COUNTY OPENS CENTER TO AID COCOS FIRE VICTIMS; NEW FIRE TONIGHT ON CAMP PENDLETON AS FIREFIGHTERS GAIN CONTROL OF MAJOR BLAZES

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By Miriam Raftery

Photo courtesy Supervisor Dave Roberts

May 16, 2014 (San Diego) 8 p.m. –Firefighters have made major strides toward containing what is now known as the San Diego Complex fires across our region, thanks to major air power and reduced winds.

All told, the fires have required 1,323 firefighting personnel including 164 engines, 27 fire crews, 5 fixed-wing aircraft, 10 helicopters and more, CAL-FIRE reports this evening.  Multilpe agencies and the Sycuan Fire Department's Golden Eagles hotshot team from East County were also deployed to help battle the blaze.

But a new fire tonight, the Combat Fire on Camp Pendleton is burning on the northwest part of the base, prompting evacuations including the San Onofre Housing area and School of Infantry. In addition the Las Pulgas Fire is over 8,000 acres and is 5 percent contained on the base, where the Tomahawk Fire scorched another 6300 acres and is 23 percent contained.

For other fires, those within the CAL-FIRE service area, visit http://cdfdata.fire.ca.gov/incidents/incidents_current  or scroll down and click "read more."

Sheriff Bill Gore warns property owners to be aware of possible scammers trying to take advantage of fire victims. Be on the lookout for fraudulent emails and websites asking for donations.  If you suspect you’re being scammed, do not give personal information and report possible scams to the Sheriff’s department.

If you have large animals and are displaced, the Del Mar Fairgrounds, Cloverdale Ranch in Escondido and Warner Ranch in Pala have opened their doors to animals in need. If you need help evacuating livestock or large animals, call the County Department of Animal Services emergency line at 619-236-2341. 

For information that is not an emergency, call 211. For emergencies including help to evacuation immediately call 911.

The Cocos Fire has scorched over 2,500 acres and is 50% contained, after burning 8 homes and threatening 1,500 residences.  Victims of the Cocos Fire now have a place to go for rebuilding. The County will open a Recovery Liaison Office at the County’s San Marcos branch, 2 Civic Center Drive, San Marcos. The center will be open Saturday, May 17 from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.  Help includes info on how to obtain building permits, clear ash from pools, handle food safely after power outages and more. A behavioral health specialist will also be available.  Visit www.sdcountyrecovery.com.

Evacuation notices for some communities in San Marcos are being lifted this evening, though closures in other areas remain in effect. For the latest updates on repopulation areas and closures, as well as current shelter locations, visit www.sdcountyemergency.com.

The Sheriff seeks information on the cause of the Cocos Fire, which has burned over 3,000 fires. If you have information call (858)565-2000 or call Crime Stoppers at (888)580-8477 to remain anonymous and be eligible for up to a $1,000 reward.

The Carlsbad Police Department has established a Tip Hotline for the Poinsettia Fire. If you have any information regarding the origin of the fire or suspicious activity or persons who may be involved with the starting of the fires, please call 760-602-7599 or email PoinsettiaFire@carlsbadca.gov The Poinsettia Fire is 100% contained.  The Hihgway Fire in Deer Springs is 95% contained and now in mop up, halted at 380 acres. Other fully contained fires include the Freeway Fire in Fallbrook (56 acres) and the River Fire in Oceanside (105 acreS) as well as the Aurora/Lakeside Fire at 17 acres. 

The Bernardo Fire is 95% contained and burned 1,548 acres.

For updates on power outages, visit www.sdge.com/outages.  You can also download a mobile ap to check statuf of power outages at sdge.com/mobileapps or call 800-411-7343, or check SDG&E’s sites on Twitter and Facebook.

For what to do before, during and after a fire, CAL-FIRE has an informational brochure: http://calfire.ca.gov/communications/downloads/fact_sheets/BeforeDuringAfter.pdf

For additional information, ECM’s wildfire reporter, Nadin Abbott, has been posting updates on her blog at  http://nadinabbottblog.wordpress.com .


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