July 4, 2014 (Julian)--John Raifsnider tells 10 News, ECM’s news partner, how he lost his home in the Banner Fire yesterday in Julian--and filmed its destruction on his i-Pad. The fire was so intense that not even cleared defensible space could stop the blaze.  View video:

www.youtube.com/watch?list=UUQv44qD9R5Ae6Z3iUeZm7iQ&v=MS0-IjmqgFs&feature=player_detailpage

Update 7:30 p.m.  The fire has charred 150 acres and burned two homes.  Residents are now being allowed to return home, with ID.  The Julian 4th of July Parade has been cancelled, CHP advises,  though other activities including the American Legion BBQ will go on.

Update 12:35 p.m.:  This fire is now 75-100 acres in the Julian area, Air Attack estimates, with potential for extended attack. Two structures are reportedly damaged. Evacuations now include Kenwood and Whispering Pines. Temperature is 90 with 14% humidity and possibility of thundershowers tomorrow. 

Photo by Daren Sefcik, shot from Ranchita

July 3, 2014 (Julian) -- A brush fire burning along Banner Grade west of Julian has charred an estimated 30-40 acres or more. The Whispering Pines area is being evacuated with 200 homes there threatened, Cal Fire confirms shortly after noon today. 

The Julian High School has been set up as an evacuation area.

If you have photos or details on this fire or others, please send to editor@eastcountymagazine.org.

By Miriam Raftery

June 21, 2014 (Washington D.C.) – The U.S. Forest Service warns that this year could bring a catastrophic fire season in the Southwest with estimated that firefighting costs of $1.8 billion this year for the Interior Department overall – that’s nearly triple the amount of money available to fight fires.

Viejas and State Farm team up for annual smashing event

View video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=djXNah2BaRM&feature=youtu.be

By Nadin Abbott

Photos by Tom Abbott

June 7, 2014 (San Diego) The engines roared and dust filled the large arena at the San Diego County Fair at Del Mar arena, where the cars were ready to go. It was time for the first heat of the Demolition Derby, an event sponsored by the Viejas Tribe and State Farm to benefit the Burn Institute of San Diego. The fair, which opened June 7, continues through July 6. For full information on this year’s fair, visit www.sdfair.com.

By Nadin Abbott

May 29, 2014 (San Diego) One of the effects of Climate Change is that San Diego County is expected to have more wild land fires. They already pose a challenge for San Diego Gas and Electric, since wooden poles can burn down, which can delay power restoration in the backcountry.

By Miriam Raftery

May 27, 2014 (San Diego)--The wildfires that destroyed 65 homes this month, leading to a state disaster declaration for our region, also took a heavy toll on local governments’ budgets.

"Update: San Marcos Office Closed"

May 21, 2014 (San Diego)--Unincorporated County residents affected by the wildfires can get help from the County in person and now via a recovery assistance hotline and email address, too.

One of the first insurers to provide policyholder discounts in California

May 17, 2014 -- The California Department of Insurance announced this week that USAA policyholders living in recognized Firewise Communities/USA® sites in California will receive discounts on their homeowners insurance premiums. USAA, which provides a full range of financial products and services to the military community and their families, has been working with the National Fire Protection Association’s (NFPA) Wildland Fire Operations Division for several years to investigate the possibility of providing incentives for residents of wildfire-prone areas to take steps to create safer, more fire-adapted communities. NFPA’s Firewise Communities/USA® Recognition Program provided the community action framework and local data that enabled USAA to offer this new discount to policyholders.

May 17, 2014 (San Diego's East County) -- Having timely information on road conditions and closures can be crucial, particularly during evacuations during wildfires or other emergencies.  Now a new, free app called Waze gives motorists the ability to access real-time traffic and road information provided by thousands of drivers or "wazers" in the region--meaning you potentially could get info before announcements have been made by California Highway Patrol or Cal-Trans.

Update 10:15 a.m. - Forward spread of this fire has been stopped at 30 acres, CAl FIRE Captain Kendal Bortisser reports.  The fire burned to Friars and 163, per ECM reporter Nadin Abbott. This fire has been under unified command of CAL FIRE, Santee Fire and Miramar Fire.

By Miriam Raftery

Photo by Mike Schoonover

May 17, 2014 (Santee) 9:15 a.m. – A brush fire is burning in  the Sycamore Canyon/Santee area in rugged terrain accessible by hand crews and brush trucks; aerial resources have been dispatched.  The fire is now two to three acres. Smoke is visible from State Route 125. 

If you are in this area and have eyewitness information please share in the comments section below.  You can also send photos to editor@eastcountymagazine.org.

By Miriam Raftery

May 16, 2014 (Campo)—Jerry Weber lost everything in a fire that destroyed his trailer and all his belongings on May 13 in Campo. He has no fire insurance, relies on his Social Security income, and has both diabetes and a heart condition, according to Maria Amaya.

“He’s been my customer for many years,” said Amaya, who is accepting donated items for Weber at Angelous Barber Shop and Beauty Salon in Campo.  The greatest need, however, is a trailer for him to live in.

Weber is presently living in his car despite 100 degree temperatures, determined to remain on his property, Amaya said. He has no water on site, nor electrictiy.

In addition, a fundraiser to benefit Weber will be held on Monday, May 26 at the Bucking DeLorian restaurant in Lakeside. The restaurant will donate 15% of proceeds and is also encouraging the public to bring donations of food, clothing, household goods, toiletries and funds. For details on how you can help, click "read more" and scroll down.

Update 12 p.m.  The Poinsettia Fire in Carlsbad is now 100% contained.

By Miriam Raftery

Photo courtesy ECM news partner 10 News

May 16, 2014 (San Diego’s East County)  9 a.m. --Escondido Police have arrested  Isaiah Silva, 19, and a juvenile for arson, U-T San Diego reports.  The arrests came after a citizen reporting seeing two people start a fire in a field near South Escondido Boulevard and another citizen reporting seeing arsonists start a blaze at Kit Carson Park.  However, Lt. Mike Kearney has stated that the two suspects are not believed to have started any of the major wildfires currently burning in San Diego County.

Cause of the other fires countywide remain undetermined.  There has been speculation in some media outlets of arson but officials have indicated the causes remain under investigation.  An arson strike force has been assembled to investigate the fires.

Over 121,000 evacuation notices have been sent by officials and hundreds stayed in shelters overnight as numerous fires burned across the region.

Below are updates on the major fires.

Update 10 p.m. : Officers in Escondido have detained a juvenile and an adult near the scene of a fire , 10 News reports. A shelter has been opened at Escondido High School as the Cocos Fire continues ravaging North County, only 5% contained after charring 1,200 acres thus far.

In addition, a fatality is now reported in Carlsbad from the Poinsettia Fire.

Evacuation orders have been lifted in Carlsbad, Pendleton and Fallbrook, the County Emergency site reports.

The Bernardo Fire is now 75% at 15,048 acres and the Highway Fire is 100% contained at 380 acres. 

By Miriam Raftery

May 15, 2014 (Escondido)—The fast-moving Cocos Fire that has burned over 1,200 acres and destroyed several homes south of State Route 78 remains only 5% contained during the second day of the conflagration. Evacuations have been ordered in Escondido, where U-T San Diego reports some homes have been lost.

Numerous  road closures are in effect as of 5 p.m., the County Emergency Services Department reports. View list of road closures, including a portion of the Del Dios Highway due to evacuations: http://www.sdcountyemergency.com/updates/cocos-fire-road-closures-05-15-14-1659/  Flames scorched hillsides behind Cal State San Marcos today, where graduation has been cancelled.

Smoke checks in several East County communities today prompted brief concerns, but none grew into major fires.  The problem areas for firefighters remain blazes scorching across North County.  

Photo courtesy ECM news partner 10 news

By Miriam Raftery

May 15, 2014 (San Diego)--Fires have scorched over 9,200 acres since yesterday, with several still burning.  A large DC-10 air tanker, 17 helicopters and military aircraft are en route to our region, where hot, dry temperatures and Santa Ana winds have prompted extension of the red flag alert for high fire danger to be extended through tonight. 

Nearly 600 people stayed in evacuation centers overnight from the San Marcos and  Carlsbad fires.  More than 125,000 residences countywide received evacuation calls through the County’s Alert San Diego system. The County Emergency website has received over 1 million visits in the past three days.  Most area schools are closed today countywide due to the wildfires.

In North County, three major facilities are impacted.  Kaiser Permanente medical offices on Craven Road in San Marcos are closed;  Palomar Medical Center and Palomar Health Downtown campus on Valley Parkway have announced cancellation of elected surgeries, 10 News reports.

Below are updates on each major fire: