Wildfire and Emergency News

DE ANZA COUNTRY CLUB DESTROYED BY FIRE

By Miriam Raftery

Photo, left, via Cal Fire

October 31, 2023 (Borrego Springs) – Yesterday morning’s fire destroyed the historic clubhouse at de Anza Country Club in Borrego Springs.  The club posted on Facebook, “Sad news to report. Our beautiful clubhouse at de Anza has burned…Bighorn Room,  Coyote Den, Ballroom, offices, locker rooms were all ruined.  Golf Shop is okay. We are all devastated; members, employees and friends of de Anza.”


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

HIGHLAND FIRE IN AGUANGA SWELLS TO 2,200 ACRES OVERNIGHT

By Miriam Raftery, East County Wildfire & Emergency Alerts

October 31, 2023 (Aguanga) -- The #HighlandFire  in Aguanga has swelled to over 2,200 acres overnight and is 0% contained in Riverside County just over the San Diego County line. Aguanga is just north of Warner Springs; smoke is impacting areas west of Aguanga including Escondido and Palomar.  Highway 79 is closed in both directions.

Road closures are in effect and evacuation orders have been issued north of the San Diego County line, south of State Route 79, east of Forest Route 8S07 and west of Crosley Truck Trail.  (See evacuation details at https://www.rvcfire.org/incidents/fact-sheets/HighliandFire-Oct2023.)

A reception and care center has opened at: Great Oak High School 32555 Deer Hollow Way, Temecula, Ca 92592. Large and small animals can be taken to: San Jacinto Animal Shelter 581 South Grand Avenue, San Jacinto, Ca 92582

Video posted by FirePhotoGirl on social media shows structures in flames. Cal Fire reports structures remain threatened threatened. 


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

FIREFIGHTERS BATTLE COMMERCIAL FIRE AT DE ANZA SPRINGS COUNTRY CLUB

Correction:  An earlier version of this story stated that the fire was at DeAnza Springs Resort in Jacumba; in fact it is at De Anza Springs Country Club in Borrego Springs.

By Miriam Raftery

October 30, 2023 (Borrego Springs) – Sixty firefighters are at the scene of an early morning commercial structure fire at De Anza Springs Country Club in Borrego Springs. When Cal Fire arrived, 75% of the structure was engulfed in flames.

Firefighters are making good progress and have kept the fire from spreading to other buildings or vegetation.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

SANTA ANA WINDS, DRY WEATHER BRING FIRE DANGER THIS WEEK

By Miriam Raftery

October 29, 2023 (San Diego) – Santa Ana winds, along with low humidity and above average daytime temperatures, will bring heightened fire risks this week to our region.

The highest risks will be on Monday and Tuesday, when wind gusts of 40-60 miles per hour are forecast in San Diego’s inland valleys areas such as Alpine and Ramona, as well as mountain areas such as Julian and Mt. Laguna.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

CHIEF'S CORNER: THE ESPERANZA FIRE--DEDICATED TO THE MEN OF ENGINE CO. 57

By Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

October 28, 2023 (San Diego) -- I would be remiss if I did not write this as we step into and are preparing for our first Red Flag Warning for 2023 in Southern California. This is dedicated to the men of Engine Co. 57.

Oct. 26, 2006, it seems like yesterday. Time passes so quickly. This day sticks with me and always will. I was at my home leaving for work in Los Angeles. I saw the large plume of smoke. In a matter of seconds, it intensified. The plume expanded and rose quickly into the atmosphere. I knew something went bad, but little did I know how bad it really was.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

BREAKFAST WITH SANTEE FIREFIGHTERS AND SHERIFF STAFF NOV. 11

East County News Service

October 27, 2023 (Santee) – The Santee Fire Department and the San Diego Sheriff’s department invite the public to a pancake breakfast on November 11 from 7 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

The event will be held at 8950 Cottonwood Ave, Santee.  Tickets are $5.

For information, call 619-258-3038.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

CALIFORNIA HONORS CAL FIRE LEGEND WITH RENAMING OF INTERSTATE 5

Source:  Cal Fire

October 23, 2023 (El Cajon) - – The California State Senate, California Department of Transportation, and California firefighters have teamed up to recognize the accomplishments of California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) Division Chief William “Bill” Clayton, by renaming a section of Interstate 5 in his honor.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

HAPPINESS IS SAVING A DOG

East County News Service

 

October 17, 2023 (Lyons Valley) – “Happiness is saving a dog,” Cal Fire/San Diego Fire posted on Facebook today,  along with photos of a dramatic rescue.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

MISSING 10-YEAR-OLD BOY IN LA MESA

Update: The missing child has been found,  La Mesa Police Dept. advises.

East County News Service

October 16, 2023 (La Mesa) -- La Mesa Police seek public help to locate a missing 10-year-old boy,  last seen in the 8000 block of Parkway Drive, La  Mesa.

Ezra is white with short brown/red hair and hazel eyes. He is 4 feet 6 inches tall and weighs 85 pounds.  He iswearing a green or turquoise gaming T-shirt and has a gray Adidas backpack.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

FIRE IN MARRON VALLEY NEAR TECATE

East County Wildfire & Emergency Alerts

October 16,2023 (Tecate,CA) --  Cal Fire/San DIego County Fire crews and a water-dropping helicopter are at the scene of a vegation fire in Marron Valley, west of Tecate.  The fire has burned at least four acres on the U.S. side of the international border.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

HUNDREDS ATTEND SANTEE FIRE DEPARMENT OPEN HOUSE

Story and photos by Shiloh Ireland

October 15, 2023 (Santee) -- Santee Fire Department held its Open House on Oct. 7, attracting hundreds of visitors. Children enjoyed interactive activities including face painting and games, as well as boarding fire engines, squirting water with a fire hose and more.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

GOFUNDME FOR EL CAJON WOMAN, 65, WHO LOST HOME IN FIRE

By Cecilie Shamanow

El Cajon – Imagine going to sleep at night in your home, content, safe and secure, only to wake up to it going up in flames. Melissa Taylor didn’t have to imagine such a tragedy because it was her reality.  The 65-year-old El Cajon resident woke up the night of August 7th to a fire rapidly spreading through her home.

Taylor, who normally falls asleep to the sound of her television, was awoken at 5:30  pm. by the sudden silence caused by the power going out in her trailer. She could hear the sound of her neighbors outside yelling for her to get out.

She narrowly escaped; the trailer was burned beyond repair in a matter of moments. Taylor could do nothing but watch as it burned, and listen to the sounds of her four cats crying inside, unable to escape.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

SHERIFF SUGGESTS TIPS FOR AVOIDING A DUI

East County News Service

October 1, 2023 (Lemon Grove) - Sheriff Kelly Martinez reminds the public that impaired driving is not just from alcohol. Some prescription medications and over-the-counter drugs may interfere with driving. While medicinal and recreational marijuana are legal, driving under the influence of marijuana is illegal.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

CHIEF’S CORNER: WE’RE ALL GOING TO FALL FOR SANTA ANA WINDS

By Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

 

September 23, 2023 (San Diego) -- This is the first week offFall, and with it comes Santa Ana winds!  Though fire season is year-round, fall typically brings triple-digit temperatures, low humidity and gusty winds bringing high fire danger and red flag warnings.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

CAL-FIRE: KEEP DRONES OUT OF FIREFIGHTING AIRSPACE

CAL FIRE Issues Urgent Warning Regarding Incursions of Unmanned Aircraft Systems

East County News Service

September 15, 2023 (Sacramento) -- CAL FIRE, alongside their cooperators, wishes to issue an urgent warning regarding the incursion of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), commonly known as drones, into firefighting airspace. These incursions have raised serious concerns as they have led to the temporary suspension of critical aerial firefighting operations on a half-dozen incidents so far this year.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

FROM THE FIRE CHIEF’S CORNER: STORM DAMAGE TO YOUR HOME -- WHAT DO I DO NOW?

By Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

 

September 8, 2023 (San Diego) - The storm has passed – now what?

 

Though the heavy rains have subsided, more rain is in the forecast. However, the danger will lurk with mudflow and erosion problems. Make sure you are prepared.

 

In the next few days, you might find your home and property damaged and you’ll be wondering how do I get this put back together?

 

Where do I start? 


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

3.1 QUAKE STRIKES NORTH COUNTY INLAND

East County News Service

Sources: Twitter, USGS & Bing AI

September 8, 2023 (Lake Henshaw) -- A 3.1 magnitude earthquake struck inland North County last night at approximately 10:59 p.m. reports the United States Geological Survey.12

Search Search | East County Magazine Earthquake safety for tips in case this is a pre-shock to something worse to come within the next days or week.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

CHIEF’S CORNER: FLASH FLOOD SAFETY

By Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

September 7, 2023 (San Diego's East County) -- We all face storms in life. They say those are the association dues for being alive. But there is a different storm brewing out there, monsoon season that brings flashfloods storms. It is important to start thinking about these rare storms because this is the season!

As firefighters we know the power of water. “We have some of the best apparatus capable of pumping thousands of gallons of water per minute during fires. In this capacity, water saves lives and property—it is essential to protecting our communities,” says Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna.”

But a different power of water is Flashfloods. They are the number one storm-related killed in the United States.

Eighty percent (80%) of flood deaths occur in vehicles, and most happen when drivers make a single, fatal mistake – trying to navigate through floodwaters.

Do you know what 6 – 12 and 18 add up to? Danger!


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

THANKS FOR THE SANDBAGS, NOW WHAT WE CAN DO WITH THEM AFTER HILARY

By Chuck Westerheide, County of San Diego Communications Office

September 3, 2023 (San Diego) -- Thousands of San Diegans fortified their homes and property with sandbags before the arrival of Tropical Cyclone Hilary. More than 100,000 bags were gathered and used across the county.  But now the storm has passed and clear skies have returned.  That has led many to ask, “What should I do with the sandbags now?”


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

TESTIMONIALS FOR EAST COUNTY WILDFIRE AND EMERGENCY ALERTS

Our readers value East County Wildfire and  Emergency Alerts!  Read some of their testimonials below.

You can also support our alerts  with a donation at https://www.EastCountyMedia.org/donate

“You guys are fast! Often I get your alerts before I hear from dispatch.  I forward many of your …Wildfire & Emergency alerts to all our people.” – Chief August Ghio, president, San Diego County Fire Chiefs Association (now retired)

“Everyone here should sign up for East County Wildfire & Emergency Alerts.”—Supervisor Joel Anderson, at a town hall in Julian

“As Executive Director of the Resource Conservation District of Greater San Diego County and President of the Fire Safe Council of San Diego County, I would like to commend Ms. Raftery (founder of East County Wildfire & Emergency Alerts) for her suggestions for protection of San Diego County's unincorporated and wildland-urban interface areas.” – Marty Leavitt

“Thank you so much for the unexpected yet timely alert regarding the fire yesterday.  We saw the smoke but were left completely uninformed. Then suddenly I rec’d your email!  I’m referring you to many others.” – Ellen Sullivan, reader


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

HILARY'S HAVOK

By Miriam Raftery
 
Photos are from the National Weather Service presentation
 
August 30, 2023 (San Diego)—Across Southern California, communities suffered major damage. The National Weather Service has posted a presentation with dramatic photos of the storm’s damage around the state.

Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

READER’S EDITORIAL: BRING BACK ALARM SIRENS TO ALERT SAN DIEGANS DURING EMERGENCIES

By Alicia A. Degracia

August 22, 2023 (San Diego) --  With what happened in Maui,  I wonder if San Diego can reinstate the alarm system they had back in the’40s,‘50s, ‘60s into the early ‘70s or so. That was an alarm that was installed on top of telephone poles. They were installed during World War II in case of an attack. These alarms would be tested once a month on the first Monday of the month at noon.  It was just testing and people  knew it.  These could be solar-powered.

This could save a lot of lives, especially when people don’t have their phones on, or the power is off during an emergency, or worse yet, in the middle of the night. We can’t rely on power 100%.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

COUNTY, CITY THANK PUBLIC FOR TROPICAL CYCLONE HILARY PREPARATIONS

Photo: Tiktok

August 22, 2023 (San Diego) -- County Board Chairwoman Nora Vargas, City of San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria, emergency services officials and others said Monday that significant preparations and the willingness of the public to heed warnings, stay home and off roads helped reduce the impact of Tropical Cyclone Hilary.

“I want to thank the public,” Vargas said. “You listened to the warnings. You prepared. You stayed off the roads. You helped us keep our residents safe and we are grateful.”


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

HOW WET AND WINDY WAS IT?

By Miriam Raftery

Photo by Michael Adam Cohen, award-winning entertainment reporter and photographer: taken near I-8 near Del Cerro

August 21, 2023 (San Diego) – Tropical Storm Hilary has moved northeast out of San Diego County.  The storm brought high winds and heavy drenching in many local communities, while others had only moderate rainfall. The storm  sparked spectacular lightning storms over East County’s mountains and even prompted a tornado warning for Alpine, Descanso, and other areas.

Though no tornados are known to have touched down, Michael Cohen photographed a funnel cloud near I-8 from his Del Cerro home.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

TORNADO ALERT IN EAST COUNTY

August 20, 2023 3:55 p.m. -- A tornado warning has been issued by the National Weather SeErvice until 4 pm includes Locations impacted includes Alpine, Cuyamaca Rancho State Park, Descanso, Captain Gran

de Indian Reservation, Viejas Indian Reservation, Japatul Valley, and Boulder Creek. This is due to an extreme thunderstorm capable of producing tornados.

From the National Weather Service:

Flying debris will be dangerous to those caught without  shelter. Mobile homes will be damaged or destroyed. Damage
         to roofs, windows, and vehicles will occur.  Tree damage is  likely.

Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

I-8 CLOSED AT IN-KO-PAH DUE TO BOULDERS BLOCKING FREWEAY

Update:  The freeway has now reopened, after Cal Trans removed boulders from road and unstable rocks above.

By Miriam Raftery

August 20, 2023 (San DIego’s East County) – The California Department of Transportation (CalTrans) reports that Interstate-8 is closed at In-Ko-Pah, due to massive rock slide.

The rockslide is blocking the primary highway connecting San Diego and Imperial Counties.  Ava Thatsme on Facebook posted a photo of a boulder she said was on the I-8 grade.(photo, left)


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

WARNING ISSUED FOR RESIDENTS DOWNSTREAM FROM LOVELAND RESERVOIR DUE TO TROPICAL CYCLONE HILARY

 

By Miriam Raftery

By Miriam Raftery

File photo of past spillover at Loveland Dam, via Sweetwater Water Authority

August 20, 2023 (Alpine) – Warning letters have been sent by Sweetwater Water Authority to residents downstream from Loveland Reservoir, in anticipation of “unplanned water release, or spills”  due to anticipated heavy rains from tropical storm Hilary. “These potential unplanned water release, together with expected abundant storm runoff, could cause flooding in areas downstream,” the district’s website cautions.

Residents downstream are urged to relocate livestock, equipment and materials out of the floodway, to inspect their properties, and clear critical culverts as soon as possible to reduce potential property damage.

Flooding could continue even after Monday, when rains are forecast to end, due to storm runoff into the river.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

FLIGHTS CANCELLED, BEACHES AND PARKS CLOSE; FLOOD WATCH ISSUED COUNTYWIDE

County Supervisors declare emergency as Hilary heads to San Diego

By Miriam Raftery

August 19, 2023 (San Diego) – The County of San Diego tonight issued an emergency declaration to deploy all available resources, following a state emergency declaration earlier today. Now a category one hurricane, Hilary is still on track to hit San Diego as a tropical storm Sunday in the late afternoon and early evening.

A flood watch and tropical storm warning are now in effect for all of San Diego County. A tropical storm, also known as a tropical cyclone, has sustained winds of 39 to 73 miles per hour; a hurricane has sustained winds of 74 mph or higher. 

The danger has prompted cancellation of everything from airline flights to a Padre game on Sunday, as well as closures of parks and beaches across the region.

Airlines have cancelled 73 flights Sunday that were scheduled at San Diego International airport, according to the tracking site  FlightAware.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

GOVERNOR NEWSOM, IN SAN DIEGO, DECLARES EMERGENCY AND DEPLOYS NATIONAL GUARD AHEAD OF STORM

By Miriam Raftery

Photo courtesy of Governor Newsom’s office

August 19, 2023 (San Diego) – Governor Gavin Newsom signed an emergency declaration today while in San Diego, where he visited National Guard troops that he ordered stationed here to protect our region from Hurricane Hilary’s strong winds and torrential rains forecast to slam our region tomorrow.

“California has thousands of people on the ground working hand-in-hand with federal and local personnel to support communities in Hurricane Hilary’s path with resources, equipment and expertise," Gov. Newsom said. "We’re mobilizing all of government as we prepare and respond to this unprecedented storm.”

Over 7,500 people have been dispatched by the Governor to help San Diego and other Southern California communities.  The Governor indicated he has also been in touch with federal officials in the  Biden administration, including the White House and other agencies, ECM news partner 10 News reports.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

SDG&E OFFERS STORM SAFETY TIPS, WARNS THAT PROLONGED POWER OUTAGES ARE EXPECTED DURING TROPICAL STORM DESPITE PREPARATIONS

By Miriam Raftery

August 19, 2023 (San Diego’s East County)— “We’re gearing up for widespread prolonged power outages,” Alex Welling with SDG&E told ECM today. The utility company is beefing up its preparations amid a countywide tropical storm warning. But he adds,  “We really want our customers prepared.”

He confirmed that SDG&E is not planning any proactive power shutoffs outages over fire concerns,since moisture levels arehigh.  But with Hurricane Hilary  slated to bring powerful tropical storm winds and rains across San Diego County, particularly Sunday and Monday, crews won’t be able to respond promptly to every downed power line or pole.

“We can’t even put a bucket up in the air when the winds are 35 miles per hour or more, because the entire bucket truck will tip over,” he explained.

With the safety of its customers, employees and local communities as its top priority, San Diego Gas & Electric has undertaken extensive preparations to respond to Hurricane Hilary, which will begin to impact our area tonight, with the heaviest rains and high winds Sunday afternoon through Monday.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

Pages