FIRES SWELL TO 9,325 ACRES; POWER LINES THREATENED

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August 15, 2012 (San Diego’s East County) – Firefighters have achieved 15% containment of the Vallecito Lightning Complex.  Firefighting costs have  topped $2 million.   A threat continues to exist to the 69KV electrical distribution lines in Grapevine Canyon that serve the communities of Borrego Springs, Warner Springs, and Ranchita. Mandatory evacuations remain in effect in Ranchita and San Felipe. No structures have been lost.

A fire information line has been set up at (619)590-3160. 

”Firefighters continue to make progress, though there is still a considerable amount of open fire line, Cal Fire’s latest report at 9 a.m. states. “Extreme terrain and distance from roads are making access to fires difficult for ground resources. With the significant fire history of the area and the predicted extreme weather, firefighting resources remain committed to support active and contingency operations throughout all affected communities.

Extreme fire behavior will continue to support moderate fire spread throughout the day, an earlier report this morning indicated. Downhill fire spread with the support of moderate winds will continue to spread the fire all day and well into tonight. Hotter, drier conditions are expected today which will support rapid fire growth. Fires are difficult to access and most of suppression requires substantial hand crew work.

The largest blaze is the Wilson Fire at 5,000 acres; it is 5% contained.  The Stewart Fire is 0% contained and has charred 3,800 acres.  These fires are expected to merge today.  Three smaller fires (Vallecito, Cooper and WYnola) are now 100% contained.

Evacuation Center:      Warner Springs High School

Road Closures:  Highway 78 between Scissors Crossing and Borrego Springs, S3 between Scissors Crossing and Borrego Springs, S22 between S2 and Borrego Springs

In addition, the Buck Fire in south Riverside County has charred 3,000 acres and is 15% contained, putting up smoke in North San Diego County.  A Cal Fire official has called this fire a "sleeping giant," the Riverside Press Enterprise reports.

Below are additional details on fires in San Diego County: 


Fires:                  

  1. Vallecito     Acres:         519   Containment: 100%     E/of Hwy 79, N/of Anza Borrego State Park
  2. Cooper       Acres:  3     Containment: 100%     Chihuahua Valley Rd., E/of Hwy 79   
  3. Stewart      Acres:  3800        Containment: 0%         E/of Hwy 78, S/of Grapevine Canyon                 
  4. Wilson        Acres:  5000        Containment: 5%         S/of S22, W/of  Borrego Springs
  5. Wynola       Acres:  3     Containment: 100%     Hwy 79 at Wynola

 

Fire Engines: 77           Fire Crews: 48                        Bulldozers: 8

Helicopters: 14                       Total Personnel: 1453                    

Injuries: 2                     Structures Damaged: 0                   Structures Destroyed: 0

       

Cooperating Agencies:  CAL FIRE, San Diego County Fire Authority, US Forest Service, California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, San Diego County Sheriff’s Department, California Highway Patrol, California Department of Parks & Recreation, Cal EMA, Bureau of Land Management, Caltrans, California Conservation Corps, American Red Cross, San Diego Gas and Electric, and numerous local firefighting agencies throughout the state.


Additional Information:  Residents who need more information can contact the Vallecito Lightning Complex Information Line at: (619) 590-3160, or go to www.fire.ca.gov. Twitter: @calfiresandiego

 


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