RED FLAG/WILDFIRE UPDATES

November 2, 2011 (San Diego’s East County) – The National Weather Service has extended today’s red flag alert through this evening as hot, gusty winds continue through much of East County.

A fire burning in Mexico is putting up smoke visible in the southeast portion of the County.

According to Deerhorn Valley Antler editor Kim Hamilton, “A resident in Lyons Valley called to say he received a taped phone message from SDG&E that power may be cut off if the wind conditions are as predicted. If there is any kind of fire event while power is out, we will be in a very dangerous and vulnerable position.”

She advises, “Wireless phones will not work (the base unit needs power). Make sure you have access to a hard-wired phone. Check the batteries in your portable radios.No power–No internet. Information will be hard to gather and share.”

SDG&E has not responded to an ECM request for information on how widespread is the potential power-shut off area or which areas may be impacted. ECM will post updates on our website at www.EastCountyMagazine.org.

A small fire in Valley Center this morning was halted at one acre. A four-acre fire has also been extinguished in the Rancho Santa Fe area. If you have information on additional fires, please email editor@eastcountymagazine.org and also post comments on our site to help promptly inform our readers of any breaking news.