Wildfire and Emergency News

EVACUATIONS IN GROVE FIRE NEAR WARNER SPRINGS

Update 12:46 p.m. per CAL FIRE San Diego County Fire: #GroveFire [update] the fire is now 900 acres and 10% contained. The cause has been determined to be lightning. Read the latest in Times of San Diego, a member of the San Diego Online News Association.

Update 8:38 a.m. 7/25 from Sekhar Padmanabhan a Staff Reporter on Watch Duty app: Evacuation order downgraded to a warning for zone SDC-0075. Fire holding at 816 acres.

Photo, right by Chet Kalinowski

Update 7:42 p.m. 7/24 from Liam Winstead: "FIRIS has mapped the fire at 816 acres. The permineter can be viewed by toggling on the Active Fire Perimeters layer on the Watch Duty map. Note that perimeters are preliminary and do not reflect any structure protection efforts by firefighters on the ground."

 

07/24/2024 07:14 PM PDT

Large Animal Shelter Opened at Ramona High School for Grove Fire

 

Per the San Diego Sheriff Department, residents impacted by the Grove Fire EVACUATION ORDERS with large animals can go to Ramona High School located at 1401 Hanson Lane, Ramona, CA 92065.

For those under an EVACUATION WARNING, always take into consideration that large animals take extra time to evacuate. It's best to leave now or prepare early so you are ready to go.

Follow @SDSheriff and @CALFIRESANDIEGO for updates.

For an interactive map with updated emergency information, visit: OES Emergency Map

Update 5 p.m.  Evacuation orders have been issued in the #Grove Fire, which is now 400 acres with potential for 2,000,  Find map and evacuation details at https://www.alertsandiego.org.  Evacuation center is at Warner Springs High.

Update: 4 p.m. the #GroveFire is now at 250-300 acres

Update: 3 p.m. the #GroveFire is now at 50 acres

By Jonathan Goetz and Miriam Raftery

Photos courtesy: Watch Duty app, San Diego Sheriff and East County Magazine

July 24, 2024 (Sunshine Summit) -- CAL-Fire is at scene of a vegetation #GroveFire in the area of Dodge Valley in the community of Sunshine Summit. The fire is 15 acres with a moderate rate of spread. Additional resources have been ordered, per CAL-Fire on X.

Download Watch Duty app 


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HIGHWAY 67 CLOSED NORTH OF POWAY ROAD DUE TO #MINAFIRE

By Jonathan Goetz

Update 6:27 p.m. per Caltrans: SR-67 all lanes reopen to traffic.

July 21, 2024 (Poway) -- Highway 67 is closed northbound at Poway Road and southbound at Archie Moore, reports Caltrans San Diego on X, due to the #MinaFire.


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FIRE KILLS TENS OF THOUSANDS OF CHICKENS AT DEMLER BROTHERS EGG RANCH, SITE OF 2019 ANIMAL CRUELTY INVESTIGATION

East County News Service
 
Photo credit: Maggie Bellah
 
July 20, 2024 (Ramona) – A large barn fire broke out Thursday at Demler Brothers Egg Ranch, a factory egg farm in Ramona that confines approximately two million chickens and supplies eggs to Walmart, Smart & Final, and other chains. Tens of thousands of birds inside the impacted barn burned to death, and animal rights activists who went to the scene were told there were no plans to evacuate birds in the remaining barns, according to Direct Action Everywhere (DxE), an international animal rights group which says Animal Services was not present at the scene. Demler Brothers Egg Ranch was previously investigated by the San Diego chapter of DxE in 2019, when the group’s investigators found tens of thousands of animals in extreme confinement inside the facility, injured birds languishing in trash bins, and corpses on the floor.

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EGG RANCH BURNING IN RAMONA

By Miriam Raftery

Photo by Tim Glaudini

July 19, 2024 (Ramona) – A fire is burning at  an egg ranch facility in the 25800 block of Highway 78 in Ramona.

The fire is contained to one 25,000 square foot structure that houses approximately 70,000 hens.


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FIREFIGHTERS RESCUE UNCONSCIOUS VICTIM FROM BURNING MOBILE HOME IN SANTEE

 

By Miriam Raftery

Photos by Scott Lagace

July 17, 2024 (Santee) – Santee firefighters rescued an unconscious woman from a mobile home engulfed in flames this afternoon, also saving numerous cats, though one cat perished.

Crews were  dispatched at 12:07 p.m. to the fire at Hawaiian Village Mobile Home Park, Unit 84 on Buena Vista Avenue in Santee,  arriving five minutes later. Occupants outside reported a potential victim still inside, so fire crews started extinguishing the flames and entered the residence, where they found the unconscious woman.


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IMPROVED FIRE AND MEDICAL SERVICES DELIVERED TO BORREGO SPRINGS

By Chuck Westerheide, San Diego County News Center
 
July 12, 2024 (Borrego Springs) -- One year out, San Diego County Fire Protection District is making good on its promise to deliver fire protection, emergency medical services, and ambulance transportation in Borrego Springs and major improvements are underway.

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BOMB SCARE IN LA MESA PROMPTS EVACUATIONS, BUT DEVICE PROVES HARMLESS

East County News Service
 
July 2, 2024 (La Mesa)  -- La Mesa Police responded to calls early this morning reporting a man waving a knife in the 5800 block of Kelton Street. He pulled a handgun from a bag and put it on the curb as officers tried to deescalate the situation. After about 20 minutes, the suspect reached toward the gun and officers fired beanbag rounds, taking the suspect into custody.  
 
When officers looked inside his vehicle, a white Toyota Yaris, they saw several red five-gallon fuel tanks and called the Sheriff’s bomb squad. Several residents were temporarily evacuated until the bomb squad determined the device was not explosive. Residents were allowed to return home around 10 a.m. Kelton Avenue was closed to all traffic between El Paso Street and Zeta Street for several hours but has since reopened.

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EVACUATION ORDERS LIFTED IN MCCAIN FIRE THAT THREATENED DE ANZA SPRINGS RESORT

Update July 6, 2025 8 a.m.--The fire is 95% contained, per Cal Fire.

Update July 4, 4:30 p.m. -- All evacuation warnings are lifted and all roads are open. Cal Fire asks that people please drive carefully. Smoke is still visible, but there is no danger to the public at this point, per County Emergency Services.

Update July 3, 8:30 a.m.  The #McCainFire has burned 1,352 acres and is 50% contained. Evacuation warnings remain in place for portions of Boulevard as firefighters continue working in rugged terrain, though evacuation orders were lifted.The Red Cross has closed the evacuation center at Golden Acorn.

Update July 2, 3:30 p.m.-- De Anza evacuation order has been lifted. Residents can return home but some nearby areas remain under an evacuation warning; these residents are asked to remain vigilant since the fire is still burning. To see the zones for the evacuation warning, follow this link.

Update July 2, 8:00 a.m.-- I-8 West has reopened.  The fire has burned 1,000 acres and is 5% contained.


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VEGETATION FIRE ON HUMPHRIES ROAD IN TECATE, CA

Update 5:30 p.m.: The fire is 23 acres and 50% contained per Cal-Fire.

East County News Service

July 2, 2024 (Tecate) -- Cal-Fire is on the scene of a vegetation fire on Humphries Road in Tecate, CA. Very little information is available at this time but the fire is at 5 acres with a potential for 500 acres, per Cal-Fire.




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PHOTOS OF THE WEEK: EVACUATING FROM THE MCCAIN FIRE

July 1, 2024 (Jacumba)—Paul Cummings drove from Ribbonwood Road at I-8 east to Jacumba tonight, and sent these photos taken with his iphone.  He says 8 West (which is shut down at Carrizo Gorge) is a staging area for many fire trucks. “Some are coming into Jacumba now,” he says, adding that he also saw several helicopters on scene.

The view from I-8 included many small fires in rugged, rocky terrain difficult for firefighters to access, creating an eerie volcano-like effect.


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WILDFIRE IN LAKE MORENA

Update 8:55 p.m. - the fire is at 47 acres and 50% contained per Cleveland National Forest on X.

Update 7 p.m. --Old Highway 80 has reopened.

Update 4 p.m.--Boulder Oaks Campground is being evacuated as a precaution.

Update 2:12 p.m.--Eastbound I-8 exit at Kitchen Creek is closed, per CHP site. The fire is now 43 acres and 5% contained, per Cleveland National Forest.

Update 11:53 p.m.  CHP is closing down Old Highway 80 between Kitchen Creek and Buckman Springs Road.

June 30, 2024 (Lake Morena) -- The #Kitchen Fire reported 15 minutes ago has grown to 25 acres, with no containment. The fire startedon Kitchen Creek Road near Old Highway 80 in Campo's Lake Morena community.

Cal Fire is assisting Cleveland National Forest on this wildland fire. For more information on the #kitchenfire follow the Cleveland National Forest and watch for updates at https://www.eastcountymagazine.org. Air and ground resources have been dispatched.


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SUSPECT ARRESTED AFTER SWAT STANDOFF IN POWAY

East County News Service

File photo: SWAT team, courtesy of San Diego County Sheriff

June 30, 2024 (Poway) –Travis Bradley Miller, 34,is in custody following a six-hour SWAT standoff at his home in the 13000 block of York Avenue in Poway

His roommate called 9-1-1 around 1:30 p.m. yesterday o report that Miller attacked him with a box cutter.The roommate had abrasions during the altercation with the suspect. 


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EXPERTS SHARE TIPS ON FIRE INSURANCE CHANGES, NEW “ZONE ZERO” REQUIREMENTS IN HIGH-FIRE RISK AREAS

By Miriam Raftery
 
Photo: Cal-Fire/San Diego County Fire Authority Captain Thomas Shoots
 
June 27, 2024 (Jamul) – Soaring and often inaccessible fire insurance rates, new defensible space mandates for the five feet closest to structures, and how to form fire-wise communities were among the hot topics discussed at the Jamul-Dulzura Fire Safe Council meeting on June 11. Speakers Sharon Smith, outreach analyst with the Calif. Dept. of Insurance, and Cal Fire/San Diego County Fire Captain Thomas Shoots provided insights including:

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SAFEGUARD YOUR HOME FROM WILDFIRES

 
June 26, 2024 (San Diego) -- As temperatures rise this summer, it’s important to consider safeguarding your property from wildfires.

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MYLAR BALLOONS BELIEVED CAUSE OF JAMACHA FIRE

Balloons found on and under powerlines

Story & Photos by Josh Stotler

June 26, 2024 (Rancho San Diego) -- Many factors can cause a fire. As temperatures begin to climb and vegetation dries out, the risk of wildfire is all too real to rural San Diegans. A recent vegetation fire was reported along Jamacha Blvd. and Campo Rd. just outside Rancho San Diego on Wednesday, June 19.

The fire was dispatched as a small vegetation fire in medium to heavy fuels with a moderate rate of spread. San Miguel fire was first on scene and confirmed an active brush fire. Units from neighboring agencies including Cal Fire and air support from San Diego Sheriff's ASTREA and Romona Air Attack base were dispatched to the scene. 

As ground crews battled the flames the investigative division of Cal-Fire was focusing on the cause of the fire.


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DEL MAR BRUSH FIRE: 2500 EVACUATED, FAIRGROUNDS OPENED AS TEMPORARY EVACUATION CENTER

Update: Evacuation orders have been lifted but certain areas remain closed to vehicle traffic.

East County Wildfire & Emergency Alerts 

Photo courtesy of ECM news partner 10 News

June 25, 2024 (Del Mar) -- A fire in Del Mar has burned 19 acres, resulting in mandatory evacuations for 2500 people, though firefighters have halted the fire's forward spread. Evacuees are being directed to the Del Mar Fairgrounds, where the San Diego County Fair is underway.

If you are going to the Fair, be aware that traffic and air quality have also been negatively impacted. Del Mar Heights and Carmel Valley Rd. exits are both closed due to the fire. Air quality is impacted as far east as Poway.


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FIREFIGHTERS MAKE QUICK WORK OF FIRE IN PALA, STILL FIGHTING IN OTAY MESA

Update: As of 6:52 p.m. 6/23 the #border58fire on Otay Mountain is still at 137 acres and 80% contained.

By Jonathan Goetz

June 22, 2024 (San Diego) -- Cal-fire is making full use of air resources today in remote hard to reach areas first in Pala, in North County, and then in South Bay approximately five miles southeast of Otay Lakes, the latter of which is still only partially contained. 

The #Border58Fire approximately near Otay Truck Trail that burned 137 acres as of 5:55 p.m., but most of that burned within the first two and a half hours of the fire and rotor wing aircraft making significant progress before the blaze was able to get out of control. The fire is 5% contained as of 7:19 p.m. per Cal-Fire on X.


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EXTREME HEAT FORECAST FRIDAY THROUGH NEXT WEEK

East County News Service

June 20, 2024 (San Diego’s East County)  --The National Weather Service is warning of a prolonged heat wave starting Friday and extending to late next week. But before you think about going to the beach to cool off, be aware that potentially dangerous lightning storms and rip currents are forecast for coastal areas Saturday and Sunday. 

Temperatures could reach up to 114 degrees by this weekend in the low deserts and up to 105 degrees in the high deserts.   San Diego County valleys and mountains could reach 98 degrees.  The high heat poses risks of heat-related illness for people, pets and livestock without effective cooling and/or adequate hydration.


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JAMACHA FIRE NEAR CAMPO ROAD

 

Update 3 p.m.: This fire is contained. Firefighters are on scene mopping up.

East County Wildfire & Emergency Alerts

June 19, 2024 (Spring Valley)-- A brush fire has burned 1 to 1.5 acres nearJamacha Blvd. and Campo Rd. in Spring Valley.  This fire is burning under power lines, so air resources are unable to suppress the fire with a drop. The fire is burning in medium fuels at a slow rate of speed, per Watch Command.

CHP has shut down Jamacha Blvd. in both directions


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CALIFORNIA PUSHES INSURERS TO COVER MORE HOMES IN SPECIFIC AREAS

California can’t legally require insurers to write either residential or commercial property policies. But the state expects insurers to comply with the options unveiled Wednesday in part because they get something they want in return: catastrophe modeling.
 

By Levi Sumagaysay, Cal Matters
 
CalMatters is a public interest journalism venture committed to explaining how California’s state Capitol works and why it matters.
 
Photo: Firefighters battling a fire in Valley Center, one of the zip codes designated as "high-fire-risk," where officials would encourage more policies to be written, 2010 file photo
 
June 18, 2024 (Sacramento) -- California Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara unveiled Wednesday an effort to force insurers to resume writing policies in high-fire-risk areas — part of an overall plan to address the state’s insurance crisis
 
It consists of three different ways insurers can meet minimum requirements for writing policies in areas deemed “high risk” or “very high risk” by the department, which aligns with Cal Fire’s identification of hazard zones. Insurance Department regulators said this hybrid approach takes into account the state’s complex geography as well as the different risk levels that big and small insurers can afford to assume. Lara said this should help homeowners who have lost coverage or been forced to turn to the last-resort FAIR Plan.
 
Insurance companies would have these three options:

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READER’S EDITORIAL: A BIPARTISAN WILDFIRE PREVENTION PLAN THAT’S COST EFFECTIVE

An open letter to California and Oregon elected officials from the husband of a woman killed by wildfire smoke toxins
 
Photo and editorial by Capt. William E. Simpson II - USMM Ret., Founder and Executive Director, Wild Horse Fire Brigade
 
Photo: This family of wild horses in Cascade Siskiyou National Monument (CSNM) cost-effectively manages a large area of reduced wildfire fuels year-round in a manner that has many environmental and ecological benefits to the forest. Horse grazing in the CSNM was instrumental in helping CALFIRE's suppression of the 2018 Klamathon Fire, which threatened to destroy Ashland, Oregon. Unlike ruminant grazers (cattle, sheep, goats and deer) that digest seeds of native plants and grasses, ending their life-cycles, horses pass a majority of seeds they consume in their dung, which completes the life-cycles of the flora, and benefits all of the fauna in the ecosystem, including pollinators.
 
June 17, 2024 -- Wildfire is arguably the most serious bi-partisan issue we all face. The fire and toxins in the smoke kill indiscriminately, and do so across county, district and state lines, without mercy. A new report out now proves the toxins in the smoke from wildfire AND prescribed fires are killing thousands of people!  

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GUSTY WINDS FUEL FIRE IN IN-KO-PAH

East County Wildfire & Emergengy Alerts

June 16, 2024 (Jacumba Hot Springs) -- A brush fire in the In-Ko-Pah area has burned 30 acres at the boundary of Jacumba and Ocotillo, near the San Diego and Imperial County lines this afternoon. The #Inkopah5Fire is 20 percent contained and forward spread has been halted, per Cal Fire. On westbound I-8 just east of In-Ko-Pah, one lane is closed due to the fire.

Ben Schultz, owner of the Desert View Tower roadside landmark and Boulder Park on In-Ko-Pah, both on the National Registry of Historic Places, says he was told to evacuate after the fire started close to his home and businesses on In-Ko-Pah Road, but stayed trying to roundup his dogs and cats.

“High winds still making the fire out here seem rather scary,” he posted. Schultz said an RV brought to In-Ko-Pah Towing caught fire, igniting dry brush between I-8 and In-Ko-Pah Road.


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U.S. SENATE PANEL DIVIDED OVER CLIMATE AS CAUSE OF RISING INSURANCE PREMIUMS

 
Photo: Ford's Flooded Home during January 22, 2024 flooding in San Diego, East County Magazine file photo
 
June 10, 2024 (Washington, D.C.) — The U.S. Senate Budget Committee debated the cause of the insurance crisis plaguing homeowners around the country at a Wednesday hearing, with Democrats identifying climate change as the ultimate driving force of rising premiums and Republicans pointing to high government spending and inflation.
 
Homeowners insurance premiums have skyrocketed in recent years, following billions in damages, which has led many insurance companies to drop coverage. An uptick in extreme weather events has been a factor in rising costs.

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SAFEGUARDING OUR COMMUNITIES FROM WILDFIRES

East County News Service

Photo: 2003 Cedar Fire, via CalFire

June 9,2024 (San Diego’s East County )-- As we head into the summer months, there is increased potential for hot temperatures and strong winds in San Diego County. It is crucial for us to be ready for potential wildfires. East County is especially prone to wildfires, so each of us has an individual responsibility to prepare ahead of time and be ready to evacuate.

Supervisor Joel Anderson and his staff have have compiled a comprehensive list of online resources to aid in our collective efforts to safeguard you, your families, and our community.


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DEPT. OF INSURANCE SPEAKER JUNE 11 AT FIRE-SAFE MEETING IN JAMUL

By Miriam Raftery
 
June 8, 2024 (Jamul) – Concerned about losing homeowner’s insurance, fire insurance, or rising rates? The Jamul Fire Safe Council invites you to its meeting on June 11. Sharon Smith, insurance outreach analyst from the Calif. Dept. of Insurance will be on hand to address insurance concerns and provide information on the California Fair Plan.

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SWIFT RESPONSE SAVES HOMES IN SPRING VALLEY BRUSH FIRE

Story and photos by Josh Stotler

June 8, 2024 (Spring Valley) – A multi-agency response prevented a wind-driven brush fire in Spring Valley yesterday from destroying multiple homes threatened by the flames. The fire was originally dispatched as a residential structure fire near the 9800 block of Ivanho Street.  The first units on scene reported the blaze had extended to the vegetation on the back side of the residence.

As the fire grew, spreading across a grassy field, structures were threatened. The Incident Commander ordered additional engines and helicopter support. An evacuation order for zone SDC-2151 was broadcast as the fire came within a few feet of homes in the area.  Smoke was visible and could be smelled across Rancho San Diego, Spring Valley and parts of La Mesa.


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EVACUATIONS ORDERED IN SPRING VALLEY DUE TO FIRE

Update 3:35 p.m.: Evacuation orders have been lifted.

 

June 7, 2024 -- Mandatory evacuation orders have been issued in Spring Valley due to a structure fire that spread into brush.  The evacuations are ordered for the area that is:

North of Omega St., Jamacha Blvd. and Ivanho St.

South of Citrus Tree Lane

East of Galopago St., Lemon Ave., and Maya St.

West of Sweetwater Springs Blvd.

 

San Miguel Fire Department officials told ABC 10News that a structure fire first erupted in the 9800 block of Ivanho Street. Strong winds then blew embers towards a field about a half-mile away and ignited the brush fire.More homes are immediately threatened. Residents are urged to leave now due to an immediate threat to life. The area is closed to public access.


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SAN DIEGO REGIONAL FIRE FOUNDATION ANNOUNCES 2024 GRANTS AND RECOGNITION FOR LOCAL FIRE SAFE COUNCILS

East County News Service
 
$250,000 in grants awarded to 24 local Fire Safe Councils throughout the San Diego region
 
June 6, 2024 (San Diego) – Last Thursday, the San Diego Regional Fire Foundation announced it will be funding 24 Fire Safe Councils (FSCs) with grants totaling $250,000 to aid in wildfire prevention and preparedness, including community education to make their neighborhoods safer.  The announcement was made during the Fire Safe Council of San Diego County’s 17th Annual Volunteer Awards Ceremony, which recognized several outstanding individuals and agencies for their significant contributions to fostering fire-safe and resilient communities. 

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CONTEST GETS MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENTS THINKING ABOUT FIRE SAFETY

 
June 4, 2024 (Borrego Springs) -- Students at a local middle school are helping their families prepare for an emergency by creating home fire safety escape plans.
 
Borrego Springs Middle School students created the plans as part of a contest and shared them at a recent safety resource fair. It’s for a pilot program created by San Diego County Fire using state emergency preparedness grant funding.

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EXCESSIVE HEAT WARNING FOR DESERTS

East County Wildfire & Emergency Alerts

June 4,2024 (San Diego's East County) --The National Weather Service warns that hot conditions up to 113 degrees will be present for San Diego County's hgh deserts from 10 a.m. today until Friday at 9 p.m., with temperatures up to 103 degrees in lower desert regions.

Find a cool place to go and tips to beat the heat at www.coolzones.org and follow this advice from County Emergency Services:


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