Wildfires 2007

Final post for this blog

2007-11-07T15:22:00.000-08:00

This Wildfires 2007 blog proved to be an effective means of getting you the latest news on the recent firestorms around the clock. We were able to post fire news the instant it was confirmed, and the format - a chronologically arranged series of posts focused on a single topic - created a running narrative of the fires.

But now that the flames are out and ruins are being removed, our coverage of the county's firestorms has shifted away from breaking news. Instead, we're turning to more explanatory pieces, human interest stories and watchdog work. As we did after the 2oo3 firestorms, we'll continue to examine the fires' aftermath, we'll cover the rebuilding process and examine whether our region is adequately prepared for another such conflagration.

So we'll be retiring this blog with this post. The latest U-T stories on the fires will be displayed in a special Wildfires 2007 area of SignOnSanDiego's homepage for a bit longer. You can find an index of our top fire stories on this San Diego Wildfires 2007 page, along with multimedia and other features. I particularly recommend t his graphic, which shows the progression of the fires, the burned and evacuated areas and the areas scorched by the 2003 firestorms. We'll also extend our Scenes from the Wildfires blog for a while. And we'll continue to cover the latest breaking news on the U-T Newsblog.

Readers like you have expressed their appreciation for our coverage, which has been particularly gratifying. But we owe you our appreciation as well. You shared information with each other on the blog and on our fire forums and corrected us when we were wrong. In the process, you helped us cover the news for everyone.

So, on behalf of the U-T and SignOnSanDiego, let me thank you for your contributions, your support and your interest.

Tom Mallory
U-T Breaking News Team

Burned woman dies at UCSD

2007-11-06T17:29:00.000-08:00

See story from Wednesday's U-T.

A Vista mother of four who was critically injured in the Harris fire after crossing the border illegally through the blazing hills surrounding Tecate died Tuesday afternoon at UCSD Medical Center.

Maria Guadalupe Beltran, 29, had been hospitalized in the medical center's burn unit after being rescued in the back country during the firestorm two weeks ago.

Beltran, a native of the state of Mexico, had been returning to the United States after traveling to her hometown to attend her father's funeral. Her younger brother, who was with her, was also critically injured.

She leaves behind four children, ages 8, 7, 5 and 18 months, along with her partner Felipe Mercado, her mother in Mexico and several siblings.

- Leslie Berestein, staff writer

Governor announces $5 million for debris removal

2007-11-05T12:48:00.000-08:00

To help with the removal of fire-related debris from more than 1,000 homes, the state Office of Emergency Services (OES)is advancing $5 million in state funds to San Diego County, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger announced today.

The $5 million advance represents the first installment on its share of an estimated $21 million in advances and reimbursements to San Diego County under the California Disaster Assistance Act, which was activated when the Governor proclaimed a state of emergency on Oct. 21.

The advance will not supplant funding available under a federal major disaster declaration.

"We must do everything we can to assist the fire victims in their efforts to rebuild and recover as quickly as possible including accelerating the debris removal process," said Governor Schwarzenegger.

The advance follows the county's submittal of a debris removal plan, which estimatess costs of $28,000 per home. The county's plan is based on the model developed after the Angora Fire in South Lake Tahoe earlier this year.

Under the Angora model, debris was removed and disposed of in a single step. As a result, property owners, insurance companies, local agencies and the state all saved money.

Poomacha nears full containment

2007-11-05T08:00:00.000-08:00

Firefighting crews battling the stubborn Poomacha Fire were hoping for full containment by 6 p.m. last night, officials said.

The blaze -- which has scorched 49,410 acres since Oct. 23 -- was 95 percent contained early Sunday, according to Cal Fire officials.

The Poomacha Fire is the last wildfire still burning in San Diego County since the firestorm began Oct. 21 with the Harris and Witch fires -- both fully contained by now.

The Poomacha Fire originated in the rural outskirts of northeastern San Diego County and has affected the La Jolla and Pauma Valley reservations, Valley Center and Palomar Mountain.

It is not currently threatening homes and no evacuation orders remain standing, according to the San Diego County Office of Emergency Services.

So far, Cal Fire reports that the Poomacha Fire has destroyed 138 homes, one commercial property and 78 outbuildings. Of the 1,562 firefighters called in to fight the blaze, 15 have been injured.

The total cost of fighting the Poomacha Fire has been $15.8 million to date, Cal Fire officials said.

An official cause has not yet been released.

To the north in Orange County, the Santiago Fire is expected to be fully contained Tuesday evening, officials said.

Man's burned body found in fire path

2007-11-04T22:45:00.000-08:00

The body of a man was found near the U.S.-Mexico border on Sunday, according to the San Diego County Sheriff's Department

Officials had no further details. But members of a volunteer group that found the body near state Route 94 in East County believe the man perished in the Harris fire, which started Oct. 21 and burned 90,000 acres.

The victim was crossing the border near Tecate with a group of Mexican nationals but was apparently caught in the fire, according to his brother who was with the search group.

Volunteers spent the last four days searching for the 37-year-old man whose family said he has a wife and three children in Chiapas in southern Mexico.

If authorities determine he died in the fire, he would be the eighth death from the wildfires that swept through San Diego County since last month.

- Lisa Petrillo and Hiram Soto

Poomacha fire 95 percent contained

2007-11-03T19:31:00.000-07:00

The Poomacha fire was 95 percent contained by 7:30 Saturday night, fire officials said. It is expected to be fully contained in the next day.

- Tanya Sierra, staff writer

Boil-water order lifted

2007-11-03T18:11:00.001-07:00

The county Department of Environmental Health has lifted the boil-water order for Barrett Lake Mobile Home Park, 1250 Barrett Lake Road near Dulzura. Analytical results for water samples indicate that the water is free from total coliform bacteria.

Valley Center shelter closed

2007-11-03T10:31:00.000-07:00

The Valley Center High School shelter is now closed and the following two shelters are open:

Kilroy Center, 10850 Via Frontera, San Diego. This shelter is open for residents previously staying at the Valley Center High School shelter.

St. Peters Church, 450 S. Stagecoach, Fallbrook.

Rare native trout survives Poomacha blaze

2007-11-02T18:14:00.000-07:00

The rarest native trout in San Diego County has survived one of the worst wildfires in state history.

Evidence of the fish's endurance came Friday, when Point Loma resident and amateur naturalist Allen Greenwood surveyed the fish's habitat: Pauma Creek, which is part of the Pauma Indian Reservation in the foothills of Palomar Mountain.

Greenwood caught and released a 4-inch long native rainbow trout in a pool of water just below Jumping Rock. The trout was fooled by a fake olive fly with a barbless hook that did not damage the fish's mouth.

Measurements of the creek's waters Friday morning found the PH level at 8.2 and the temperature at 59 degrees, both favorable for the rainbow trout.

"This at least establishes a baseline. dot We know now that some trout have survived," Greenwood said. "We should check again three months from now. As soon as the first rains come, the stream will be affected by ash and debris.

He reported his findings within minutes to federal officials assessing damage from the Poomacha fire, which started on the La Jolla Indian Reservation.

Greenwood said he will urge officials with the state Department of Fish and Game to catch some of the trout and keep them in an aquarium in case the creek becomes contaminated by fire debris.

-Terry Rodgers, staff writer

Tents going up

2007-11-02T17:19:00.000-07:00

About a half-acre of land across from the Barrett Junction Cafe near Dulzura was cleared of debris and flattened with a bulldozer.

Then the tents went up.

A "tent city," donated by the controversial private-military company Blackwater Worldwide, arrived 47 hours after leaving the company's North Carolina headquarters.

It will be ready to house up to 200 fire-displaced Dulzura-area residents as early as Sunday.

Nearly 10,000 pounds of boxes arrived today containing the tents and other supplies including TVs, a DVD player, a VCR, a microwave oven, sleeping bags, clothing, boots and a coffee maker.

Trailers with men's and women's showers and one with three washing machines and three dryers will be available to locals, even those who don't stay at the tent city.

Brian Bonfiglio, vice president of Blackwater West, said each tent will have air-conditioning, heating and lighting. Once set up, they will be inspected by county officials before residents can move in.

-Janine Zuniga, staff writer

Boil water orders lifted

2007-11-02T17:00:00.001-07:00

The county Department of Environmental Health has lifted boil water orders for Barrett Junction Café in Barrett Junction and San Pasqual Academy in Escondido. Analytical results for water samples indicate the water is free from total coliform bacteria.

Map shows massive evacuation area

2007-11-02T16:33:00.000-07:00

Here's a new map from the county that highlights all the areas of the county that were evacuated because of last week's fires. With 515,000 people in the evacuation areas, the San Diego Association of Government says it was the largest number of people evacuated for a fire in U.S. history.

- Tom Mallory, U-T Breaking News Team

Tour bus provides prescription assistance

2007-11-02T16:03:00.000-07:00

Partnership for Prescription Assistance's "Help Is Here Express" tour bus will help fire victims access prescription medicines from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday at St. Peter's Catholic Community Church at 450 S. Stage Coach Lane in Fallbrook.

After the bus leaves, patients call call (888) 4PPA-NOW or go to pparx.org cq for assistance.

--Brittany Inman

EDCO extends hours for public waste

2007-11-02T16:00:00.000-07:00

EDCO is helping with wildfire recovery at several locations for public disposal. The Fallbrook, Ramona and Lemon Grove locations will be open Sunday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. in addition to their regular hours, as well as the Escondido and La Mesa facilities, which are always open seven days a week. Call or go to the Web sites for more information.

-EDCO Station, 8184 Commercial St., La Mesa. (619) 466-3355 or edcodisposal.com
-Fallbrook Recycling & Transfer, 550 W. Aviation Road, Fallbrook. (760) 728-6114 or edcodisposal.com
-SANCO Construction & Demolition Recycling, 6750 Federal Blvd., Lemon Grove. (619) 287-7555 or edcodisposal.com
-Ramona Transfer Station, 324 Maple St., Ramona. (760) 789-0516 or ramonadisposal.com
-Escondido Resource Recovery, 1044 W. Washington Ave., Escondido. (760) 745-3203 or escondidodisposal.com.

--Brittany Inman

Del Mar Red Cross shelter remains on standby

2007-11-02T15:58:00.000-07:00

An American Red Cross shelter at the Del Mar Fairgrounds remains on standby, volunteers said, because of the possibility of Santa Ana winds returning later this week.

While there weren't any evacuees who stayed overnight at the fairgrounds Wednesday night, a skeleton crew of Red Cross volunteers has remained at the site, a volunteer said.

"It's just a big process to shut it down and turn it back over," said Katie Lally, a public affairs supervisor and volunteer with the Red Cross.

Volunteer Paul Miller said the Red Cross didn't expect any evacuees to stay at the location last night, either.

"If someone had to go there, it's open, but right now we're sending people to St. Peter's Catholic Church in Fallbrook and Valley Center High School," Miller said.

--Matthew Rodriguez

Pauma Valley boil-water order rescinded

2007-11-02T13:17:00.000-07:00

A wildfire-related boil-water advisory has been rescinded for Rancho Estates Mutual Water Co. in Pauma Valley, according to the countyDepartment of Environmental Health.

Marine, Cal Fire officials meet at Miramar

2007-11-02T12:29:00.000-07:00

Officials with the Marine Corps and the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection huddled Friday to coordinate future firefighting efforts. The meeting took place at Miramar Marine Corps Air Station.

The discussion occurred a day before Santa Ana winds and low humidity are expected to return to the San Diego region.

About 60 members of the 3rd Marine Air Wing and a handful of Cal Fire personnel spent the morning discussing firefighting tactics and administrative procedures.

In recent days, various officials have alleged that bureaucracy delayed or prevented more military aircraft from helping fight the wildfires.

Maj. Jason Johnston, a spokesman for the 3rd Marine Air Wing, said meetings like the one Friday are routine. He downplayed any perceived disconnect between state and military firefighting efforts.

"There is no rift between us and Cal Fire," Johnston said. "We have Santa Ana winds coming this weekend and we want to be prepared."

-Rick Rogers, staff writer

Hundreds question officials in RB

2007-11-01T21:38:00.000-07:00

More than 300 people filled a Rancho Bernardo church Thursday night to cheer and chide San Diego officials for their handling of the October wildfires and their efforts to streamline the recovery and rebuilding process.

Del Mar Fairgrounds remains on standby

2007-11-01T18:47:00.000-07:00

An American Red Cross shelter at the Del Mar Fairgrounds remains on standby for use as a fire evacuation center because of the possibility of Santa Ana winds returning later this week.

While there were no evacuees who stayed overnight at the fairgrounds Wednesday, a skeleton crew of Red Cross volunteers has remained at the site, public affairs supervisor Katie Lally said.

"It's just a big process to shut it down and turn it back over," she said.

Volunteer Paul Miller said the Red Cross didn't expect any evacuees to stay at the location tonight, either.

"If someone had to go there, its open, but right now we're sending people to St. Peter's Catholic Church in Fallbrook and Valley Center High School," Miller said.

Matthew Rodriguez, staff writer

Displaced Jamul-Dulzura families sought

2007-11-01T18:13:00.001-07:00

Officials with the Jamul-Dulzura Union School District are asking the families of displaced students to contact them immediately.

Superintendent Nadine Bennett said she has a list of students displaced by the Harris fire but needs permission from their families before sharing their information with groups waiting to help them.

Bennett is asking families to call her with their contact information and a list of their needs.

"Whatever they need, clothes, bedding, shoes, dishes," Bennett said, adding that names will not be given out.

She said some families are staying at hotels around the county, but vouchers run out Sunday and they will also need a "next place to stay."

-Janine Zuniga, staff writer

Cleveland National Forest remains closed

2007-11-01T17:29:00.000-07:00

The Cleveland National Forest has extended closure of its recreation facilities, lands, roads and trails.

The closure, which went into effect Oct. 22, will continue as long as hot spots exist and in light of Santa Ana winds forecasted for the weekend. The closure notice will be reevaluated next week. Most county roads and state highways will remain open to through traffic .

Four of last week's fires have burned 60,822 acres of forest land. For more information, visit www.fs.fed.us/r5/cleveland.

- Alexa Capeloto

Tent city to arrive Friday

2007-11-01T15:15:00.000-07:00

Trucks carrying a tent city for up to 200 fire-displaced residents in the Dulzura are to arrive early Friday morning.

The trucks will be unloaded and the tents erected as soon as possible, said an official with Blackwater Worldwide, the private security contractor pursuing plans to build a controversial military training camp in nearby Potrero.

Up to four 18-by-30 tents tents, cots, a TV and separate trailers containing laundry facilities, bathrooms and showers are being delivered from Blackwater's North Carolina headquarters.

Blackwater will fly in employees to help set up the tent city.

-Janine Zuniga, staff writer

100 miles of state highway damaged

2007-11-01T12:06:00.000-07:00

Caltrans officials say last week's wildfires damaged about 100 miles of state roadway across the region and will cost an estimated $20 million to repair.

Pedro Orso-Delgado, director of the Caltrans headquarters in San Diego, said the last two stretches of major highway still closed or partially closed due to the disasters should be reopen by next week.

He said state Route 78, from Bandy Canyon Road in San Pasqual to Horizon View Drive near Ramona, will be open by early Nov. 8.

State Route 94, from Barrett Junction to state Route 188, will be fully open by Monday morning. Only vehicles traveling in convoys are now allowed on the road.

"We just want to make sure the community knows we're really working hard around the clock," Orso-Delgado said.

He said as many as 150 people are working on the repairs, including state Department of Transportation crews from outside the region. They are erecting new guardrail, patching asphalt and spraying grass seed on slopes to prevent erosion this winter.

- Steve Schmidt, staff writer

Firefighters gaining ground on Poomacha

2007-11-01T05:51:00.000-07:00

from Cal Fire:

Firefighters on Palomar Mountain made substantial gains yesterday against the Poomacha fire -- so much so that full containment, expected for next Tuesday, has now been moved up to Saturday.

Overall containment on Poomacha currently stands at 85 percent, up from 70 percent 24 hours ago.

--Greg Gross, Breaking News Team

Witch Creek fire contained, only Poomacha left

2007-11-01T05:45:00.000-07:00

from Cal Fire:

The Witch Creek fire, the largest of the October firestorm blazes, is now 100 percent contained at 197,990 acres. Only the Poomacha fire remains.

--Greg Gross, Breaking News Team

Blackwater shipping "tent city"

2007-10-31T17:33:00.000-07:00

A "tent city" that will temporarily house up to 200 fire-displaced residents is set to arrive in Dulzura sometime Thursday night and be set up by Friday.

Blackwater Worldwide, the private security contractor pursuing plans to build a controversial military training camp in Potrero, is shipping tents, cots and trailers containing laundry facilities, bathrooms and showers from its North Carolina headquarters.

Blackwater vice president Brian Bonfiglio said today there will be up to four 18-by-30 tents and a recreation room with a TV and DVDs. The company has made a 90-day commitment, then will reevaluate the need for the tents.

The idea was coordinated with Sen. Dennis Hollingsworth, R-Murietta, whose district includes the Barrett Junction area of Dulzura.

Less than a week into the fire, Hollingsworth said, the company offered the tent city.

- Janine Zuniga, staff writer

Boil water orders lifted

2007-10-31T17:12:00.000-07:00

The county has lifted boil water orders for the Pauma Valley Mutual Water Company in Pauma Valley, the Del Dios Mutual Water Company in Escondido and Muir Industries in Tecate.

The systems have power and have done analytical testing of their water supplies. There is no presence of coliform bacteria, which can indicate contamination.

- Alexa Capeloto

Phones, water provided in Dulzura area

2007-10-31T16:21:00.000-07:00

Postal service to Dulzura and Potrero could begin this week. Mail will be delivered unless a mailbox was burned, in which case the local post office will hold the mail for pickup.

AT&T officials also announced at a community meeting last night that they've placed six pay phones outside offices at 17883 Highway 94 and another one behind the Barrett Junction Cafe for residents affected by the continuing power outage there.

Brian Gray with AT&T said people can use the phones to make free local and domestic long-distance calls. He also said a temporary cell phone tower would be set up behind the cafe, and a limited number of cell phones would be made available.

Residents were told they can get water at every local volunteer fire station. The Barrett Lake Mobile Home Park and the Potrero evacuation center recently received large tanks from which people can take water or wash up.

Cal Fire Battalion Chief Dave Nissen said firefighters will be in "patrol mode" this week, helping residents with anything still smoldering.

-Janine Zuniga, staff writer

Dulzura meetings scheduled nightly

2007-10-31T15:35:00.000-07:00

Until further notice, nightly community meetings will be held at the Barrett Junction Cafe at 6 p.m. to give Dulzura residents updates on disaster relief, and on when water and power might be restored.

Power in the Dulzura area is not due back on for another 12 days, according to notices residents received Tuesday.

Homes lost both power and water Oct. 21, when the Harris fire swept east from Potrero. County Supervisor Dianne Jacob, who attended last night's meeting, said that in rural areas, "if there's no power to the wells, there's no water."

Jacob urged people not to clean up before FEMA and county inspectors or insurance companies have had a chance to look over their properties. She said permits for rebuilding will be expedited and, in many cases, fees waived.

County officials will allow residents to rebuild structures that didn't receive permits when first built as long as they are built at the same size, she said.

-Janine Zuniga, staff writer

Graham in town to help

2007-10-31T15:19:00.000-07:00

The fire relief effort brought a well-known figure in evangelical circles to San Diego Wednesday -- Franklin Graham, the eldest son of evangelist Billy Graham. Franklin Graham heads his father's organization, the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, as well as an international aid group called Samaritan's Purse.
Samaritan's Purse is helping residents clean up their burned homes, coordinating dozens of volunteers out of Rancho Bernardo, Fallbrook and Ramona. In addition, more than 100 chaplains with the evangelistic association are here to offer spiritual assistance.
"It's what we do whenever there's a disaster," said Graham, standing in rubble of a home in Rancho Bernardo.
"If Jesus Christ were here on this earth he would be here, he would be in the Gulf Coast, he would be in Darfur," he added.
Carole Morton showed him a ring that had just been found by one of the volunteers sifting through the ashes of her home of 22 years.
"What are you going to do?" he asked.
"I'm going to rebuild," Morton answered.
"It's hard," he said quietly.
"It is hard," she agreed.
Graham credited the local churches in helping with the clean-up effort. "We couldn't do this work if it weren't for the volunteers."
Homeowners in need of assistance, can call (858) 244-2961 or go to maranathachapel.org or horizonsd.org.
-- Sandi Dolbee

Gillespie base camp winding down

2007-10-31T14:58:00.000-07:00

With the Harris fire now fully contained, the Gillespie Field base camp in El Cajon is winding down. There are about 2,000 people there today, including firefighters and support personnel, compared with nearly 2,500 Monday.

Firefighters in fire trucks patiently waited this morning in a single-file line to be checked out by mechanics before heading home. A fire truck with no obvious problems takes about a half-hour to examine, said Mendocino fire Capt. Ben Nicholls.

In the center of the camp, firefighters from Washington, Idaho, South Dakota and San Jose could be found washing their rigs, cleaning up, eating and hanging out. Many were waiting for the call that -- at least in San Diego County -- their work was done.

-Sharon A. Heilbrunn, news assistant

All libraries open except for Potrero branch

2007-10-31T13:34:00.000-07:00

The two mobile libraries and all but one location of the San Diego County Library system are open.
The Potrero branch will remain closed until Nov. 13 for restoration.
In addition to its regular schedule, the Campo branch will be open Sunday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Monday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
For more information, call (858) 694-2415 or go to sdcl.org.

--Brittany Inman

Fallbrook Hospital reopens

2007-10-31T11:03:00.000-07:00

Fallbrook Hospital reopened at 7 a.m. today after being closed nine days due to the Rice Canyon fire.

The hospital made the announcement after passing a survey by the Department of Health Services and the Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development.

The hospital at 624 E. Elder St. provides emergency services, medical and surgical care, intensive care, home health and hospice services and other therapies.

The Fallbrook Skilled Nursing Facility is expected to re-open within the next few days.

Updates, including information about the Fallbrook Skilled Nursing Facility, will be posted on the hospital’s website: www.fallbrookhospital.com.

Palomar Mountain residents can return

2007-10-31T11:01:00.000-07:00

Nine days after being evacuated, residents of Palomar Mountain are now being allowed to return home.

Palomar Mountain Volunteer Fire Department Chief George Lucia said as of 9 a.m. today residents and people connected to businesses on the mountain can pass through road blocks if they show proper identification.

Four large Dumpsters have been placed in the community where people can dispose of spoiled food, he said.

Palomar Mountain is home to about 200 permanent residents.

--J. Harry Jones, staff writer

Backfires on Palomar Mountain fail

2007-10-31T09:41:00.000-07:00

this from Cal Fire:

Firefighters tried setting backfires yesterday on Palomar Mountain, hoping that depriving the Poomacha fire of flammable vegetation in that area would close the last eight miles of open line still left on that fire.

It didn't work.

Rather than go through that exercise again, firefighters have decided today to take matter into their own hands -- literally -- and close those last eight miles themselves. That means bulldozers where possible, but mostly, a lot of cutting and digging with hand tools.

Which is why the full containment of the Poomacha fire, which had been expected today, has been pushed back to next Tuesday.

--Greg Gross, Breaking News Team

SR-76, La Jolla reservation open

2007-10-31T09:33:00.001-07:00

State Route 76 from Valley Center Road to state Route 79 reopened at 9 a.m. Tuesday and the La Jolla Indian reservation is now open to residents, said Joseph Ruise, a spokesman for the tribe.
A third of the 180 homes on the reservation burned during the Poomacha fire, which began there.
Officials are working to bring trailers into the reservation to house the people who have been burned out, but those will not arrive for at least a few days.
- Onell R. Soto, staff writer

Part of San Pasqual Valley Road closed through Saturday

2007-10-31T09:11:00.000-07:00

The California Highway Patrol says San Pasqual Valley road is closed at Bandy Canyon Road in El Cajon to all traffic other than emergency vehicles and utility companies.

The road will be closed through Saturday while cleanup crews repair fire damage left behind by the Witch Fire, according to the CHP.

Harris down, Witch Creek and Poomacha to go

2007-10-31T08:46:00.000-07:00

this from Cal Fire:

The Harris fire is now 100 percent contained.

The next fire likely to be fully contained, probably today, is the Witch Creek fire, which has only 1 percent of open line left.

The Poomacha fire, however, is still hanging tough at 70 percent containment, the last remaining of the large blazes still with substantial open line. Full containment had been expected today, as well. That has since been pushed back to next Tuesday.

--Greg Gross, Breaking News Team

Tent city planned for rural East County

2007-10-30T22:49:00.000-07:00

Local emergency officials announced at a community meeting in Dulzura Tuesday evening that a "tent city" to temporarily house displaced residents would be erected in the coming days across from the Barrett Junction Cafe in East County's backcountry.

Stacy Magoffin, Mountain Empire program manager with the Community Emergency Response Team, said Sen. Dennis Hollingsworth, R-Temecula, was organizing the makeshift housing, which also may include showers, bathrooms, washing machines and dryers, and sleeping quarters for 200.

Magoffin told a group of about 50 people gathered for nightly meetings at 6 p.m. at the cafe that security would be provided at the site and that everyone in the area is welcome.

"If people are burned out, they can stay there so they can be closer to their homes as the clean up," Magoffin said.

Officials with Hollingsworth's office told Magoffin and others that the tent city may already be on its way from the East Coast and could arrive in the next 24 to 48 hours.

- Janine Zuniga, staff writer

Woodward center reduces pet adoption fees

2007-10-30T18:01:00.000-07:00

The Helen Woodward Animal Center in Rancho Santa Fe is reducing pet adoption fees by 50 percent today through Monday.

The center was evacuated for four days due to the Witch Creek fire, causing a 70 percent drop in cat and dog adoptions last week, spokesman John Van Zante said.

Helen Woodward Animal Center is at 6461 El Apajo, Rancho Santa Fe. For information call 858-756-4117 or see www.animalcenter.org.

Fairgrounds shelter expected to close

2007-10-30T17:58:00.000-07:00

The Del Mar Fairgrounds will close its evacuation center at noon Wednesday but will continue to operate an assistance center to provide food and other services, the Red Cross said today.

The shelter operated by the county Office of Emergency Services and the Red Cross, has cared for up to 2,200 people since opening Oct. 22.

The fairgrounds also took in 2,700 evacuated animals, mostly horses. Forty-three remained today but animal evacuation facilities also are expected to close Wednesday.

Halloween Party for RB

2007-10-30T16:45:00.000-07:00

A less spooky and free Halloween celebration has been set up for Rancho Bernardo's youth Wednesday.

The celebration is open to all residents affected by the fire. The party is set for Rancho Bernardo Recreation Center's Basketball Courts, 18448 W. Bernardo Drive. The event will run from 4-7 p.m. and will feature magicians, jugglers, face painting, balloon games, prizes and pumpkin painting. A costume parade will be held at 5 p.m. with grand marshal City Councilman Brian Maienschein

Thirty-six Steele Canyon High students lose homes

2007-10-30T16:25:00.000-07:00

Parents and teachers at Steele Canyon High School are seeking donations to help the at least 36 students who lost their homes in the Harris fire.

The school, which reopened today, is still assessing how many students were directly affected by the wildfires.

Many of the students who lost homes lived in Barrett Junction and Dulzura and sought shelter with their families at the school during the fires.

In addition, a teacher and school board member, David Wilson, lost their homes.

The school is accepting cash and gift card donations for students who need to replace school supplies, sport uniforms, equipment and other material.

Donations may be sent to Steele Canyon High School, 12440 Campo Road, Spring Valley, 91978-2331, attn: Governing Board Secretary. For more information visit the school's Web site at: http://www.schscougars.org/. -Leonel Sanchez, staff writer

Escondido Sports Center reopens

2007-10-30T15:38:00.000-07:00

The Escondido Sports Center, will reopen Saturday in Kit Carson Park.
The center, at 3315 Bear Valley Parkway, will also be celebrating its 10th anniversary with family events from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The only entrance to the park will be through Mary Lane, since the Witch fire base camp is still set up in the south end of the park.
Kids' events will include air jumps, arts and crafts and a game of S-K-A-T-E for skateboarders 13 or younger. For more information call (760) 839-5425.

-- Elena Gaona

What's next for Rancho Bernardo?

2007-10-30T14:51:00.000-07:00

City officials and firefighters plan to hold a meeting on what's next for Rancho Bernardo fire victims Thursday (Nov. 1).

The meeting is set for 7 p.m. at the Rancho Bernardo Community Presbyterian Church, on Pomerado Road at Rancho Bernardo Road.

Officials will talk about the steps in rebuilding and answer questions from community members. Among those expected to attend are Brian Maienschein, the area's city councilman; Mayor Jerry Sanders; Fire Chief Tracy Jarman and city development and environmental services officials.

- Lisa Petrillo, staff writer

Most San Diego County libraries are now open...

2007-10-30T14:18:00.000-07:00

Except for the Potrero branch, all San Diego County libraries are now open. The Potrero branch will be closed for approximately 10 more days for restoration.

Because Julian residents remain without telephone service, a Microsoft bus is available from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. in the parking lot of the Julian library at 850 Highway 78.
The bus offers free use of computers, access to the Internet, printing, a WiFi hotspot, cell phones and an Xbox.

For more information, go to sdcl.org or call (858) 694-2415.

-Brittany Inman

Tecate cargo port reopens Wednesday

2007-10-30T14:16:00.000-07:00

Trucks hauling cargo between Mexico and the United States will be able to use the Tecate port of entry again as of 8:30 a.m. Wednesday, U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials said Tuesday.

The port was shut down Oct. 21 and workers were evacuated when the Harris fire threatened it.

More than 300 cargo trucks are processed daily at the port. Its hours this week will be 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Pacific Daylight Time. Cargo truck processing hours will return to the normal 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. hours Monday, after the United States returns to standard time. Mexico reverted to standard time last weekend, so there is an hour's time difference between the two countries this week.

Cargo trucks are required to use state Route 188 and eastbound state Route 94 when entering and exiting the United States at Tecate until roadways leading to the port are repaired, Customs and Border Protection officials said.

"Truck drivers are asked to drive with extreme caution and make turns slowly along eastbound state Route 94," Caltrans District Director Pedro Orso-Delgado said in a news release. "At this time commercial vehicles are only allowed to travel east on Route 94 and can access Interstate 8 on 94 or Buckman Springs Road."

Passenger and pedestrian access to the port was reopened Monday. Hours are 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. at the two-lane border facility.

The port facilities were not damaged in the fire.

NWS director lauds forecasters

2007-10-30T13:59:00.000-07:00

Jack Hayes, Director of the National Weather Service, was in town this week to see how the local office handled the firestorms.

He left this afternoon with nothing but praise.

Hayes said the forecasters performed admirably under trying circumstances. Their office in Rancho Bernardo was evacuated Monday morning. Some of the forecasters operated out of the San Diego County Emergency Operations Center in Kearny Mesa, and others moved to the Oxnard weather service office.

"It was a heroic effort," Hayes said. "It's the kind of story I like to go back to back and tell my boss about."

He lauded the forecasters teamwork and the professionalism. Hayes also praised the incident meteorologists, the forecasters who provide site-specific weather details to the firefighters.
_ Robert Krier, staff writer

Fire scenes

2007-10-30T13:45:00.001-07:00

Don't forget to peek at our Scenes from the wildfires blog, which has vignettes of the recovery efforts and stories of people returning to their homes.

Permit fees waived for rebuilding

2007-10-30T11:53:00.000-07:00

As it did after San Diego's 2003 wildfires, the San Diego City Council voted unanimously Tuesday to waive demolition and building permit fees for homes destroyed in last week's fires and to give homeowners vouchers to haul waste and recyclable materials to the Miramar Landfill and city-approved sites.

The council also directed city staff to expedite fire reconstruction permit applications, an effort that will be undertaken with existing personnel.

The estimated cost of waiving the fees and distributing the vouchers is $1.7 million in the current fiscal year and $580,000 in fiscal 2009.

In all, 362 homes in Rancho Bernardo were destroyed and 62 others damaged, Councilman Brian Maienschein said. There was also property damage in the San Pasqual Valley, according to a city staff report.

- Matthew T. Hall, staff writer

Harris fire 90 percent contained

2007-10-30T10:37:00.003-07:00

this from Cal Fire:

The Harris fire is now 90 percent contained, still holding at 90,440 acres. Full containment still expected for tomorrow.

--Greg Gross, Breaking News Team

Ramona water now safe to drink

2007-10-30T10:03:00.001-07:00

Ramona water officials say tap water in Ramona is now safe to drink and residents do not need to rely on bottle water to drink.

However, the Ramona Municipal Water District said homeowners may still need to take steps to assure that the water in the internal plumbing system is safe. For more information, residents can call (760) 789-1330 or go to the district's Web site.

The district urges homeowners in the area to:

Drain and flush water heaters to remove any sediment or potentially contaminated water. Before flushing the water heater, turn off the gas or electrical supply to the water heater.
Call SDG&E for assistance in re-lighting gas-fueled water heaters.
Turn on all faucets (hot or cold) to flush household lines. Run water through each faucet until the water is clear or, in the case of cold water lines, until the water temperature stabilizes, indicating the water is flowing from the water mains. Be sure to flush both inside and outside lines, as well as any dead-end lines in your house.

- Karen Kucher, Breaking News Team

Latest summary: Harris, Witch, Poomacha fires

2007-10-30T08:25:00.000-07:00

The latest wildfire figures from San Diego County (8 a.m., Tuesday):

The Harris Fire is 90,440 acres and 90% contained. Full containment is expected on Oct. 31 and full control on Nov. 3. There are 2,473 firefighters assigned. Cost to date $13.8 million. There have been 34 injuries to firefighters.

The Witch Fire is 197,990 acres and 97% contained. Full containment is expected on Oct. 31 and full control on Nov. 3.There are 2,002 firefighters assigned. Cost to date $14 million. There have been 39 injuries to firefighters.

The Poomacha Fire is 49,540 acres and 70% contained. Full containment is expected on Oct. 31 and full control on Nov. 5. There are 2,797 firefighters assigned. There have been 21 injuries to firefighters. Cost to date $9.2 million.

Firefighters "trashed" on Harris

2007-10-30T08:10:00.000-07:00

from Cal Fire:

On top of everything else they've had to contend with on the 90,000-plus acre Harris fire, firefighters also find themselves having to take out a small mountain of trash, and it's slowing down their efforts to close out that blaze.

Some resident apparently has been using a canyon for their personal dump site, piling up "debris, vegetation and just plain junk, a lot of it, over time. Anything they didn't want," said Cal Fire spokeswoman Roxanne Provaznik.

The Harris fire has ignited all that refuse, between Barrett Junction and Potrero, and firefighters are having a tough time putting it out. So tough, that crews are having to wait for heavy equipment --"Excavators, I think they called it," said Provaznik -- to help them deal with it all.

--Greg Gross, Breaking News Team

Witch Creek fire containment delayed a day

2007-10-30T08:05:00.000-07:00

from Cal Fire:

The containment of the Witch Creek fire, which is still holding at just under 198,000 acres, is being pushed back to tomorrow. It had been expected some time today, but firefighters still have two miles of open line to close.

--Greg Gross, Breaking News Team

Harris fire base camp

2007-10-29T18:30:00.000-07:00

Gillespie Field, the airport in El Cajon, continues to be a base camp for firefighters battling the Harris fire.

The camp opened Oct. 22, a day after the fires erupted. About 2,473 people were there today including firefighters and support personnel. That's only slightly lower than the peak on Saturday of 2,544 people, said Martin Johnson, a spokesman for Cal Fire.

The camp give firefighters some respite from the front lines, providing beds, showers, food, water and even laundry services. The camp will be up and running as long as the Harris fire rages, Johnson said.
--Liz Neely

Rainbow water district drops boil advisory

2007-10-29T16:40:00.000-07:00

The Rainbow Municipal Water District has lifted its boil water advisory. Tests by the Department of Health Services showed no contamination.
The advisory was issued because fire helicopters were dipping water out of the district's reservoirs during the Rice Fire.

Database of burned structures updated

2007-10-29T16:26:00.000-07:00

Our searchable database of burned structures has been updated to 1,374 structures using additional data provided by local agencies.

Harrah's Rincon casino reopens today

2007-10-29T13:55:00.000-07:00

Harrah’s Rincon Casino & Resort in Valley Center reopened for business this morning after serving as an evacuation center during the Poomacha Fire.

The gaming resort shut down operations on Oct. 23, when the fire struck the Rincon Reservation.

When the Poomacha Fire engulfed parts of the Rincon Reservation in the pre-dawn hours Oct. 23, the resort halted all gaming operations to become an evacuation center for Rincon and LaJolla Reservation fire victims.

“There were 75 employees still at the casino when we switched to emergency operations on Tuesday,” General Manager Janet Beronio said.

At the height of the emergency, 350 of Harrah’s Rincon’s hotel rooms were housing evacuees, employees and firefighting personnel. Additional evacuees took refuge in The Pavilion at Harrah’s, where Harrah’s Rincon employees looked after them until the American Red Cross arrived and took over shelter operations during the late evening of Oct. 24. Harrah’s Rincon continued to provide assistance until the Red Cross relocated the evacuation center to one previously established at Valley Center High School on Oct. 26.

In addition, Harrah’s Rincon has been providing rooms and meals to firefighters and emergency workers battling the Poomacha Fire in Valley Center.

Organizer of fake FEMA press conference loses intelligence post

2007-10-29T12:02:00.000-07:00

WASHINGTON (AP) -- The man who staged a fake Federal Emergency Management Agency news conference concerning the Southern California wildfires has lost a chance to be National Intelligence Director Mike McConnell's top public information officer.
John P. "Pat" Philbin, FEMA's external affairs director, who had been scheduled to move into the new job today, will not be getting it after last week's phony news conference. The staged question-and-answer session was harshly criticized by both the White House and Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff, whose department oversees FEMA.
"We do not normally comment on personnel matters," DNI spokesman Ross Feinstein said Monday. "However, we can confirm that Mr. Philbin is not, nor is he scheduled to be, the director of public affairs for the Office of the Director of National Intelligence"
Feinstein said earlier that Philbin's job change had been put on hold while McConnell reviewed his record.
Philbin arranged a hastily-called televised FEMA news conference last Tuesday on the California wildfires. The session was announced on short notice and featured questions for FEMA's deputy administrator, Vice Adm. Harvey Johnson.
No genuine journalists attended, although they were given a conference call number they could use to listen in … but not ask questions. A half-dozen questions were asked at the event … by FEMA staff members posing as reporters.
Philbin was among the six questioners, according to The Washington Post. The questions included: "Are you happy with FEMA's response so far?"
"I think it was one of the dumbest and most inappropriate things I've seen since I've been in government," Chertoff said later.
FEMA later apologized for the phony news briefing and said it was reviewing its procedures for dealing with news organizations.
McConnell had offered Philbin the director of communications at the intelligence office prior to the FEMA event, according to Feinstein.

Controlled burn near Palomar Mountain

2007-10-29T11:48:00.000-07:00

People who live in the area north of Palomar Mountain may see additional smoke today due to a back fire that firefighters are lighting to consume fuel in the path of the Poomacha fire.

The controlled burn is being set along the inner edge of the fire's perimeter near Cutca Valley and will cover about 3,500 acres, officials with the county's Office of Emergency Service said.

State Route 94 slow

2007-10-29T10:34:00.000-07:00

Be prepared for a slow drive along State Route 94 this morning.

SDG&E crews are repairing fire damage along the road, causing frequent areas where the interstate contracts to only one lane.

Just east of Barrett Junction, the road is closed to State Route 188, by the Tecate border crossing. If you want to to go Tecate, you'll have to approach it from the westbound side.

Onshore winds helping us breathe easier

2007-10-29T09:57:00.000-07:00

By Robert Krier
UNION-TRIBUNE STAFF WRITER

SAN DIEGO – The county should get a welcome breath of fresh air Monday as onshore flow helps clear out some of the lingering smoke from the fires.

National Weather Service forecaster Greg Martin said there is a slight chance of light rain late Monday, then again late Tuesday into Wednesday as the marine layer deepens due to weak storm systems passing through.

Rainfall totals are expected to be just a few hundredths of an inch, if that, Martin said.

Temperatures at the coast should be in the mid 70s Monday and the high 60s Tuesday and Wednesday. The inland valleys should reach the high 70s to low 80s Monday and the mid 70s Tuesday and Wednesday.

A weak-to-moderate Santa Ana is expected to return late Thursday night and Friday morning. Martin said the winds should be about half as strong as the Santa Ana that helped spread the fires last week.

Wind gusts should be in the 30 to 40 mph range. Temperatures are not expected to be as high during the Santa Ana, but the humidity levels should drop.

Robert Krier: (619) 293-2241; rob.krier@uniontrib.com

Residents can register cell phones for Reverse 911

2007-10-29T07:54:00.000-07:00

Cell phones and email addresses can now be registered to receive emergency notifications via Reverse 911 calls.

People can go to http://www.alertsandiego.org/ to enter their information, which will take about 24 hours to be added to the system.
Multiple numbers and addresses can be registered by reopening the Web page.

People without a computer at home can access the Web site at county libraries.

Looky-loos clogging Poway streets

2007-10-29T06:54:00.000-07:00

This from the Sheriff's Department:

Traffic from looky-loos has prompted deputies to clamp down on the following intersections in Poway:

Espola Road and Cloudcroft Drive
Old Coach Road and Espola Road
Valle Verde Road at Saint Andrews Drive

Only residents with ID will be allowed in.

--Greg Gross, Breaking News Team

Aerial heavy hitters vs. Poomacha fire

2007-10-29T05:55:00.000-07:00

With the Poomacha fire in North County being the most active of the county's major fires still remaining, firefighters are now massing their biggest aerial weapons against it.

On Sunday, the aicraft hitting the fire with water and fire retardant included:

Tanker 910, the DC-10 air tanker
The Martin Mars water bomber
6 C-130 military transports converted to MAFFS air tankers
6 heavy air tankers

Between them, Tanker 910 lay down 12,000 gallons of water or retardant, and the Mars flying boat 7,200 gallons of water or protective gel. By comparison, the S-2T tankers that make up the bulk of Cal Fire's air fleet hold a maximum of 1,200 gallons of water or retardant.

The aircraft available for the Poomacha fire today will depend on weather conditions and the readiness of both aircraft and crews.

--Greg Gross, Breaking News Team

New shelter in Ramona

2007-10-28T22:20:00.000-07:00

Due to the large number of people who came to Ramona to visit the Local Assistance Center, a new shelter is open in the community tonight. The shelter is located at Olive Peirce Middle School at 1521 Hanson Lane in Ramona. The school plans to re-open to students Tuesday, Oct. 30.

Latest fire statistics

2007-10-28T21:21:00.000-07:00

According to the latest information from the county, about 2,600 residents remain under an evacuation order. Local shelters are housing about 450 people.
About 6,000 people have visited the county's fire assistance centers in Fallbrook, Ramona and Rancho San Diego.
In the unincorporated section of the county, 1,003 residences and commercial buildings burned. (Countywide, CalFire says 1,588 residences and two commercial properties were destroyed.)
The estimated cost of the structual damage in the unincorporated area is $400 million.
-- Anne Krueger

To our readers

2007-10-28T18:03:00.000-07:00

As firefighters continue to get a handle on the wildfires and residents return home, the slower pace of updates means fewer posts to this blog.

We will continue to update at every opportunity.

-Alexa Capeloto

New boil water orders in Pauma Valley

2007-10-28T14:56:00.000-07:00

The county Department of Environmental Health has issued a boil water order for the Pauma Valley Mutual Water Company, 15907 Pauma Reservoir Road in Pauma Valley, and the West Cuca Mutual Water Company, 20001 Highway 76 in Pauma Valley.

Due to the fires these public water systems lost pressure in their water distribution systems. As a precaution a boil water order is being issued until lab results show the water is free from bacterial contamination.

--Alexa Capeloto

East County livestock shelters closing

2007-10-28T14:51:00.000-07:00

El Cajon's livestock shelter on Weld Boulevard near Cuyamaca is in the process of closing down as evacuees return home or take shelter with residents who have not lost their homes.

The Lakeside Rodeo Grounds, at Mapleview near state Route 67, is attempting to close by 6 p.m. tonight, but there are still about 50 horses there that need to be reclaimed by owners and moved.

--Alexa Capeloto

Fallbrook forum scheduled

2007-10-28T13:42:00.000-07:00

Fallbrook residents are invited to a briefing from 4 to 5 p.m. today at the Fallbrook High School stadium, 2400 Stagecoach Lane.

Community officials, including North County Fire Chief Bill Metcalf, will present a briefing regarding the Rice Fire. Information on recovery services will be provided.

Officials won't be able to address individual questions, but informational tables will be set up.

Water update for Ramona

2007-10-28T13:11:00.001-07:00

The water in Ramona is improving but state health officials are still advising residents not to drink it.

The Ramona Municipal Water District has lifted restrictions on outdoor use and bathing with the water. But the district says users should not drink the water.

Ramona residents are advised to use bottled water for all drinking (including baby formula and juice), brushing teeth, washing dishes, making ice and food preparation.

The advisory is in effect until further notice. The water in Ramona has been deemed unsafe since Thursday.

For additional information, go to www.sdcountyrecovery.com or call 211.

- Craig Gustafson

Boil water order for RV resort

2007-10-28T12:13:00.000-07:00

The county has issued a boil water order this morning for Rancho Corrido RV Resort in Pauma Valley.

The Department of Environmental Health says that the public water system there lost pressure due to the fires. The boil water order was issued as a precaution until test results show the water is free from bacterial contamination.

The park is located at 14715 Hwy 76.

- Craig Gustafson

Latest figures on wildfires

2007-10-28T11:54:00.001-07:00

San Diego County officials have released the latest numbers related to the wildfires.

As of 11 a.m. today, the total acreage burned was 346,890 and firefighting costs stood at $31.1 million.

Here's the completel list of facts:
Residences destroyed -- 1,588
Residences damaged -- 320
Commercial properties destroyed -- 2
Commercial properties damaged -- 0
Outbuildings damaged -- 720
Outbuildings destroyed -- 25
Evacuated residences -- 640,000
Firefighters injured -- 93
Civilians injured -- 23
Civilian fatalities -- 7
Total firefighters assigned -- 8,324

The numbers do not include the Horno fire at Camp Pendleton. Officials there say that fire is fully contained. It has burned about 21,000 acres and no structures have been destroyed.

- Craig Gustafson

Horno fire is fully contained

2007-10-28T11:35:00.000-07:00

Camp Pendleton officials say the Horno fire burning since Tuesday has been fully contained this morning.

The fire has burned about 21,000 acres and no structures have burned. Six people were injured in the blaze.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Camp Pendleton personnel are expected to resume normal operations tomorrow.

- Craig Gustafson

Rice fire contained

2007-10-28T09:12:00.000-07:00

Fire officials say the Rice fire is now 100 percent contained.

Full containment on the fire, which has burned 9,000 acres in and around Fallbrook, was reached at about 7 a.m. this morning. About 850 firefighters are battling the blaze.

Meanwhile, the Witch fire, the county's largest, has burned about 198,000 acres and authorities expect to have it fully contained by Tuesday. Right now, they estimate containment at 90 percent.

- Craig Gustafson

Rentals listed for fire victims

2007-10-28T08:55:00.000-07:00

The San Diego Association of Realtors has a listing of rental units being made available especially for fire victims who may need some long-term housing.

These homes and apartments are being offered largely by private firms and people who want to help people displaced by last week's (and ongoing) firestorm.

The listings are available on the group's Web site, SDAR.com.

Tecate port of entry to reopen Monday

2007-10-27T23:46:00.000-07:00

The Tecate port of entry will reopen to passenger vehicle and pedestrian traffic at 5 a.m. Monday, Oct. 29, according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials.

The port will resume its normal operating hours of 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. All cargo trucks will still be required to enter and exit the U.S. at the Otay Mesa or Calexico commercial ports of entry until the roadways leading to the port are certified safe for large, heavy vehicles.

Boil water order for Young Life Oakbridge Camp

2007-10-27T23:41:00.000-07:00

The county of San Diego has issued a boil water order for Young Life Oakbridge Camp, located at 27224 Hwy 78, Ramona, effective immediately.

Because of the fires, this public water system lost pressure in the water distribution system. The order will remain in effect until the distribution system has been disinfected and samples confirm the absence of bacteria in the water supply.

Boil water order for Rancho Santa Teresa

2007-10-27T23:38:00.000-07:00

The County of San Diego has issued a boil water order for Rancho Santa Teresa Mutual Water Company, located at 25056 Rancho Santa Teresa Drive in Ramona.

The order is effective immediately, and will remain in effect until the distribution system has been disinfected and samples confirm the absence of bacteria in the water supply.

Shelter closings

2007-10-27T23:35:00.000-07:00

The following shelters are closed as of 5 p.m, Sat. Oct. 27, according to the American Red Cross:

- El Cajon Valley High School, 1035 E. Madison, El Cajon
- Escondido High School, 1535 North Broadway, Escondido
- The Rock Church, 2277 Rosecrans St., San Diego
- Santana High School, 9915 Magnolia Avenue, Santee
- El Camino High School, 400 Rancho Del Oro Drive, Oceanside

Ramona residents warned about water

2007-10-27T23:30:00.000-07:00

Ramona residents are warned not to have contact with municipal water. A Reverse 911 message was sent to residents with the following information:

- Municipal water delivery will resume Saturday and Sunday for Ramona residents
- Drinking the water is unsafe, even if the water is boiled
- The water should be used only in toilets and laundry
- Residents should avoid showering or bathing in the water; hot showers are available at the Ramona Rodeo on Aqua Lane
- Bottled water or hand sanitizer should be used when washing hands
- Bottled water should be used for brushing teeth, washing dishes, making ice and preparing food
- Outdoor water use is prohibited

This advisory remains in effect until further notice. Residents can find additional information online at http://www.sdcountyresponse.com/, or by phone at 211.

Boil water order for Hodges recreational area

2007-10-27T23:26:00.000-07:00

The county has issued a boil water order for Hodges Reservoir Recreational Area at 20175 Lake Drive in Escondido, effective immediately.

The order will remain in effect until the distribution system has been disinfected and samples confirm the absence of bacteria in the water supply.

The recreational area is closed until further notice.

Some areas near Witch fire open

2007-10-27T23:20:00.000-07:00

Several communities affected by the Witch Creek fire are now open, according to county officials. They are:
- areas north of San Pasqual Valley Road and Hwy 78
- areas east of North Lake Wohlford Road and Valley Parkway
- areas west of Black Canyon Road and Sutherland Road, and
- areas south of Canal Road

Cleveland National forest is still closed for recreation purposes.

Poomacha update

2007-10-27T22:51:00.000-07:00

Although other fires are still burning, the Poomacha Fire is the only one in the county with active flames along the perimeter, according to the San Diego County Office of Emergency Services.

As a result, about 2,690 residents of Palomar Mountain and Pauma Valley remain under an evacuation order tonight.

The update on the fire comes from fire officials who have been in contact with the county. Fire officials will evaluate Sunday whether to continue the evacuation order.

--Anna Cearley, staff writer

Fire control updates

2007-10-27T21:15:00.000-07:00

Latest fire statistics from the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection:
- The Harris Fire is 86,500 acres and 65% contained. Full containment is expected on October 31st and full control on November 4th.
- The Witch Fire is 197,990 acres and 75% contained. Full containment is expected on October 31st and full control on November 5th.
- The Rice Fire is 9,000 acres and 90% contained. Full containment is expected on October 28th and full control on November 5th.
- The Poomacha Fire is 46,000 acres and 45% contained. Full containment and control on October 29th.

--Anna Cearley, staff writer

Red Cross centers

2007-10-27T20:55:00.000-07:00

The American Red Cross will continue to meet with people affected by the fires at the following assistance centers:
- Del Mar Fairgrounds, West Grandstands Lower Level, 2260 Jimmy Durante
Blvd., Del Mar
- Kiwanis Community Center, 25771 Potrero Valley Rd, Potrero
- Dulzura Community Center, 1136 Community Building Rd., Dulzura
- Fallbrook Community Center, 341 Heald Lane, Fallbrook
- Ramona Community School, 1710 Montecito Rd., Ramona
- Rancho San Diego - Cuyamaca College at Student Services (near entrance
to college), 900 Rancho San Diego Pkwy., El Cajon
- Rancho Bernardo Glassman Recreation Center, 18448 W. Bernardo Dr., San
Diego.

All of the centers will operate from Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sundays.

The Rancho Bernardo Center will be open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday. The other centers will be open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m on Saturdays.

Visitors must provide a photo identification with ah ome address from an affected area to receive services.

--Anna Cearley, staff writer

Shelter closings

2007-10-27T20:33:00.000-07:00

Two shelters set up for people displaced by the fires will close Sunday at 5 p.m.:

- Steele Canyon High School, 12440 Campo Road, in Spring Valley

- Mira Mesa High School, 10510 Reagan Road, San Diego

-- Anna Cearley, staff writer

Seeking information

2007-10-27T19:22:00.000-07:00

Fire and law enforcement officials are seeking the public's help in an investigation into William Reed Brock, 44, who was arrested Oct. 24 for impersonating a firefighter at the Rice fire.

Brock was detained in North County driving an older-model Ford pickup with personalized firefighter license plates. Inside the truck, authorities found fire equipment, including hoses, and clothing from fire agencies.

Authorities want to know if anyone has seen Brock at the fires or at fire stations. Contact Sheriff's Detective Clayton Lisk, (760) 451-3110, or Cal Fire Investigator Gary Eidsmoe, (800) 468-4408.

--Anna Cearley, staff writer

National Guard soldiers leave Qualcomm

2007-10-27T19:16:00.000-07:00

San Diego - About 100 National Guard soldiers from the 1/184th Infantry Battalion and the 40th Infantry Division are leaving their posts at Qualcomm Stadium, where they helped discourage looting.

More than 2,600 National Guardsmen and women remain on duty, and they will assist local authorities with logistical matters and fire fighting efforts, according to the California National Guard.

--Anna Cearley, staff writer

Julian gets free Internet

2007-10-27T18:42:00.000-07:00

Julian - Because of communications disruptions from the fires, Microsoft and the County of San Diego are providing free Internet access for Julian residents.

The Internet service is available at a specially equipped bus in the parking lot of the Julian Branch Library, at 1850 Highway 78. The bus includes computers with Internet access, printers, a WiFi hot spot, cell phones and an Xbox unit.

The bus will be open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. until communications are restored to the area, according to a news release from the San Diego County Office of Emergency Services.

--Anna Cearley

BLM closes public lands

2007-10-27T17:49:00.000-07:00

Boulevard - As a preventive measure, the Bureau of Land Management has issued an emergency closure of public lands in the McCain Valley Conservation Area, along the Boulevard section of East County.

This includes Cottonwood Campground, Lark Canyon Campground and Lark Canyon Day Use OHV Area.

Other areas affected include: Buck Canyon in Ranchita; Chariot Canyon in Julian; Rodriguez Canyon in Julian; and San Felipe Hills in Ranchita.

The closure doesn't apply to Bureau of Land Management personnel, owners or renters who need to get to their property, or those involved in fire-fighting activities.

"The extreme fire conditions currently in this area prompt us to issue this closure order in the interest of public safety," said Vicki Wood, BLM El Centro Field Office manager, in a news release.

The order will be lifted when the fires in outlying areas have been contained, according to the BLM.

-Anna Cearley, staff writer

No longer missing

2007-10-27T17:45:00.000-07:00

There are no longer any fire-related missing people in the county, according to the San Diego County Sheriff's Department.

Lt. Phil Brust said the agency received about 40 calls of people worried about missing relatives or friends last week, but all eventually showed up alive except for two found dead Thursday.

-Anna Cearley, staff writer

All Harris fire-area evacuations orders LIFTED

2007-10-27T15:18:00.000-07:00

this from Cal Fire:

As of 3 p.m., all evacuation orders in the Harris fire area have been lifted for the following communities/areas:

Carveacre
Lawson Valley
Jamul
Potrero
Tecate
Dulzura
Barrett Junction
Engineer Springs
Deerhorn Valley
Indian Springs

There areas are open to RESIDENTS ONLY.

The following road closures REMAIN IN EFFECT due to road work:
State Route 94 at Barrett Smith East
State Route 188 and SR-94

--Greg Gross, Breaking News Team

Raining here and there...sort of

2007-10-27T14:57:00.000-07:00

Residents have been reporting rain falling in scattered locations around San Diego city and county.

The National Weather Service, however, says it has no measurable rainfall recorded anywhere in the county so far, and there is no storm system bringing rain to the area. They attribute the raindrops to residual moisture from the west and south.

--Greg Gross, Breaking News Team

Electricity restored for most, still out for many

2007-10-27T14:16:00.000-07:00

this from San Diego Gas & Electric:

Electricity has been restored to 91 percent of the nearly 80,000 customers who have been without power since the fires began. By next weekend, that figure should be up to 97 percent.

Currently, about 6,700 SDG&E customers remain without power around the county.

--Greg Gross, Breaking News Team

San Diego to tourists: We're still here

2007-10-27T12:30:00.000-07:00

With the San Diego Zoo as a backdrop and a phalanx of tourism industry officials at his side, Mayor Jerry Sanders urged people here and elsewhere to shrug off the fires and visit San Diego.

"Our message to visitors across the world is that San Diego is open for business," Sanders said at the Saturday morning press conference.

The concern is that pictures and video of the fire's devastation that have been beamed across the world last week will scare people away.

One after another, officials pleaded San Diego County's case as a top tourism destination, even in the week following firestorms that burned more than 350,000 acres.

"The purpose today is to send out the message that the fires did not destroy San Diego's beauty," said David Peckinpaugh, CEO of the San Diego Convention & Visitors Bureau.

Peckinpaugh and others pointed out that almost all of San Diego's major attractions -- from the zoo to Sea World to the museums -- remained open throughout last week. And the Wild Animal Park, which did close early in the week as the Witch Creek fire roared through the San Pasqual Valley, is now open.

--David Washburn, staff writer

Backfiring underway on Palomar Mountain

2007-10-27T12:21:00.000-07:00

This from Cal Fire:

Firefighters are setting backfires on Palomar Mountain, which has already been crested in places by the Poomacha fire.

--Greg Gross, Breaking News Team

Horno fire almost fully contained

2007-10-27T09:54:00.000-07:00

Camp Pendleton Marine Base reports the Horno fire 90 percent contained. No word yet on when full containment is expected. The cause is not yeet known. No structures have been damaged.

--Greg Gross, Breaking News Team