By Miriam Raftery

Higher humidity and cooler temperatures are aiding firefighters, Cal Fire reports. The Vallecito Lightning Complex is now 22,828 acres and 90% contained. The suppression costs are up to $6,400,000 and firefighters still have a mile of containment line to construct. There have been a total of 4 injuries to firefighters.

As of  this evening, all roads in the fire area have been opened and all evacuation orders have been lifted.

August 17, 2012 (San Diego)--The San Diego FBI warns of a new Citadel malware platform used to deliver ransomware named Reveton. The ransomware lures the victim to a drive-by download website, at which time the ransomware is installed on the user’s computer. Once installed, the computer freezes and a screen is displayed warning the user they have violated United States federal law.

August 17, 2012 (La Mesa) – La Mesa Police have issued a warning that a man in a “beat up” white small or medium pickup truck attempted to lure a 16-year-old female student into his vehicle. The girl was walking to Helix High School at 8 a.m. today in the 7500 block of University Ave. when the suspect pulled up next to her, got out of his truck and told her, “Hey, get in my car.” 

By Miriam Raftery

August 16, 2012 (San Diego’s East County) – Amid blistering heat and wildfires blazing across our region, here’s news that may inspire a chill down your spine. 

A recent issue  of Al Qaeda’s publication, Inspire, has surfaced on jihad forums inspiring Western terrorists to start forest fires in the U.S. 

August 16, 2012 (San Diego) --  Little Saigon Foundation presents San Diego Lantern Festival 2012 August 17- 19 at Hoover High School, 4474 El Cajon Blvd., San Diego.  The event is from 5 – 11 p.m. on Friday and 10 a.m. – 11 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.  The multicultural event features a display of 6,000 lanterns and brings neighbors, businesses and community groups together.

The event includes carnival rides and games, a kids talent contest, Chinese chess competitions, Lion dance and martial arts performances and more.  The 2nd annual Miss Asia San Diego Pageant will also be held.

August 16, 2012 (La Mesa) – La Mesa resident Dorothy Stephens, 85, was walking in a crosswalk with a friend on August 13 around 7:30 p.m. when they were struck by an oncoming truck.

Despite efforts by paramedics to revive her, she died before a medical helicopter arrived. Cause of death was multiple blunt force injuries.
 

August 16, 2012 (San Diego’s East County) – A thunderstorm capable of producing flash floods, deadly lightning and wind gusts to 60 mph has been spotted near Dulzura, moving south, the National Weather Service warns.  The storm is northeast of Tecate; Otay is also under a warning for the severe weather.

 “This is a dangerous storm,” the NWS warns. If you are in its path, immediately move indoors, preferably in a strong building away from windows.  Do not drive through flooded roadways. “Turn around…don’t drown,” the NWS advises.

In addition, a strong thunderstorm has been spotted 9 miles west of Palomar Mountain and 11 miles southeast of Temecula, moving west, capable of 50 mph gusts and heavy rain.

By Brian Lafferty

Update August 16, 2012 8 a.m. - The fires are now 60% contained; acreage remains at 15,525.  Moderate fire growth will continue today and a return to monsoonal flow will begin this morning, says Roxanne Provaznik with Cal Fire. Direct fireline tactics remain difficult due to terrain. Three firefighters have been injured; cost to suppress the fire is up to $3,870,000.  Evacuations  and road closures remain in effect.

Update Augusut 15, 2012 9 p.m. -- Fires have scorned 15,525 acre and are 35% contained.  The two largest blazes are the Wilson Fire (8,000 acres and 50% contained) and the Stewart Fire (7,000 acres and 40% contained). 

Story and photos by Nadin Abbott

August 15, 2012 (Ranchita)-- The mood was tense as firefighters made a stand on Old Wilson Road and Montezuma Road this afternoon. Hand crews were about to do what Public Information Officer for Cal- Fire Tom Piranio called "burning the fuel back to the main fire."

 Note: organizers assure that the fires are nowhere close to Julian, and burning away from the town. 

August 16, 2012 (Juian) – The San Diego Astronomy Association (SDAA) and the town of Julian bring Starfest to Menghini Winery, 1150 Julian Orchards Lane, Julian,  August 16 – 19. 

The three day event will include numerous speakers, vendors, a Swap Meet and food.  The stars will be the highlight come nightfall and telescopes will be set up throughout the viewing area.

August 15, 2012 (Riverside)--The Buck Fire in Riverside County, meanwhile, has scorched 3,000 acres and is still only 5% contained.  Two civilians and three firefighters suffered injuries in the Buck Fire, including one major injury to a civilian.

Dozens of homes have been evacuated and hundreds of firefighters are battling the blaze in the Aguanga area about 15 miles from the San Diego County Line.