed as of 7 a.m.:
On Interstate 5
• Truck scales closed at scale stations only
• Northbound/Southbound ramp closed to Aliso Creek Rest Area -- Due to the fact that the powerlines burnt out electric lines
On Interstate 15
• Northbound and southbound off-ramps at Mission Road
• Northbound and southbound off-ramps at West Bernardo/Pomerado roads closed to eastbound traffic
Highway 67
• Closed at Poway Road up to Haverford going into Ramona.
Highway 76
• Closed from Pankey Road up to the Highway 79
• Closed Cole Grade Road is closed at Vallley Center to the Highway 76
Highway 78
• Closed from San Pasqual Valley Road to Santa Ysabel/Highway 79
Highway 79
• Closed from Highway 78 to Highway 76
• Closed at Julian Road
Del Dios Highway is also closed. - 7:16 a.m.
Assistance centers opening around North County
After opening the first assistance center in the county Tuesday to help residents affected by the fires in Rancho Bernardo, city officials said two other centers are scheduled to open today in Ramona and Fallbrook.
The centers provide people with information from federal, state, local and non-profit agencies on how to replace records lost in the fires and apply for assistance, as well as provide help in filing insurance claims. The locations will be set up at:
• Rancho Bernardo-Glassman Recreation Center, 18448 W. Bernardo Drive
• Ramona Community School, 1710 Montecito Road in Ramona
• Fallbrook Community Center, 341 Heald Lane in Fallbrook
The centers are to be open from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays, and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sundays. -- Shayna Chabner, 6:50 a.m.
Evacuee numbers dwindle at Qualcomm Stadium
As more and more neighborhoods are reopened for fire evacuees, the number of people taking shelter at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego has dwindled, a city spokesman said Thursday morning.
While an official count of the stadium's evacuees was still underway at 6:30 a.m. Wednesday, Bill Harris, a city spokesman, said that about 1,000 people were staying in the facility at midnight. At the height of the fires in San Diego County, Harris said, they had as many as 10,000 people in the stadium.
"A lot of people have gone home," Harris said. "We have been very lucky."
He added that officials do expect those number to fluctuate a bit, especially as the conditions and threats of the fire change throughout the day. -- Shayna Chabner, 6:33 p.m.
Mail delivery to return to normal in most areas
Mail delivery in San Diego is expected to return to normal in most areas today, with the exception of areas where mandatory evacuations are in place or where air quality is unhealthy, according to a United States Postal Service news release at 5:14 a.m.
Residents living in the following evacuated communities can pick-up their mail with a photo I.D. between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
• Mail for Julian residents in the 92036 zip code has been moved to the Borrego Springs Post Office, 2599 Country Club Rd.
• Mail for Ramona residents, 92065 zip code, has been moved to the Carmel Mountain Post Office, 11251 Rancho Carmel Drive, San Diego at the south end of the Margaret Sellers Processing & Distribution Center in room 117.
• Bonsall and Fallbrook residents living in the 92003 and 92028 zip codes, respectively, can pick up mail from the Murrieta Carrier Annex, 39571 Los Alamos, just off the Interstate 215 in Murrieta.
Residents who have damaged or destroy homes or business and can no longer receive mail there should contact their local Post Office to make alternative arrangements. Call (858) 674-2670 for local information and assistance. - 6:25 a.m.
Three roads closed at Camp Pendleton
CAMP PENDLETON -- Three roads are currently closed on base because of fires there.
Basilone Road is close from San Onofre to State Coach Road, officials announced shortly before 5 a.m. Thursday.
Las Pulgas Road is also closed as well as the gate there.
Stuart Mesa Road is closed from Edison Range to La Pulgas Road.
It was unclear as of 5 a.m. when these roads would reopen. - Stacy Brandt, 4:59 a.m.
County maps show little change in Poomacha Fire
NORTH COUNTY -- Throughout Wednesday, the number of active burn areas in the Poomacha fire near Palomar Mountain dwindled, according to the county.
A map of the burn areas, updated at 2:30 a.m. Thursday, shows the fire remaining fairly still, several miles south of the border with Riverside County.
The map is available online at www.sdcountyemergency.com. - Stacy Brandt, 5:10 a.m.
Safe to return to more parts of Escondido
ESCONDIDO -- City officials are allowing residents to return to the area north of Via Rancho Parkway between Interstate 15 and Del Dios Highway.
All other evacuated areas of Escondido, including those south of Via Rancho Parkway remained closed as of 3:45 a.m.
Residents can check on the city's Web site, www.escondido.org, or call (760) 839-6262 for updated information about when they can return home. - Stacy Brandt, 4:12 a.m.
Calm winds, lower temperatures forecast for today
NORTH COUNTY -- The National Weather Service is predicting calm winds today with lower temperatures and no hazardous weather conditions.
While it's still expected to be relatively hot today -- from high 70s on the coast to mid 90s inland -- it will gradually cool down throughout the week, the service predicts.
Temperatures in the 70s and 80s are expected by this weekend.
The dry conditions that have fueled fires throughout Southern California are also expected to continue to subside over the next couple of days. - Stacy Brandt 3:38 a.m.
New Red Cross shelters open
The American Red Cross has opened the following additional shelters:
• Mount Miguel High School at 8585 Blossom Lane in Spring Valley
• The Rock Church for special needs evacuees at 2277 Rosecrans Street in San Diego
• Poway Community Park at 13094 Civic Center Drive in Poway
-Noelle Ibrahim, 12:41 a.m.
Updates from CalFire
The Escondido Police Department has advised CalFire of reports of a flare up at the intersection of Via Valante and Purer Rd. as of 11:18 p.m.
Roads remain closed in the Jamul area and there are some hot spots around Lyons Peak. Changing winds are of concern in this area.
Fire is holding in Proctor Valley but there is potential for a flare up if winds increase.
CalFire is monitoring the fire near Deerhorn Valley/Honey Springs. If winds pick up, the fire may move northeast and could trigger evacuations.
Hot spots remain in east Lake Barrett and CalFire is monitoring any movement northeast into heavy brush.
Several strike teams of San Diego fire crews are working through the night and fresh crews will be working tomorrow in the two closed areas in Rancho Bernardo; Westwood; and Bernardo Trails.
A Red Cross shelter is being established at Harris Rincon Pavilion, 777 Harris Rincon Way in Valley Center. There are 400 reservation evacuees. - CalFire, 12:30 a.m.
Evacuation center turned over to National Guard
The evacuation center at the Church of Latter-Day Saints, 2255 Felicita Road in Escondido, has been turned over to the National Guard as a staging area. Evacuees sheltered there were transferred to the Calvin Christian High School evacuation center at 2000 N. Broadway. - Noelle Ibrahim, 12:10 a.m.
SDG&E reports 69 power outages in San Diego County
A total of 69 power outages were reported in San Diego County as of 11:42 p.m., leaving thousands without power, San Diego Gas & Electric Co. reported.
The outages -- all but seven are in North County -- are occurring from Julian to Oceanside, with the two largest taking place in the area around Rancho Bernardo and Rancho Penasquitos.
Because of the large number of outages, the exact number of affected customers was not immediately available.
For updates on current outages, visit www.sdge.com. - Sarah Wilkins, 12:07 a.m.
EDCO waste and recycling interim schedule
EDCO will continue to operate on a regular waste and recycling collection schedule with the following exceptions:
• Poway: A one-day delay in service this week for all areas open to the general public. Full service is expected to resume on the regularly scheduled day next week.
• Fallbrook, Rainbow, Rancho Santa Fe and Valley Center: All service is discontinued until further notice. Service will be restored to affected areas once roadways are opened to the general public.
• Alpine, Escondido County and Lakeside: EDCO is attempting to serve all areas not evacuated. Service will be restored to affected areas once roadways are open.
• San Diego: All areas operating that have open roadways are being served. Service will be restored to affected areas once roadways are opened to the general public.
Regular collection operations continue elsewhere throughout San Diego County, including Coronado, Encinitas, Imperial Beach, La Mesa, Lemon Grove, National City, San Marcos, Solana Beach, Vista, and the other unincorporated areas of San Diego County.
After affected areas have been secured, EDCO will start the process of debris removal. 11:58 p.m.
List of reopened communities
The county has reopened several areas that had been under mandatory evacuation and is directing people to this evacuation map, which shows reopened areas highlighted in green.
http://www.sdcountyemergency.com/newsreleases/10242007_1600hrs_Evac_FirePerem.pdf
The county has not provided a master list with specific street information at this time. - Darryn Bennett, staff writer, 11:56 p.m.
Most Escondido city facilities to reopen Thursday
Most Escondido city offices and facilities will reopen Thursday, according to city spokeswoman Joyce Masterson, though other closures remain through Monday.
Building, field engineering and fire prevention staff will be focusing on fire damage recovery and assessment. Requests for private development field inspectors are recommended to be postponed.
Kit Carson Park, including the sports center, will be closed through next week while fire personnel are headquartered there.
Also, the East Valley Community Center will be closed until Monday because staff members are helping at local evacuation centers. Their Halloween Carnival scheduled for Saturday has been canceled.
In addition, no classes will be held at the Mathes Center until Monday, and fire department tours, and safety presentations scheduled for schools and organizations are canceled through next week. To reschedule, call (760) 839-5411.
The Design Review Board meeting scheduled for Thursday has also been canceled. - Noelle Ibrahim, 11:52 p.m.
Poway Community Park open for evacuees
The American Red Cross has opened the Poway Community Park to evacuees, county officials said Wednesday night. For a complete list of active shelters, visit www.sdcountyemergency.com. -- Sarah Wilkins, NCT staff writer 11:11 p.m.
Evacuation notices lifted in Hidden Meadows, Mountain Meadows
Evacuation notices for the communities of Hidden Meadows and Mountain Meadows were lifted at 6:15 p.m., according to the county emergency services website. - Darryn Bennett, staff writer 9:02 p.m.
Carlsbad Lancers Day Parade postponed
CARLSBAD - The 50th Annual Lancers Day Parade scheduled for Friday has been postponed, according to Carlsbad Unified School District board president Kelli Moors. School officials said they will reschedule the event. - Phillip Ireland, staff writer 9:07 p.m.
4-S Ranch, West RB, Rancho Penasquitos, Santa Luz reopen
According to Mayor Jerry Sanders, West Rancho Bernardo, Rancho Penasquitos, 4-S Ranch (the city part only, not county area) and Santa Luz have been reopened. The area open is south of Rancho Bernardo Road, west of Interstate 15, east of Rancho Santa Fe Farms Road and north of Highway 56, according to media reports. 8:30 p.m. - Noelle Ibrahim, 10:35 p.m.
Fires could reach Riverside County, fire officials say
The Poomacha Fire near the Palomar Mountain area, the Rice Fire near DeLuz and the Santiago Fire west of Ortega all have the possibility of hitting Riverside County, according to Becky Luther, spokeswoman for CalFire of Riverside County. No evacuations have been issued yet, but residents will be notified via reverse 9-1-1 if or when it is necessary. Fire officials are particularly worried about the city of Corona, Luther said. - Noelle Ibrahim, 8:09 p.m.
Viejas Casino closes
The Viejas Band of Kumeyaay Indians has ordered the Viejas Casino and retail outlet center closed Wednesday.
"The closure results from the close proximity of the San Diego County wildfires and concerns for the health and safety of employees, customers, tribal members and residents of East County, and to help alleviate traffic on area roadways that are essential to emergency services," according to the casino's Web site. - Noelle Ibrahim, 7:51 p.m.
Serra Mesa evacuation lifted
The San Luis Rey fire is no longer a threat to the southeastern region of Camp Pendleton, and Serra Mesa residents can return to their homes, according to Camp Pendleton officials. - Noelle Ibrahim, 7:25
Ramona Update
Residents of the Oak Tree Ranch community in Ramona who would like information on their homes are being asked to call (760) 789-1382. Approximately 54 homes have been destroyed there. - Noelle Ibrahim, 7:21 p.m.
Most county library locations open Thursday
Most branches of the San Diego County Library will be open from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Thursday to help meet the public's need for information in the wake of the wildfires.
Those county libraries that will be open include: 4S Ranch, Alpine, Bonita-Sunnyside, Borrego Springs, Campo-Morena Village, Cardiff-by-the-Sea, Casa de Oro, Crest, Del Mar, Descanso, El Cajon, Fletcher Hills, Imperial Beach, Jacumba, La Mesa, Lakeside, Lemon Grove, Lincoln Acres, Pine Valley, Poway, Rancho San Diego, San Marcos, Santee, Solana Beach, Spring Valley and Vista.
The six locations that will remain closed Thursday include Fallbrook, Julian, Potrero, Ramona, Rancho Santa Fe, and Valley Center. Though 4S Ranch and Rancho San Diego were on the list of closed locations this afternoon, they will now be open Thursday. For more information, call (858) 694-2415.
Carmel Mountain Preschool to reopen Thursday
Carmel Mountain Preschool in Rancho Penasquitos will reopen Thursday for normal business hours, according to CBS 8 The preschool is located at 9510 Carmel Mountain Road. For more information, call (848) 484-4877 or visit www.carmelmountainpreschool.com - Noelle Ibrahim, 10:10 p.m.
Breakdown of aircraft fighting fires in San Diego County Wednesday
Calfire air attack planes: 7
Calfire air tankers: 16
DC-10 air tanker: 1 (Harris fire)
National Guard C-130s: 5
Helicopters:
Federal National Guard: 8
All others: 38
(includes 6 Type 1 private; 8 Type 2 from Calfire, City of SD, County of SD; 2 Type 3 private)
Status of fires as of 6 p.m. Wednesday
Witch Fire : 198,170 acres burned; 20 percent contained; $5 million estimated firefighting cost; 2,331 personnel working fire.
Poomacha: 35,000 acres; 10 percent contained; $750,000 estimated firefighting costs; 719 personnel
Harris Fire: 75,000 acres; 10 percent contained; $3.4 million estimated firefighting costs; 759 personnel
Rice: 9,500 acres; 20 percent contained; $1,283,000 estimated firefighting costs; 1,095 personnel
percent contained; $3.4 million estimated firefighting costs; 759 personnel
Rice: 9,500 acres; 20 percent contained; $1,283,000 estimated firefighting costs; 1,095 personnel
Ramona residents advised to boil water
No water use is allowed in Ramona, according to water district officials, the Ramona Sentinel reported.
Water meters have been shut down, officials said Wednesday.
Though pumping restarted overnight it has not yet restored the pressure in the district's waterpipes
and it is not known when full supply will be restored.
Any stored water should be boiled before being consumed, officials said. To disinfect water, boil
it for one minute and cool before use. Boiling will eliminate any bacteria that may be in the water.
- 8:40 p.m.
Amtrak back on track
Beginning Thursday, Amtrak will resume Pacific Surfliner service between San Diego and San Juan Capistrano. Early morning departures will be making stops all Metrolink stops to accommodate those passengers. Service had been cancelled Wednesday because of wildfires in the area. Passengers may call 800-USA-RAIL or visit Amtrak.com to check the status of a specific train.
9:19 p.m.
Current road closures
Highway closures -- According to the California Department of Transportation, the following closures are currently in effect as of 5:30 p.m:
- Interstate 5 truck scale station
- Interstate 15 at the northbound and southbound ramps to Mission Road
- Intestate 15 at the northbound and southbound ramps to West Bernardo/Pomerado Road
- State Route 67 from Slaughterhouse Canyon Road to State Route 78/State Route 79
- State Route 76 from Pankey Road to State Route 79
- State Route 78 from San Pasqual Valley Road to Santa Ysabel/State Route 79
- State Route 79 between State Route 78 and State Route 76
- State Route 94 from Steele Canyon to Forest Gate
- State Route 94 eastbound just east of Potrero Valley Road
- State Route 94 westbound just west of Potrero Valley Road
- State Route 188 Tecate Port of Entry
Restrictions remain in place for high-profile vehicles on Interstate 8 from Alpine to the Imperial County Line.
Road closure updates are available by telephone at (619) 688-6670.
--Noelle Ibrahim, Staff Writer
6:15 p.m.
Donations being collected for farmworkers
The National Latino Research Center announced Wednesday that it will begin collecting donations for displaced farm workers and their families in North County.
Farm workers were among the most vulnerable affected by the recent wildfires, said Konane Martinez, a researcher with the Cal State San Marcos-based center.
"We ask that you join our efforts to ensure that nobody impacted by this disaster falls through rescue relief safety nets," Martinez said.
The National Latino Research Center is part of the Farmworker Care Coalition, which is coordinating the relief effort.
Organizers said they need clothes, food, and bedding. To make a donation, call (760) 750-8567.
6:52 p.m.
Fifth evacuation center opens in Southwest Riverside County
TEMECULA - A fifth evacuation center has been opened in the Temecula Valley to house evacuees. Pechanga Resort & Casino was opened as an official American Red Cross shelter Wednesday afternoon and was housing 63 people by 4 p.m., officials said.
More than 800 people are staying at evacuation centers as of Wednesday evening.
- Temecula Community Recreation Center, 30875 Rancho Vista Road, is at capacity with 308 people.
- Temecula Valley High School, 31555 Rancho Vista Road, is at capacity with 338 people.
- Chaparral High School, 27215 Nicolas Road in Temecula, has 75 people housed there and has room for an addition 225.
- Vista Murrieta High School, 28251 Clinton Keith Road in Murrieta, has 25 people staying there and can accommodate up to 300.
- Pechanga Resort, 45000 Pechanga Parkway in Temecula, has capacity of 300 people. The shelter is in the hotel's ballroom and meeting areas downstairs.
- Donations of food and clothing are only being accepted at Rancho Community Church on 31300 Rancho Community, off Temecula Parkway.
6:34 p.m.
Space available for people, pets at fairgrounds evac center
DEL MAR -- People fleeing wildfires can find refuge at the Del Mar Fairgrounds on Jimmy Durante Boulevard, where between 1,500 and 2,000 people have spent the night, spokeswoman Kina Paegert said at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday.
People and their house pets are welcome but the facility can no longer accept horses or livestock, she said.
The fairgrounds is appealing to the community for donations of hay to feed nearly 2,000 evacuated horses. Also needed are volunteers to feed the horses. People who can donate hay are asked to call (858) 509-5245; volunteers should call (858) 792-5245.
The Army National Guard has provided cots for evacuees. People should bring kennels or cages for their pets, medicines for themselves and their animals and whatever else they may need to stay comfortable, Paegert said.
The Community Resource Center in Encinitas is coordinating donations of milk and food and can be contacted at (760) 753-1156.
5:07 p.m.
Fetch! Pet Care offers free boarding through Nov. 1
SAN DIEGO -- Fetch! Pet Care of San Diego is offering one free night of private boarding to pets of the fire evacuees at one of its six individually owned and operated locations around San Diego County. Private boarding is in private homes all over San Diego County. Visit www.fetchpetcare.com or contact Patrice Phelps at (619) 501-3511 or 1-866-Fetch-Me.
Rancho Bernardo Inn open for business, offering reduced rates
SAN DIEGO -- The Rancho Bernardo Inn escaped serious damage from the Witch Creek fire, management reported Tuesday, and will re-open on Thursday after having been evacuated early Monday morning. The 287-room resort is on Bernardo Oaks Drive east of Interstate 15 and just north of Rancho Bernardo Road.
"We are all saddened by the destruction that has taken place across San Diego County as a result of these fires," says General Manager John Gates.
"We hope we can, at the very least, help provide shelter and food to those who need it at this time."
Upon reopening, the resort will offer displaced residents a place to stay with a special room rate of $139, including breakfast, to those in need, as long as occupancy allows. Additionally, the Inn will allow staff members who have been affected by the fires to stay until they can find a more permanent residence. They will also be assisting in the cleanup efforts around the area.
Call (858) 675-8500 or visit www.ranchobernardoinn.com.
Most of Poway now accessible
POWAY -- Except for the High Valley area, the city of Poway is now re-opened and residents are welcome to return to their homes.
The access route to return to the City is the Interstate 15 to Poway Road.
Several hundred homes in the re-opened area are without electricity. SDG&E is working to restore power.
The High Valley area has a number of downed power lines and utility problems that pose a threat to public safety. As these issues are addressed, city officials say they will begin a phased-return for residents.
The City will be streamlining the development services process as much as possible and reducing fees to make it easier for residents to rebuild.
If you have lost a home, please contact the CARE TEAM by calling Krissy Toft at (858) 668-4552.
3:37 p.m.
Ramona water shutdown
Ron Maulick, water operations manager for Ramona Municipal Water District, said a system collapse is forcing the agency to shut off water to its 10,000 residential, commercial and agricultural customers in Ramona.
"As we speak, we are shutting off everybody's meters -- the whole district," Maulick said. "There is basically no water, so we are shutting the meters off. There is no water in our storage tanks at all."
Maulick said the system collapsed because of the huge amount drawn out to battle flames this week and because many evacuees left water running when they left, in a bid to keep roofs and lawns wet. And it hasn't helped, he said, that those who stayed behind have continued to use water for what the district views as unnecessary purposes during the present crisis.
"They are watering their lawns and washing their driveways," he said.
In his 30 years with the district, Maulick said such a collapse has never occurred. And he said the system must be turned off in order for the agency to refill it.
"This is so we can fill our pipelines safely, so that we don't create any damage doing that," he said. "It is a long process."
Maulick said he could not predict when water service will be restored.
3:26 p.m.
Lake Hodges fire update
LAKE HODGES -- As some residents of Del Dios and Via Loma Vista near Lake Hodges began returning to their homes Wednesday -- or to the ash that was their homes -- others were turned back by authorities at roadblocks manned by police and National Guard troops.
The Witch Creek fire, the largest in North County, reduced to smoking ash at least 15 upscale homes in the Via Loma Vista neighborhood.
Residents such as Skip and Nancy Bratten stood in front of their burned out rubble talking with neighbors or raking the ashes looking for keepsakes that may have survived.
A similar scene played out to the west in the densely wooded community of Del Dios, a borough of more than 100 wooden, 1950s-era homes wedged between Lake Hodges and the Del Dios Highway west of Escondido. At least 16 homes burned to the ground there.
Police allowed some residents in, while others were barred.
Homeowner Greg Finley, whose house at the corner of Grape and Elm survived untouched, said he was blocked three times at different access points by police and National Guard. However, Pat Ockel was allowed to walk in from Citracado Parkway -- a distance of at least a mile -- to retrieve insulin from her house.
Local resident Darrell Connelly, superintendent of the Del Dios Water District, took a break from organizing repairs to the water system. Connelly, a paraplegic, sat in his pickup truck as his son, Chris, probed the ashes with a charred length of steel looking for his father's guns.
"I'm alive, my kids are alive, and I've got my dog," said Darrell Connelly, a 30-year-resident of Del Dios. "What else do you want?"
- Philip K. Ireland
3 p.m.
4S to stay closed
Mayor Jerry Sanders has just clarified that the city portion of 4S RANCH will remain closed due to lack of access caused by continuing road closures in the area.
2:59 p.m.
Fire slams business in Julian
JULIAN -- With fires burning on three sides of the mountain community, the streets and sidewalks of downtown Julian were nearly empty Wednesday as many residents responded to a mandatory evacuation order. A merchant said he has been without electricity since Sunday afternoon, when the Witch Creek fire ignited in Santa Ysabel about seven miles northwest of Julian. One food store was open, but Julian's only gas station was closed. All highways leading to the town are closed. Stores and bed and breakfast inns that normally would be bustling were locked tight. October is peak season for tourists in this community of 3,000 people. Some merchants said that in the four years since the Cedar fire, they only now have recovered from lost business. "If we don't get people up here after this fire, this town won't survive," said Christy Connell, a 24-year resident and co-owner of the Julian Cafe. -- Adam Kaye, staff writer
2:50 p.m.
Evacuation notices lifted for two Escondido areas
Escondido officials are allowing residents to re-enter the Sonata and Sierra Linda neighborhoods. Residents will be required to show identification to re-enter the Sierra Linda area. All other evacuated areas in Escondido are still closed. Escondido residents should call (760) 839-6262 for re-entry information.
2:47 p.m.
North County Fair open after two-day closure
Westfield Shoppingtown Escondido, or North County Fair mall, is now open, reports mall spokesperson Aimee Cebulski. The mall had been closed since Monday because of the fires. Not all stores inside the mall have reopened, but the building and some stores are open for those who want to beat the fire conditions, she said. "Anyone who wants to escape the smoke or heat or just get out of the house is welcome," she said. -- Erin Schultz
2:46 p.m.
San Marcos shelter not closing today
SAN MARCOS -- The shelter at Mission Hills High School will remain open tonight, according to Jenny Peterson, public information officer for the city. Earlier today, officials reported that the shelter would close this afternoon. The overflow shelter at San Marcos High School closed Monday. The Mission Hills shelter, run by the American Red Cross, has averaged 200 people a day and may have peaked at more than 300 Tuesday, Peterson said. Most evacuees are 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
2:39 p.m.
Fallbrook update
The North County Times has a crew surveying Fallbrook in an attempt to get detailed information on damaged homes and neighborhoods. Parts of the fire that were threatening Fallbrook appear to have been pushed back or extinguished. It appears that most of the area west of Gird road has not been damaged. So far, here's what we know: No homes were lost on Via Green Canyon Norte, Tumble Creek Lane, Summer bloom Lane or Spring Flower Drive. We are headed to Pala Mesa to report to you from there. In Bonsall, there are several reports of military vehicles on the streets.. A separate crew is heading from Fallbrook to Bonsall to check out what's happening there.
2:32 p.m.
">http://www.nctimes.com/articles/2007/10/24/news/top_stories/alerts/doc471e85f3d1def149689236.txt"> Previous Fire Alerts
Posted in Local on Friday, October 26, 2007 12:00 am Updated: 8:43 pm. | Tags: 2007fire
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