Printer-friendly version
December 9, 2010 (Escondido) – Final preparations are underway for authorities to burn down the Escondido home at 1954 Via Scott containing a major stash of explosives and bomb-making materials. Authorities are spraying fire-protectant gel on some neighboring homes and knocking on doors in the evacuation area. People within the shelter-in-place zone will be receiving reverse 911 calls at 8 a.m. reminding them to shut doors, windows, and ventilation systems.
The burn is planned to begin at 9 a.m., with I-15 shutting down in both directions 30 minutes earlier. Timing may vary based on weather.
A last-minute request by bomb-making suspect George Jakubec to halt the burn was rejected yesterday by a federal court judge. Jakubec faces charges related to the explosives as well as robbing three banks. Authorities have not yet disclosed his motive.
The home contained the largest stash of home-made explosives ever found on U.S. soil, according to prosecutors, and was deemed unsafe for authorities to enter for purposes of removing explosive materials. Photos (scroll down our homepage for an earlier report yesterday) reveal a cluttered interior with homemade grenades, miniature mines, powdered explosive materials spilled on floors, and more. Authorities also seized guns, detonators, masks, and computers from the residence.
Jakubec has previously lived in Ramona Country Estates, as well as San Marcos.
Authorities will be on hand to prevent looting and to monitor air quality during the burn. Chemicals are expected to burn off within the first hour. Residents may call 211 after 3 p.m. for instructions on when it is safe to return home.
Due to emergency powers invoked, the home's owner will not be entitled to compensation from the County or State for the loss of the property.
For up-to-the-minute details, see the County Emergency Page at http://www.sdcountyemergency.com/.
If you have photos of today’s burn, or eyewitness details, please e-mail editor@eastcountymagazine.org or post comments below.
Recent comments