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September 26, 2012 (San Diego’s East County) – The Shockey Fire is now 95% contained. The fire, which claimed the life of an elderly resident in the Tierra del Sol area of Boulevard, a community founded a century ago for railroad workers.
After conducting an assessment in the area, Cal Fire has confirmed 11 homes burned and 14 outbuildings, with two additional structures damaged. That’s an improvement over earlier Cal Fire estimates, which had indicated 20 homes and 15 outbuildings were believed lost. In addition, 11 vehicles have been destroyed and two firefighters were injured.
Cause of the fire remains under investigation. More than 1,402 personnel have been assigned. All evacuation orders have been lifted and residents were allowed to return to their community last night in Tierra del Sol, the only area where homes were burned.
A Local Assistance Center (LAC) for residents who suffered losses in the Shockey Fire will be open starting Wednesday at the Jacumba Library, 44605 Old Highway 80, 91934.
The Assistance Center will be open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 26, 27, 28 and 29. It is open to anyone who lost a home, suffered property damage or is otherwise impacted by the Shockey Fire. The site will assist residents with information, basic needs, and referrals to programs and services.
“My thoughts are with the residents of Tierra del Sol who lost homes and property in the Shockey Fire,” said County Supervisor Dianne Jacob, who represents the affected community. “The Local Assistance Center is a place where residents can get help for immediate needs and make first steps down the road to recovery, with guidance from caring and knowledgeable organizations and agencies.”
People who have lost their home or suffered extensive property damage may immediately need food or financial assistance, mental or physical health care, and information about the path to rebuilding a lost home. About two dozen governmental and nonprofit organizations will assist residents at the LAC.
County departments will provide information on permitting, rebuilding, and reoccupying damaged property; outreach for disabled and elderly residents; financial and CalFresh (food stamps) assistance; connections to mental and physical health care and information on property tax relief and replacing vital records.
State agencies will include the Department of Motor Vehicles, the Department of Insurance, the Employee Development Department—Job Services, the Contractors State License Board and the Franchise Tax Board. Nonprofits and community organizations will also be on hand.
In addition to the resources at the Local Assistance Center, recovery information and resources for fire survivors is available online at www.sdcountyrecovery.com.
In response to the Shockey Fire, American Red Cross disaster workers are continuing shelter operations at Mountain Empire High School located at 3305 Buckman Springs Road, Pine Valley, 91962. The Red Cross will also be joining the County’s Local Assistance Center (LAC) for residents who suffered losses in the fire.
The Red Cross shelter continues to provide for the immediate needs of those affected, including a safe place to stay, food and clothing, emotional support and health services. The shelter will remain open as long as there is a need. Red Cross caseworkers are also beginning to assist those who lost their homes in the fire. Since Sept. 23, the Red Cross has provided 385 meals, 163 snacks and hydration to those displaced by the fire and to first responders.
For tips on staying safe before, during and after wildfires, visit www.preparesandiego.org.
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