Dear  Readers:

A year ago when KNSJ radio launched, the station promised to air our live wildfire and emergency alerts. Saturday is their anniversary party - please send a message TODAY asking them to honor this promise!

In the July 2013 Chariot Fire the station did go live and I reported on the fire on Mt. Laguna.  For a few weeks, KNSJ aired our alerts with a delay of an hour or so, promising to improve technology to get real live alerts. Later KNSJ stopped airing wildfire alerts at all. I’ve pleaded with KNSJ to air Viejas Wildfire Alerts as promised, which we offer them free, to save lives and keep you safe. In the backcountry when power lines burn and some have no cell service,  battery-powered radio is often the only way to get news during fires.

KNSJ’s CEO says having the federal emergency broadcast system  in place is enough, but it’s not. It wasn’t activated during recent fires in East County.  KNSJ's CEO and Board  refuse to even guarantee a start date for alerts or an exact dollar figure that would guarantee these would air. They ask for more money, without delivering on promises made to donors who already gave to support getting alerts on the air.  KNSJ also has zero live broadcasting, even for breaking news during fires.

TAKE OUR POLL AND SEND A MESSAGE TO KNSJ:  Should the FCC ask KNSJ to keep its promise and air live Viejas Wildfire & Emergency Alerts & have live news broadcasts during wildfires?

PLEASE VOTE HERE:  http://www.eastcountymagazine.org/poll/should-fcc-ask-knsj-keep-its-promise-air-live-viejas-wildfire-emergency-alerts-and-have-live-ne

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

CAL-FIRE offers tips for safe brush-clearing

June 4, 2012 (San Diego’s East County) – CAL FIRE has sent a warning advising homeowners to use caution when clearing dead brush and grass.  While creating defensible space is a critical step to prepare for wildfire season, as fire danger rises, unsafe use of power equipment can actually start a fire.

May 27, 2012 (San Diego’s East County) – The Banner Fire has burned 5,321 acres and is now 90 percent contained, Cal Fire reports.  Full containment of the fire is expected Monday, when acreage estimates are also projected to increase due to more accurate mapping, Roxanne Provaznik at Cal-Fire said.

May 25, 2012 (San Diego’s East County) – The Banner Fire has now scorched 3,100 acres and cost $575,000 in fire suppression costs.

Update May 25, 2012-7:45 a.m. - The fire is now 2,500 acres and 20% contained.  There have been no reported injuries to firefighters and no structures were damaged or destroyed.  

Cal-Fire reports there are currently 36 engines, 17 fire crews, 3 bulldozers, 9 water tenders, 4 helicopters and 6 airtankers (393 firefighters).  Shelter Valley residents have been allowed to return home.