BANNER FIRE NOW 65 PERCENT CONTAINED; FIRE SUPPRESSION COSTS REACH $2 MILLION

 Updated May 27, 2012, 10 a.m. -- The Banner Fire was held at 4,100 acres through the night and remains 65% contained. Fire suppression cost has reached $2 million. Excess resources are now being dismissed, according to Roxanne Provaznik with Cal-Fire.

May 26, 2012 (San Diego’s East County) – The Banner Fire has burned 4,100 and is 65 percent contained as of 5 p.m. this evening, Cal Fire reports. There are currently no evacuations.  The fire is burning in the Banner Grade area south of Highway 78 and east of Julian.  All roads are now open.

Humidity slowed the fire’s spread during the night.  Firefighters are continuing to attack the fire’s perimeter, using helicopter support due to difficult and inaccessible terrain.  Cause of the fire remains under investigation and firefighting cost to date is $575,000. 

Cooperating agencies include San Diego Fire Authority, US Forest Service, BLM, California State Parks, CDCR, San Diego Fire Department and other local fire agencies   Total fire personnel and resources include 918 firefighters, 45 fire engines , 30 fire crews, 6 airtankers, 5 helicopters, 3 bulldozers, and 11 water tenders.