Wildfire and Emergency News

FIRE IN RANCHO SAN DIEGO CHARS TWO ACRES ALONG SWEETWATER RIVER

Story & Photos by Josh Stotler 

September 8, 2022 (Rancho San Diego) -- A small vegetation fire broke out in the thick brush at the corner of Fury Lane and Jamacha Road in Rancho San Diego this afternoon. The fire was initially reported at 3:00 and was responded to by several local fire agencies.  


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MEET THE FIREFIGHTERS: OPEN HOUSE AT LAKESIDE FIRE STATION SEPT. 24

East County News Service

September 7, 2022 (Lakeside) –The Lakeside Fire Protection District invites you to an open house at Fire Station 2, located at 12216 Lakeside Avenue, on September 24 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

There will be demonstrations, station tours, games, food, drinks and plenty of fire apparatus to check out.


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POTENTIAL ROTATING OUTAGES AND FLEX ALERT

East County News Service

September 6, 2022 (San Diego) - Consumers are advised to be prepared for possible rotating power outages this afternoon.  The California Independent System Operator (CAISO) issued a statewide Flex Alert for Tuesday, September 6, from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. calling for increased energy conservation throughout the state.


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SDG&E WILDFIRE SAFETY AND POWER SHUTOFF PREPAREDNESS WORKSHOP SEPT. 7

East County News Service

September 6, 2022 (San Diego) – You’re invited to join SDG&E on Wednesday, September 7 from 3 to 4:30 p.m. in a virtual workshop in wildfire safety and public safety power shutoff preparedness. Find out how you can make a difference.


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VIDEO OF THE WEEK: FIRE RETARDANT HITS FIRE ENGINE

 

East County News Service

Video and photo by Cal Fire Captain Bert Ramirez

September 5, 2022 (Ramona) – Cal Fire Captain Bert Ramirez sent in this dramatic video that he shot during the Caesar Fire today in Ramona. 

“We were making a stand on two houses when we were dropped on,” he says.

The fire retardant released from a plane splattered explosively onto his crew’s  fire engine, turning the vehicle pink.


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CAESAR FIRE CLOSES HIGHWAYS IN RAMONA

 

East County Wildfire & Emergency Alerts

Photo via Cal Fire on Twitter

Update September 6, 2022:  Cause of the fire was an improperly maintained vehicle, Cal Fire confirms.  The #CaesarFire is now 100% ontained at 50 acres; all evacuation orders have been lifted.

Update 7 p.m.:   The  Sheriff’s Department has lifted most evacuation orders and warnings, though residents in and around the fire perimeter are still under an evacuation order. A map of the remaining evacuation order is available at https://emergencymap.sandiegocounty.gov/index.html.

September 5, 2022 (Ramona) -- The #CaesarFire has charred 50 acres in a blaze that started north of Highway 78 at Ramona Trails Drive in the Witch Creek area east of Ramona, Cal Fire reports.  The fire sparked evacuations due to structure threats but forward spread has now been halted. 

A temporary evacuation point is set up at Olive Pierce Middle School, 1521 Hanson Lane, Ramona. An animal evacuation shelter is open at the Ramona Rodeo Grounds, 421 Aqua Lane in Ramona.


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POST OFFICES REOPEN IN TECATE, POTRERO AND DULZURA AFTER BORDER FIRE

East County News Service

September 3, 2022 (San Diego’s East County) – The Tecate, Potrero and Dulzura Post Offices have all been reopened and have resumed operations at their facilities. 


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ALL BORDER 32 FIRE EVACUEES CAN RETURN HOME

East County News Service

Photo by Josh Stotler: Hose near ruins of a burned home in Barrett Junction area.

September 2, 2022 (San Diego's East County) -- Everyone who was evacuated due to the Border 32 Fire can now return home, San Diego County officials confirm.  County officials have also established a recovery email, RecoverySanDiego@sdcounty.ca.gov, to help those affected by the fires. People whose property was affected by the fire can reach the County at the recovery email and County officials will respond.


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WILLOW FIRE CHARS 15 ACRES, DESTROYS HOMELESS CAMP IN LAKESIDE

By Shiloh Ireland

September 1, 2022 (Lakeside) – The Willow Fire burned 15 acres under and across the State Route 67 bridge at Lakeside Avenue yesterday. Cause of the fire is under investigation as crews mopped up hot spots today.


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SOME EVACUATIONS LIFTED: BORDER32 FIRE IS 14% CONTAINED

By Miriam Raftery

September 1, 2022 (San Diego's East County) -- Firefighters have held the #Border32Fire to 4,438 acres today, only slightly more than last night, thanks to the courageous efforts of crews working in extreme fire conditions overnight. The fire is now 14% contained, thanks to milder fire activity today. Find links below to our coverage of the harrowing conditions faced by firefighters.

Tonight, starting at 6:30 p.m. residents in the following areas are being allowed to return home, the Sheriff has announced:

  • West of Cochera Via Drive
  • East of Potrero Valley Road

Residents returning to Potrero must enter from eastbound State Route 94.  Those returning to Dulzura must enter from westbound State Route 94.

The following road closures remain in effect until further notice:


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MOUNTAIN EMPIRE HIGH SCHOOL SHELTERING PETS AND PEOPLE AS FIRE CONTINUES

Source: County News Service

Photo: CC via Bing

September 1, 2022 (Pine Valley) -- Shelter for people affected by the Border 32 fire continues to be provided at Mountain Empire High School, located at 3305 Buckman Springs Road in Pine Valley. The shelter has been opened for people and pets. The San Diego Humane is providing support on site.


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FORMER INMATES HELP SLOW SPREAD OF BORDER 32 FIRE

Story and photos by Nadin Abbott

Photo:  battalion chief in charge of former inmates in training as firefighters

September 1, 2022 (San Diego’s East County) -- According to CAL FIRE Captain/Public Information officer Thomas Shoots, crews made a lot of progress overnight on the Border32 Fire. While it is still five percent contained, crews have been busy building a containment line. So they expect the containment to be bigger soon.  Crews-–including formerly incarcerated firefighters--held the fire to 4,438 acres as of 5:30 p.m., only about 200 acres more than last night.


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ECM PHOTOJOURNALIST AIDS CAL-FIRE HELITACK CREW TO EXIT SAFELY, WITNESSES FIRE OVERTAKE HIGHWAY AMID BORDER32 FIRE

Story and photos by Josh Stotler

ECM photojournalist Josh Stotler provides eyewitness account of harrowing conditions

 

August 31, 2022 (San Diego’s East County) – Covering the Border 32 Fire last night, I observed some of the most extreme fire behavior that I’ve seen in my career as a firefighter and now, photojournalist. Amid the rapidly changing conditions, I wound up assisting a firefighting crew with a ride away from advancing flames and taking dramatic video as walls of flames crossed Highway 94, where fire crews and I narrowly escaped the fast-moving flames.

The fire has charred huge swaths of San Diego’s East County, burning 4,246 acres as of this morning. The blaze is 5% contained and has destroyed at least four homes, as firefighters continue to battle adverse conditions.


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COUNTY APPROVES AGRICULTURAL PASSES TO GIVE FARMERS AND RANCHERS ACCESS DURING FIRES OR OTHER DISASTERS

 

Application period begins Sept. 6 for phase 1 of the Ag Pass program

By Miriam Raftery

Photo: Horses at a Clydesdale farm near Boulevard during Shockey Fire in 2012

September 1, 2022 (San Diego) --  Tragic stories have emerged during past local wildfires of livestock that perished not from flames, but from lack of food, water, or medical care. Farmers may lose crops due to lack of irrigation. That’s led some farmers and ranchers to risk their lives and not evacuate, knowing that they would not be allowed back in to care for their animals or crops.

That’s about to change.  On Tuesday, County supervisors voted to approve issuing an agricultural pass (Ag  Pass) that will allow a farmer or rancher limited access to their land  in evacuated areas during emergencies in order to care for livestock or crops during emergencies, once emergency responders deem conditions safe.

The program comes too late for those evacuated from the #Border32Fire currently threatening Potrero, Tecate and Dulzura. Overnight, some residents posted frantic messages on social media seeking help for animals trapped inside the evacuation area, after volunteers with horses trailers were denied access. The new program would not help volunteers, but would allow commercial ranchers and farmers or their managers who undergo safety training to be allowed limited access in future emergencies.

 The plan was proposed by East County Supervisors Joel Anderson and Jim Desmond.


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EXTREME FIRE CONDITIONS: BORDER 32 FIRE THREATENS TOWNS

Story and photos by Nadin Abbott

Photo, left: View from one mile west of Barrett Junction, looking east toward Potrero

August 31, 2022 (San Diego’s East County) – Fueled by extreme heat, dry and windy conditions, the Border32Fire has grown to 4,324 acres tonight and is exhibiting extreme fire behavior. The communities of Potrero, Barrett and Tecate are threatened by the fire, Cal Fire reports tonight.

It began around 2 p.m. near Barrett Road and Highway 94. Cal Fire, the U.S. Forest Service and other agencies responded. The fire was under attack by ground and air assets initially, including a very large air tanker, fixed wing aircraft and helicopters. Night operations for aircraft are extremely dangerous and are rarely done, even by San Diego Fire Department helicopters that are equipped for this. So as of now this is under attack only  by ground based crews, and multiple engine companies, including brush trucks and fire trucks. The latter are used to defend structures.

There are other agencies involved and when I drove to the scene saw plenty of Border Patrol vehicles escorting people out of the areas where there are mandatory evacuations. They were driving them west towards Jamul. According to San Diego County Emergency as of this writing there are over 400 homes under mandatory evacuation. The fire is also burning mostly east.


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FIRE IN LAKESIDE PROMPTS EVACUATION WARNINGS

East County Wildfire & Emergency Alerts

Photos: Left, by Rebecca Jefferis Williamson, right via San Diego Fire Dept.

Update 7:30 p.m.:  New road closures:  Vine St. north of Mapleview St. to cul-de-sac,        Mapleview St. east from Channel Rd to SR-67, and Lakeside Ave. closed between SR-67 and Channel Rd.

 

August 31, 2022 (Lakeside) – The #WillowFire in Lakeside has scorched around 4.5 acres after starting in a riverbed near Mapleview Road and State Route 94. State Route 94 is closed in both directions due to heavy smoke.

Some residents nearby have received evacuation warnings for people to prepare to leave if an evacuation order is lifted. The Sheriff’s department advises vulnerable people such as those with disabilities, access or functional needs, or large animals to leave now.

A temporary evacuation point is at the Lakeside Christian Church, 13739 El Monte Road in Lakeside.


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EXPLOSIVE GROWTH IN FIRE NEAR BORDER CLOSES HIGHWAY, SPARKS EVACUATIONS

 

Update 10 p.m.  The fire is now 4,234 acres and 5% contained.  The fire continues to threaten the communities of Barrett, Potrero, and Tecate.  Multiple agencies are on scnee fighting fire and protecting structures through the night.

Update 9 p.m.:  An ECM reporter on scene tonight reports "explosive" fire behavior.  A second ECM reporter on scene witnessed electrical equipment explode. The fire is burning near State Routes 188 and 94, heading north. Scanner traffic indicates several homes burned and two civilians suffered burn injuries; a firefighter had a minor heat-related injury.  If you are in the path of this fire, do not wait -- get out now.  The Border Patrol is assisting the Sheriff Dept. with evacuations.

Update 8 p.m. : All schools in the Mountain Empire School District will be closed tomorrow due to the fire.  

SDG&E reports fire damaged electrical equipment, causing an outage for 309 homes in Dulzura, Potrero and Campo. Restoration is expected by noon tomorrow.

By Miriam Raftery

Photo, left, by Nadin Abbott, view from Barrett Junction east toward Potrero

August 31, 2022 (San Diego’s East County)—The #BorderFire32 has swelled to 1,600 acres since starting this afternoon near State Route 94 and Barrett Lake Road near Dulzura. 

The fire is burning eastward, with zero containment, and has crossed State Route 94 on the eastern portion of the fire.  Structures are threatened, at least one has burned, and more than 400 homes have been ordered to evacuate tonight  as the fire burns at a critical speed. Mandatory evacuation areas include much of Potrero, Barrett Junction, Dulzura and Tecate.

State Route 94 is closed all the way from Otay Lakes Rd. in Dulzura to Forrest Gate Rd. in Campo.  The Tecate border crossing is also shut down.

Evacuation centers have changed from earlier today.

Current evacuation centers are set up at:


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EVACUATIONS AS HOMES THREATENED BY FIRE BURNING NEAR BARRETT JUNCTION TOWARD POTRERO

 

Update 5:07 p.m. -- The fire has swelled to 1,400 acres, per Cal Fire.  Camp Lockett in Campo is now accepting large animals from the fire.  There are 2 evacuation centers - Jamul Casino and Camp Lockett. Do NOT go to Potrero County Park announced earlier.  Coyote Holler is now being evacuated due to shifting winds, a resident has informed ECM.

Update 4:20 p.m. -- A VLAT (very large air tanker) has been ordered.  Resources are requested from as far away as Arizona.

Update 3:45 p.m. -- Cal Fire reports the fire has burned 100 to 150 acres and destroyed a structure; it is spreading at a critical rate of speed.

Evacuation centers are being set up at Jamul Casino; if you cannot safely reach there, an alternative evacuation point is at Potrero County Park (24800 Potrero Park Dr.) in Potrero.

East County Wildfire & Emergency Alerts

August 31, 2022 (San Diego’s East County) Cal Fire is at the scene of a vegetation fire near Highway 94 and Barrett Lake Road. The #Border32Fire is 30 acres with immediate structure threat, burning eastward. A type 1 strike team has been requested to be dispatched to Potrero, scanner traffic indicates.

The California Highway Patrol is shutting down State Route 94 between Marron Valley and State Route 188.

Cal Fire urges people to evacuated from the followin areas (map updateed 4:20 p.m.)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


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EXERCISE SAFETY PRECAUTIONS FOR HIGH FIRE DANGER

By Yvette Urrea Moe, County of San Diego Communications Office

 

August 30, 2022 (San Diego) - The National Weather Services has issued a prolonged heat wave through Labor Day and that creates an elevated fire risk.

 

County emergency officials are offering the following tips to reduce the fire risk.


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SCORCHING HEAT, HIGH FIRE RISK FORECAST STARTING TUESDAY

East County News Service

August 29, 2022 (San Diego’s East County) -- A long duration and high impact heat wave  with triple-digit temperatures is expected to begin Tuesday and last through at least Labor Day weekend, the National Weather Service predicts. 


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FIRE CAUSES MILLION DOLLARS IN DAMAGES AT LA MESA OFFICE DEPOT

East County News Service

Photo courtesy of La Mesa Police via Twitter

August 24, 2022 (La Mesa) – A fire that broke out inside Office Depot in La Mesa today caused over $1 million in damage to the building and its contents, according to Andy McKellar, public information officer for Heartland Fire & Rescue.


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PILOT SURVIVES PLANE CRASH NEAR I-8 BRIDGES IN EL CAJON

Story and photos by Josh Stotler, 2412 Fire Photo

Updated 4 p.m. with information from California Highway Patrol

August 19, 2022 (El Cajon) -- A small plane crashed Thursday morning on Greenfield Dr. in El Cajon. The pilot of the 1951 Cessna 195 attempted to land on Interstate 8 around 10:25 am and ended up between the East and West bound overpasses of interstate 8, coming to a rest on Greenfield Dr.

Eyewitnesses say the plane hit a car before coming to rest under the bridges. It is not immediately clear what caused the crash and the accident is still under investigation. California Highway Patrol conforms that a Hyundai Santa Fe driven by a 57-year-old Alpine woman sustained moderate damage.

The vehicle was traveling eastbound on Greenfield Drive under I-8 when it was struck, but fortunately the driver of the Hyundai, Carrie Zub, was not injured. Her dog was in the SUV and is also safe.

"I was like, 'Oh, my God, and I pulled to the right and stopped," Zub said, NBC 7 reports. "I'm just so grateful I'm OK."


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US STATE DEPARTMENT ISSUES EMERGENCY WARNINGS FOR TIJUANA AND NORTHERN MEXICO AMID FIRES AND ATTACKS BY CARTELS

By Henri Migala

Photos via Twitter

 

August 13, 2022 (San Diego) – Tijuana is on lockdown tonight amid a wave of violence, arson fires and attacks on bystanders fueled by warring drug cartels. American citizens are urged to avoid the areas and if already there, to seek secure shelter immediately.


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CAL FIRE SAN DIEGO RECEIVES AN EXCLUSIVE USE (EU) TYPE ONE HELICOPTER FOR THE 2022 FIRE SEASON

Source:  Cal Fire

August 3, 2022 (San Diego) - Effective Monday August 1, 2022 the CAL FIRE San Diego Unit will have an exclusive use Type 1 helicopter available for response (N795HT). The helicopter will operate out of the Ramona Airport and be managed by the CAL FIRE San Diego Unit's aviation personnel. This will bolster the fleet of aviation firefighting assets and can be utilized throughout San Diego County for wildfire suppression.


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HOMES EVACUATED IN RAMONA AS FIRE SHUTS DOWN HIGHWAY 78 EAST

Update July 28, 7 a.m. -- Roads have reopened, but drive carefully and watch for firefighters mopping up hot spots. Evacuation orders have been lifted.  While forward spread is 35% contained with forward spread halted at 180 acres and no homes lost, North County Fire District this morning issued a smoke advisory due to the lingering effects of the #CasnerFire in Ramona.

Update 7 p.m.  Forward spread has been stopped at 180 acres.

Update 2:25 p.m.:  The Casner Fire is now 156 acres and 0% contained, per Cal Fire. The Temporary Evacuation Point (TEP) set up for the #CasnerFire has been moved to Olive Peirce Middle School located at 1521 Hanson Lane in Ramona.

View video of fire drop on Golden Eagle Rd. near Witch Creek fire station, taken by Brett Stalbaum: https://youtu.be/hkpqIhOhbtM

East County Wildfire & Emergency Alerts

Photo, right, by Brett Stalbaum

July 27, 2022 (Ramona) -- Evacuation notices have been issued for homes on or near Rancho Ballena Road in the #CasnerFire, which has charred at least 40 acres in Ramona.

The fire began near the junction of Casner and State Route 78, which is closed eastbound at the Old Julian Highway. ECM photographer Brett Stalbaum reports the fire is near the Trumper's fruit stand close to Stage Coach Road and the Cal Fire Witch Creek station.

A temporary evacuation point has been moved to Olive Peirce Middle School at 1521 Hanson Lane.


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BRUSH FIRES IN NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGEE NEAR OTAY RESERVOIR

East County Wildfires and Emergency Alerts

Update July 18, 2022:  This group of fires was halted at 100 acres.

Update 12:32 p.m.:  Incident commander indicates the fire is now 40 acres. At least 10 aircraft have been assigned including helitankers, helicopters and fixed wing aircraft. 

July 17, 2022 (Otay) – Multiple small brush fires totaling approximately 10 acres are burning southeast of Otay Reservoir, about 1.5 miles south of Otay Lakes Road.

The fires, collectively called #Border27Fire,  are within the San Diego National Wildlife Refuge.


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CAL FIRE TREATS ROADSIDE BRUSH WITH FIRE RETARDANT IN LAKESIDE

 

East County News Service

County News Service contributed to this report

July 15, 2022 (Lakeside) – Fire crews from Cal Fire are treating brush along Wildcat Canyon Road in Lakeside with Phos-Chek fire retardant. The treatment limits the spread of fire from the road by limiting the flammability of the fuel, in this case brush and grass.


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NEW FIRE STATION IN EAST OTAY MESA WILL SERVE FAST-GROWING BORDER AREA

 

East County News Service

County News Service contributed to this report

Video by José Eli Villanueva

July 12, 2022 (Otay Mesa) – Numerous fires have started in recent years along the international border in the Otay area of San Diego County. On Tuesday, the San Diego County Fire Protection District broke ground on Fire Station 38 in East Otay Mesa. Once built, the station will serve a rapidly developing area which includes warehouses, transport businesses, two power plants and a battery facility. Crews housed there will also respond to calls on roads and highways in the area carrying traffic crossing the U.S. and Mexico border.


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EVACUATION WARNINGS IN DEHESA DUE TO HARBISON FIRE

 

 

Update 9:05 p.m.  -- Evacuation warnings have been lifted, the County Office of Emergency Services reports.

East County Wildfire and Emergency Alerts

Video by Joe Dyke: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rSxmnewoRkI

July 12, 2022 (Dehesa) -- The #HarbisonFire burning in Dehesa has prompted evacuation warnings along Sycuan Oaks Drive, Vista De La Montana, and Trafalgar Road.  A warnings is to allow vulnerable people (such as those with disabilities or large animals) to leave in advance of an evacuation order.  A temporary evacuation point is at Sycuan Market, 4915 Dehesa Rd., El CAjon.

Harbison Canyon Road is closed between Dehesa Rd. and Crest Blvd.  

Forward spread of the fire has been stopped. Cal Fire reports 37 acres have burned.  


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MULTIPLE SMALL BRUSH FIRES

June 22, 2022 (San Diego's East County) -- Several small brush fires have ignited late this afternoon in East County and San Diego's inland areas, including blazes in McCain Valley near Boulevard, Borrego Springs, and Highland Valley near Ramona and Escondido. Firefighters have contained an earlier blaze near the border.

Here are details on the fires:


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