Amid firefighting cuts, County Fire Chiefs voice concerns

By Megan McGlamery

January 13, 2012 (San Diego’s East County)--On January 5, the National Weather Service’s Climate Prediction Center released the United States Seasonal Drought Outlook for January 5- March 31. The forecast map reveals that drought is likely in southern California and the southwest. View map.

Restricted water usage and rate hikes were among the impacts the last drought had on local residents. But in East County, drought also brings heightened risk of wildfire-- a potentially alarming prospect at a time when firefighting resources are spread thin.

January 10, 2011 (McCain Valley)-- If you see smoke this week, don't panic.  Cal-Fire will be conducting a prescribed burn in the area of McCain Valley in San Diego's East County during daylight hours January 11 and January 12. Approximately 90 acres of brush will be burned over the next few days as part of a vegetation managegement burn plan.

January 5, 2011 (Julian)--The San Diego County Department of Parks and Recreation will be conducting weekday pile burns in January through May, weather permitting, at Santa Ysabel East Preserve, Volcan Mountain Preserve and William Heise County Park.

The pile burns — in which piles of cleared brush and other cut vegetation are burned — will reduce the fire hazard of excess vegetation fuels.

January 3, 2011 (Pine Valley) – Cal-Fire will be conducting a prescribed burn today through January 7 in the Rancho Corte Madera area southwest of Pine Valley.

Approximately 200 acres of brush will be burned as part of a vegetation management plan aimed at protecting surrounding communities.

The burns will be conducted from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Smoke will be visible in many areas of the county.

By Betty McMillen

December 19, 2011 (Lakeside) -- Dignitaries and VIPs braved the blustery wind for the grand opening of the new Lakeside Fire District Administration Office and combination Fire Station #2 on December 16.  It was branded a "sneak preview" since the station has about two weeks worth of finishing work to be done by the contractors.  Firefighters are hoping to be moved into the now empty 24,000 square foot structure by mid-January. 

Cal-Fire asks public to be on the lookout for fires and be prepared

December 1, 2011 (San Diego’s East County) – A wind warning has been downgraded to a wind advisory, however sustained northeasterly winds of 35 mph with gusts of 50 mph are forecast tonight through Friday afternoon in East County mountains, valleys and desert areas.

“SDG&E exemplifies the hypocritical worst of the One Percent: higher profits, higher rates and disregard for lives.” – Kim Hamilton, Deerhorn Valley Antler editor

By Miriam Raftery

November 3, 2011 (San Diego’s East County) – Rural East County residents are voicing concerns over a power-shut down yesterday while a 600-acre wildfire in Mexico threatened to jump the border. The night before, some residents received a warning from SDG&E that the utility intended to shut off power due to a red flag alert signaling severe fire danger.

November 2, 2011 (San Diego’s East County) – The National Weather Service has extended today’s red flag alert through this evening as hot, gusty winds continue through much of East County.

A fire burning in Mexico is putting up smoke visible in the southeast portion of the County.

By Miriam Raftery

“This is a shame and an embarrassment.” – La Mesa Councilman David Allen, former San Miguel Firefighter

October 25, 2011 (San Diego’s East County) – Due to elevated fire danger with extremely dry conditions, a no-burn proclamation issued by Cal-Fire remains in effect in all state responsibility lands within San Diego and Imperial Counties.

In addition to suspension of open burning, use of campfires are restricted to within established campfire facilities in established campgrounds open to the public.

October 15, 2011 (San Diego's East County) -- Cal-Fire has cancelled the no-burn proclamation ordered earlier in the week for areas under state fire jurisdiction in San Diego and Imperial Counties.  The ban on open burning has been lifted due to improvement in weather conditions including increased humidity and moisture content.  

October 12, 2011 (Otay) – A three-acre fire off Highway 94 near the Otay Lakes area Border Patrol checkpoint was caused by target shooting, Cakl Fire reports. The fire was held to three acres, with no injuries or property damage.

October 12, 2011 (San Diego’s East County) – The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal-Fire) has issued a no-burn proclamation due to the extreme risk of fire caused by critical fire weather and acute dryness of vegetation. The order suspends burning permits and other uses of open fire in all state responsibility area lands within San Diego and Imperial Counties.

October 3, 2011 (Julian)  Update 7 p.m.- The Great Fire is 65 percent contained this evening and holding at 2,000 acres, the same size the wildfire has been estimated at since yesterday morning.

October 2, 2011 (Borrego) – Cal Fire reports  that the Great Fire, which started south of 78 near Julian yesterday (see ECM report ), has grown to 2,000 acres and is only 5% contained, Cal Fire spokesoperson Roxanne Provaznik confirms.