East County News Service

December 8, 2016 (Santa Barbara) -- Two conservation organizations have filed a lawsuit in U.S. District Court to protect fragile habitat and rare species in the path of a massive, remote fuel break recently approved in the Los Padres National Forest. The suit is also an effort to encourage the Los Padres National Forest to focus on reducing fire risk where it matters most, directly in and around communities.

East County Wildfire and Emergency Alerts

November 30, 2016 (San Diego’s East County) – A potentially strong Santa Ana weather pattern will develop Thursday evening, bringing strong Santa Ana winds Thursday night through Saturday. Sustained winds of 20-30 miles per hour and gusts over 65 mph are possible in the windiest locations, including Highway 8 in San Diego County from Alpine to the Imperial County border.

By Miriam Raftery

November 12, 2016 (San Diego’s East County) – In July, San Miguel’s Fire Board voted by a slim one-vote margin to cancel its contract with CAL FIRE a year early and go back to being a free-standing district, but kept the action on hold pending outcome of the election.

By Patrick D. Walker, Deputy Vice President—District X,  CAL FIRE Firefighters Local 2881

November 5, 2016 (San Diego’s East County) -- In reference to your article regarding Santee firefighters' use of a fire engine for political action, it should be known that the same is being done in San Miguel.  Those who oppose the CAL FIRE Cooperative Agreement are using an Engine that the District sold to them (Former Local 1434 / San Miguel Firefighters Foundations) for $1 with the clause that it would not be used for political action, well it clearly is.  Not only are they using it for political action (Displaying at local businesses) they are also sharing the images on Social Media and storing the fire engine at a fire station.  See video.  They are also driving the engine around the District with trucks in front and behind supporting the opposition.  From day one they have done everything to sabotage the CAL FIRE Agreement, this is just another example.

On Wednesday, November 2, 2016, Caltrans requested an emergency road closure for bridge repairs to be done on the transition road from southbound I-805 to eastbound SR-52.

Beginning immediately, the transition from southbound I-805 to eastbound SR-52 is closed to allow Caltrans to conduct their work.  The transition road is expected to be re-opened tonight around 2000 hours.

East County News Service

October 27, 2016 (Descanso) -- The Descanso Ranger District in Alpine will be conducting prescribed burn activities beginning in October through May 2017, provided weather and fuel moisture conditions permit. Prescribed burns are scheduled to take place in Pine Valley and Mount Laguna, with some work being done around Horsethief rd. The project will cover approximately 500 – 700 acres with the potential for smoke visibility along Sunrise Highway, Japatul Rd and Interstate 8.

Photo credit:  Dave Nunes

October 24, 2016 (El Cajon) -- A SIG Alert has been issued for I-8 east due to a two-acre brush fire burning alongside the freeway just east of Greenfield in unincorporated El Cajon. The fire is burning uphill toward the Wal-Mart store, according to the CHP incident page.

ECM has a reporter en route to the scene; check back for details.

Dedicated to the Men of Engine Company 57

“I can’t believe it’s been 10 years. I remember it like it was yesterday. I was home in Orange County leaving for work in Los Angeles. I could see the large plume of smoke to the east. In a matter of moments it intensified. The plumb expanded and rose quickly into the atmosphere. I knew something went bad. I didn’t think it was this bad… Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna”

By Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

October 17, 2016 (San Diego) -- October 26^th 2006, 1:11 a.m. Santa Ana winds stirred across the southland.

A Red Flag warning had been identified and was in effect. A high probability for large fire growth was in effect as conditions were high temperatures, low humidity, and Santa Ana winds.

By Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

October 11, 2016 (San Diego’s East County) -- Fire Prevention Week was established to commemorate the Great Chicago Fire, the tragic 1871 conflagration that killed more than 250 people, left 100,000 homeless, destroyed more than 17,400 structures and burned more than 2,000 acres. The fire began on October 8, but continued into and did most of its damage on October 9, 1871.

By Miriam Raftery

October 4, 2016 (Potrero) – “Finally! Kendrick was the last of the dogs at our shelter in Bonita which were rescued from the Border Fire in Potrero in June, “San Diego Animal Services posted on Facebook yesterday.

According to Animal Services, “The young man in the photo met Kendrick a few weeks ago and couldn't get him off his mind. His mom said if they came back on Saturday (October 1st) and Kendrick was still here, he could have him for his birthday which is this week. Kendrick hit it off with this family right away and was happy to leave with them today! His new family is going to take him on lots of hikes on the trail near their home!”

Source:  Fire Chief Bill F. Paskle, Fire Chief,  Alpine Protection District

Photo: By AFPD.  FM Global’s Jay Koo presents a plaque to Alpine Fire Protection District Fire Chief Bill Paskle.  Left to Right, AFPD Fire Chief Bill Paskle, Jay Koo from FM Global, AFPD Fire Marshal Jason McBroom.

September 21, 2016  (Alpine) – The Alpine Fire Protection District has received a $2,194 fire prevention grant from FM Global, one of the world’s largest commercial property insurers.

Update 3 p.m.:  Forward spread is stopped at six acres; fire is 25% contained, per Cal Fire.

Update 2:45 p.m.: Cal Fire reports the fire is now six acres and that crews are making good progress.

By Miriam Raftery

September 18, 2016 (Cuyamaca Rancho State Park)--1:30 p.m.--A brush fire is burning in the Cuyamaca  Area, multiple sources confirm. A post at WildlandFire.com, a firefighters' discussion forum, indicates the fire started at Harrison Park Road and State Route 79,  burning at least three to five acres so far and moving into timber. 

An air tanker is dropping retardant and two structures are threatened,the post indicates, though there is no official confirmation yet of structure threat.

A caller to ECM reported smoke in the area.  In addition,Trevor Rathfon tweeted a photo ofsmoke behind Lake Cuyamaca indicated,"Fire season has officialy begun."

If you have details on this fire please contact editor@eastcountymagazine.org.

By Miriam Raftery

Photo by Richard Edwords: Harrowing ride along State Route 94 during Border Fire

September 15, 2016  (San Diego’s East County) – The County’s Border Fire 2016 After Action Report  presents a review on the regional response to the Border Fire that ignores many serious complaints lodged by rural residents in the fire. The report was written entirely by official agencies and  does not include concerns raised by the public, leading rural planning officials,  residents and a community news editor to contend the county whitewashed their concerns.

 The blaze killed two people , destroyed five homes and left countless animals without care in triple-digit heat while residents were refused access  for days after the fire. While residents praise efforts of firefighters who worked valiantly to prevent worse losses, many feel betrayed by officials in the wake of the Border Fire report and other complaints that residents say have yielded little or no meaningful changes.

The report omits entirely any mention of controversies over the deaths of Potrero residents Jim and Kyrie Keefe,  whose bodies were found by community volunteers.  Agencies praised themselves in the report, while omitting criticisms on issues such as lack of  adequate care for animals stranded in triple-digit heat and inadequate evacuation notifications -- in some cases, just yellow caution tape stuck on mailboxes, with no explanation or direct contact with residents in danger after their phone lines, cell towers and Internet service all  went down in communities such as Potrero and Lake Morena.

By Sam DiGiovanna

September 12, 2016 (San Diego) -- Some would say they strike fast and hit hard. That most occur in the 'outfield" and not on my home turf.  Or that the MLB Playoffs are in the fall and so are our Santa Ana winds. But what homeowners should be most concerned about is if their home is a “catcher’s mitt!”

Source: Alpine Fire

September 11, 2016 (Alpine) – The Alpine Fire Protection District (AFPD) recently improved its rating from a national insurance risk company, which may result in lower insurance coverage rates residents and business owners in the District.  The District was recently notified by the Insurance Services Office (ISO) that after a recent re-evaluation of the AFPD a rating of 2/2Y will be effective September 1, 2016.