By Supervisor Dianne Jacob

September 13, 2011 (Jacumba)--Like the residents of Jacumba, I’m frustrated by the lack of progress on the eye gnat infestation and disappointed that the plan to remedy the situation hasn’t been executed properly. As I see it, the problem has three layers:

August 26, 2011 (Jacumba) – An “international traveler” who crossed the U.S.-Mexican border was shot by a property owner in Jacumba around 5:27 p.m. yesterday. The shooting occurred in the 42000 block of Old Highway 80. The patient was life-flighted to Sharp Memorial Hospital.

Update August 8: In a meeting between SDG&E and Rural Fire Protection District representatives on Thursday, SDG&e indicated it wants a single set of rules such as for vegetation clearance and sought to be exempted from overhead water sprinklers over electrical equipment. The RFPD suggested an inert gas fire fighting agent. “In the end, what we believe will happen is that SDG&E will comply, although there will be modifications,” said member Lou Russo.

July 18, 2011 (Jacumba) – The Buffalo Fire, which charred over 25 acres near Jacumba earlier this week, was caused by illegal burning.

“A resident who is Native American had a sweat lodge or ceremonial area,” Cal-Fire Captain Mike Mohler said. “They were burning some leaves or other material in preparation and that spread to a chicken coup, then to an outbuilding.”

 Update 10 p.m. - The fire is now 80% contained, after burning 26 acres and destroying 2 outbuildings, Cal-Fire reports.

July 15, 2011 (Jacumba) – Cal-Fire is on the scene of a 3-acre brush fire off of Old Hwy 80 near the community of Jacumba. Named the Buffalo Fire, the blaze started at 3:22 p.m. and originated from a structure fire.

“Currently we have 8 Engines, 2 Fire Crews, 2 Water Tenders, 1 Bulldozer, 2 Airtankers, 2 Helicopters, and 2 Chief Officers, which is approximately 100 firefighters,” said Cal Fire spokesperson Roxanne Provaznik. “The fire is burning uphill to the south, and spreading slowly. There is one outbuilding and one power pole on fire.”

May 11, 2011 (Jacumba) – A brush fire along I-8 and the border checkpoint in Jacumba has grown to 4 or 5 acres or more, Incident Page Network reports. A full brush response has been requested as well as helicopter, water tenders and hand crews. “Forward spread has stopped,” Cal-Fire spokesman Mike Mohler informed ECM at 3 p.m. No further details are yet available.