Wildfire and Emergency News

HUNDREDS ATTEND SANTEE FIRE DEPARMENT OPEN HOUSE

Story and photos by Shiloh Ireland

October 15, 2023 (Santee) -- Santee Fire Department held its Open House on Oct. 7, attracting hundreds of visitors. Children enjoyed interactive activities including face painting and games, as well as boarding fire engines, squirting water with a fire hose and more.


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GOFUNDME FOR EL CAJON WOMAN, 65, WHO LOST HOME IN FIRE

By Cecilie Shamanow

El Cajon – Imagine going to sleep at night in your home, content, safe and secure, only to wake up to it going up in flames. Melissa Taylor didn’t have to imagine such a tragedy because it was her reality.  The 65-year-old El Cajon resident woke up the night of August 7th to a fire rapidly spreading through her home.

Taylor, who normally falls asleep to the sound of her television, was awoken at 5:30  pm. by the sudden silence caused by the power going out in her trailer. She could hear the sound of her neighbors outside yelling for her to get out.

She narrowly escaped; the trailer was burned beyond repair in a matter of moments. Taylor could do nothing but watch as it burned, and listen to the sounds of her four cats crying inside, unable to escape.


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SHERIFF SUGGESTS TIPS FOR AVOIDING A DUI

East County News Service

October 1, 2023 (Lemon Grove) - Sheriff Kelly Martinez reminds the public that impaired driving is not just from alcohol. Some prescription medications and over-the-counter drugs may interfere with driving. While medicinal and recreational marijuana are legal, driving under the influence of marijuana is illegal.


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CHIEF’S CORNER: WE’RE ALL GOING TO FALL FOR SANTA ANA WINDS

By Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

 

September 23, 2023 (San Diego) -- This is the first week offFall, and with it comes Santa Ana winds!  Though fire season is year-round, fall typically brings triple-digit temperatures, low humidity and gusty winds bringing high fire danger and red flag warnings.


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CAL-FIRE: KEEP DRONES OUT OF FIREFIGHTING AIRSPACE

CAL FIRE Issues Urgent Warning Regarding Incursions of Unmanned Aircraft Systems

East County News Service

September 15, 2023 (Sacramento) -- CAL FIRE, alongside their cooperators, wishes to issue an urgent warning regarding the incursion of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), commonly known as drones, into firefighting airspace. These incursions have raised serious concerns as they have led to the temporary suspension of critical aerial firefighting operations on a half-dozen incidents so far this year.


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FROM THE FIRE CHIEF’S CORNER: STORM DAMAGE TO YOUR HOME -- WHAT DO I DO NOW?

By Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

 

September 8, 2023 (San Diego) - The storm has passed – now what?

 

Though the heavy rains have subsided, more rain is in the forecast. However, the danger will lurk with mudflow and erosion problems. Make sure you are prepared.

 

In the next few days, you might find your home and property damaged and you’ll be wondering how do I get this put back together?

 

Where do I start? 


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3.1 QUAKE STRIKES NORTH COUNTY INLAND

East County News Service

Sources: Twitter, USGS & Bing AI

September 8, 2023 (Lake Henshaw) -- A 3.1 magnitude earthquake struck inland North County last night at approximately 10:59 p.m. reports the United States Geological Survey.12

Search Search | East County Magazine Earthquake safety for tips in case this is a pre-shock to something worse to come within the next days or week.


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CHIEF’S CORNER: FLASH FLOOD SAFETY

By Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

September 7, 2023 (San Diego's East County) -- We all face storms in life. They say those are the association dues for being alive. But there is a different storm brewing out there, monsoon season that brings flashfloods storms. It is important to start thinking about these rare storms because this is the season!

As firefighters we know the power of water. “We have some of the best apparatus capable of pumping thousands of gallons of water per minute during fires. In this capacity, water saves lives and property—it is essential to protecting our communities,” says Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna.”

But a different power of water is Flashfloods. They are the number one storm-related killed in the United States.

Eighty percent (80%) of flood deaths occur in vehicles, and most happen when drivers make a single, fatal mistake – trying to navigate through floodwaters.

Do you know what 6 – 12 and 18 add up to? Danger!


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THANKS FOR THE SANDBAGS, NOW WHAT WE CAN DO WITH THEM AFTER HILARY

By Chuck Westerheide, County of San Diego Communications Office

September 3, 2023 (San Diego) -- Thousands of San Diegans fortified their homes and property with sandbags before the arrival of Tropical Cyclone Hilary. More than 100,000 bags were gathered and used across the county.  But now the storm has passed and clear skies have returned.  That has led many to ask, “What should I do with the sandbags now?”


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TESTIMONIALS FOR EAST COUNTY WILDFIRE AND EMERGENCY ALERTS

Our readers value East County Wildfire and  Emergency Alerts!  Read some of their testimonials below.

You can also support our alerts  with a donation at https://www.EastCountyMedia.org/donate

“You guys are fast! Often I get your alerts before I hear from dispatch.  I forward many of your …Wildfire & Emergency alerts to all our people.” – Chief August Ghio, president, San Diego County Fire Chiefs Association (now retired)

“Everyone here should sign up for East County Wildfire & Emergency Alerts.”—Supervisor Joel Anderson, at a town hall in Julian

“As Executive Director of the Resource Conservation District of Greater San Diego County and President of the Fire Safe Council of San Diego County, I would like to commend Ms. Raftery (founder of East County Wildfire & Emergency Alerts) for her suggestions for protection of San Diego County's unincorporated and wildland-urban interface areas.” – Marty Leavitt

“Thank you so much for the unexpected yet timely alert regarding the fire yesterday.  We saw the smoke but were left completely uninformed. Then suddenly I rec’d your email!  I’m referring you to many others.” – Ellen Sullivan, reader


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HILARY'S HAVOK

By Miriam Raftery
 
Photos are from the National Weather Service presentation
 
August 30, 2023 (San Diego)—Across Southern California, communities suffered major damage. The National Weather Service has posted a presentation with dramatic photos of the storm’s damage around the state.

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READER’S EDITORIAL: BRING BACK ALARM SIRENS TO ALERT SAN DIEGANS DURING EMERGENCIES

By Alicia A. Degracia

August 22, 2023 (San Diego) --  With what happened in Maui,  I wonder if San Diego can reinstate the alarm system they had back in the’40s,‘50s, ‘60s into the early ‘70s or so. That was an alarm that was installed on top of telephone poles. They were installed during World War II in case of an attack. These alarms would be tested once a month on the first Monday of the month at noon.  It was just testing and people  knew it.  These could be solar-powered.

This could save a lot of lives, especially when people don’t have their phones on, or the power is off during an emergency, or worse yet, in the middle of the night. We can’t rely on power 100%.


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COUNTY, CITY THANK PUBLIC FOR TROPICAL CYCLONE HILARY PREPARATIONS

Photo: Tiktok

August 22, 2023 (San Diego) -- County Board Chairwoman Nora Vargas, City of San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria, emergency services officials and others said Monday that significant preparations and the willingness of the public to heed warnings, stay home and off roads helped reduce the impact of Tropical Cyclone Hilary.

“I want to thank the public,” Vargas said. “You listened to the warnings. You prepared. You stayed off the roads. You helped us keep our residents safe and we are grateful.”


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HOW WET AND WINDY WAS IT?

By Miriam Raftery

Photo by Michael Adam Cohen, award-winning entertainment reporter and photographer: taken near I-8 near Del Cerro

August 21, 2023 (San Diego) – Tropical Storm Hilary has moved northeast out of San Diego County.  The storm brought high winds and heavy drenching in many local communities, while others had only moderate rainfall. The storm  sparked spectacular lightning storms over East County’s mountains and even prompted a tornado warning for Alpine, Descanso, and other areas.

Though no tornados are known to have touched down, Michael Cohen photographed a funnel cloud near I-8 from his Del Cerro home.


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TORNADO ALERT IN EAST COUNTY

August 20, 2023 3:55 p.m. -- A tornado warning has been issued by the National Weather SeErvice until 4 pm includes Locations impacted includes Alpine, Cuyamaca Rancho State Park, Descanso, Captain Gran

de Indian Reservation, Viejas Indian Reservation, Japatul Valley, and Boulder Creek. This is due to an extreme thunderstorm capable of producing tornados.

From the National Weather Service:

Flying debris will be dangerous to those caught without  shelter. Mobile homes will be damaged or destroyed. Damage
         to roofs, windows, and vehicles will occur.  Tree damage is  likely.

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I-8 CLOSED AT IN-KO-PAH DUE TO BOULDERS BLOCKING FREWEAY

Update:  The freeway has now reopened, after Cal Trans removed boulders from road and unstable rocks above.

By Miriam Raftery

August 20, 2023 (San DIego’s East County) – The California Department of Transportation (CalTrans) reports that Interstate-8 is closed at In-Ko-Pah, due to massive rock slide.

The rockslide is blocking the primary highway connecting San Diego and Imperial Counties.  Ava Thatsme on Facebook posted a photo of a boulder she said was on the I-8 grade.(photo, left)


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WARNING ISSUED FOR RESIDENTS DOWNSTREAM FROM LOVELAND RESERVOIR DUE TO TROPICAL CYCLONE HILARY

 

By Miriam Raftery

By Miriam Raftery

File photo of past spillover at Loveland Dam, via Sweetwater Water Authority

August 20, 2023 (Alpine) – Warning letters have been sent by Sweetwater Water Authority to residents downstream from Loveland Reservoir, in anticipation of “unplanned water release, or spills”  due to anticipated heavy rains from tropical storm Hilary. “These potential unplanned water release, together with expected abundant storm runoff, could cause flooding in areas downstream,” the district’s website cautions.

Residents downstream are urged to relocate livestock, equipment and materials out of the floodway, to inspect their properties, and clear critical culverts as soon as possible to reduce potential property damage.

Flooding could continue even after Monday, when rains are forecast to end, due to storm runoff into the river.


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FLIGHTS CANCELLED, BEACHES AND PARKS CLOSE; FLOOD WATCH ISSUED COUNTYWIDE

County Supervisors declare emergency as Hilary heads to San Diego

By Miriam Raftery

August 19, 2023 (San Diego) – The County of San Diego tonight issued an emergency declaration to deploy all available resources, following a state emergency declaration earlier today. Now a category one hurricane, Hilary is still on track to hit San Diego as a tropical storm Sunday in the late afternoon and early evening.

A flood watch and tropical storm warning are now in effect for all of San Diego County. A tropical storm, also known as a tropical cyclone, has sustained winds of 39 to 73 miles per hour; a hurricane has sustained winds of 74 mph or higher. 

The danger has prompted cancellation of everything from airline flights to a Padre game on Sunday, as well as closures of parks and beaches across the region.

Airlines have cancelled 73 flights Sunday that were scheduled at San Diego International airport, according to the tracking site  FlightAware.


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GOVERNOR NEWSOM, IN SAN DIEGO, DECLARES EMERGENCY AND DEPLOYS NATIONAL GUARD AHEAD OF STORM

By Miriam Raftery

Photo courtesy of Governor Newsom’s office

August 19, 2023 (San Diego) – Governor Gavin Newsom signed an emergency declaration today while in San Diego, where he visited National Guard troops that he ordered stationed here to protect our region from Hurricane Hilary’s strong winds and torrential rains forecast to slam our region tomorrow.

“California has thousands of people on the ground working hand-in-hand with federal and local personnel to support communities in Hurricane Hilary’s path with resources, equipment and expertise," Gov. Newsom said. "We’re mobilizing all of government as we prepare and respond to this unprecedented storm.”

Over 7,500 people have been dispatched by the Governor to help San Diego and other Southern California communities.  The Governor indicated he has also been in touch with federal officials in the  Biden administration, including the White House and other agencies, ECM news partner 10 News reports.


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SDG&E OFFERS STORM SAFETY TIPS, WARNS THAT PROLONGED POWER OUTAGES ARE EXPECTED DURING TROPICAL STORM DESPITE PREPARATIONS

By Miriam Raftery

August 19, 2023 (San Diego’s East County)— “We’re gearing up for widespread prolonged power outages,” Alex Welling with SDG&E told ECM today. The utility company is beefing up its preparations amid a countywide tropical storm warning. But he adds,  “We really want our customers prepared.”

He confirmed that SDG&E is not planning any proactive power shutoffs outages over fire concerns,since moisture levels arehigh.  But with Hurricane Hilary  slated to bring powerful tropical storm winds and rains across San Diego County, particularly Sunday and Monday, crews won’t be able to respond promptly to every downed power line or pole.

“We can’t even put a bucket up in the air when the winds are 35 miles per hour or more, because the entire bucket truck will tip over,” he explained.

With the safety of its customers, employees and local communities as its top priority, San Diego Gas & Electric has undertaken extensive preparations to respond to Hurricane Hilary, which will begin to impact our area tonight, with the heaviest rains and high winds Sunday afternoon through Monday.


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RESIDENTS ALLOWED TO GO HOME AFTER COYOTE FIRE

East County News Service

August 19, 2023 (Potrero) -- CAL FIRE and San Diego County Fire report the Coyote Fire has grown to 466 acres, with 55% containment in the Potrero area.

The Sheriff’s Department is reopening all roads and allowing residents to return home. Drive slowly and carefully and be mindful of firefighters and other emergency personnel working in the area.

The shelter at Mountain Empire High School at 3305 Buckman Springs Road in Pine Valley will close.

Residents are encouraged to fortify their homes in preparation for the incoming storm, Tropical Cyclone Hilary. Sandbags are available at the following locations.

People should call ahead to double-check availability and remember to bring a shovel to fill the bags. Some stations may have a limited supply.


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FIRST-EVER TROPICAL STORM WARNING ISSUED FOR REGION, FLOOD WATCH IN DESERTS, TORNADOES POSSIBLE ACROSS SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

Mountain areas could get up to 10 inches of rain

UPDATE -- 4:33 a.m. Saturday-- Hurricane Hilary has sped up, with the bulk of the storm occuring on Sunday, reports @NWSSanDiego

Wind and Monday now look less severe

By Miriam Raftery

August 18, 2023 (San Diego) – For the first time ever, the National Weather Service has issued a tropical storm warning for San Diego County and neighboring counties,upgraded from a watch issued earlier today. 

Hurricane Hilary has been upgraded to a category 4 hurricane with 145 mile an hour winds off the Mexican coast, and is expected to impact our region as a tropical storm bringing dangerously heavy rains, high winds, flash flooding, and conditions conducive to tornados. Flash flood watches have also been issued for Borrego Springs, El Cajon, Escondido, Julian, Lakeside, Pine Valley Poway, and coastal communities. The storm could shift, so be sure to check for updates.

Rainfall is forecast to begin Saturday, with the heaviest rains Sunday afternoon when the tropical storm reaches San Diego County. The eye of the hurricane could come within 100 miles of San Diego. The National Weather Service warns that the storm will be powerful enough to potentially weaken or wash out bridges, flood structures,  close roads, cause power outages, uproot trees, and cause damage to porches, awnings, and unsecured mobile homes.

Below are highlights of warnings from the NWS for our region (the link also has details for neighboring counties):


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COYOTE FIRE BURNING AT DANGEROUS RATE IN POTRERO: EVACUATIONS ORDERED

Update August 18, 2023 -- The #Coyote Fire has burned 466 acres and is 43% contained. A firefighter injury is reported and two structures were destroyed.

Update 3:45 p.m. -- The fire is 100 acres and threatening homes near Round Potrero Rd. and  Horizon View. Round Potrero Road is closed between Yerba Santa Road to  Potrero Valley. The evacuation order area has broadened;view map: . temporary evacuation center has been set up in the parking lot of the Mountain Empire High School at 3305 Buckman Springs Rd. in Pine Valley. You can take your animals, including livestock, to the @SanDiegoCounty Animal Shelter at 5821 Sweetwater Road in Bonita

August 17, 2023 (Potrero) -- Cal Fire is at the scene of a vegetation fire on Coyote Holler Road near Ranch Road in Potrero.

The fire has burned at least five acres and has a dangerous rate of spread, per Cal Fire.

The Sheriff's vehicles now have a hi-low alarm sound.  If you hear it, evacuate immediately.


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EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS RESOURCE FAIR AND DISCUSSION SET FOR RAMONA

 
August 16, 2023 (Ramona) - Community members can learn ways to prepare for an emergency like a fire or earthquake at a resource fair and panel discussion Saturday, August 19 at 12:30 p.m. at the Ramona Library (1275 Main Street).   
 
The free event is hosted by the County’s Live Well San Diego Rural Communities Sector. It will bring together County emergency preparedness experts from the Sheriff’s Department, County Fire and Public Health Services. 
 
The panel discussion will begin at 1 p.m. with information about how to prepare now before an emergency hits, and the types of disasters to prepare for, especially in the county’s rural areas.  

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EVACUATIONS LIFTED IN RAMONA

Update 10 p.m.-- All evacuation orders and warnings are lifted.  The fire has burned 184 acres and is 20% contained. Residents are asked to call 911 if you see a flare-up.
 
Update 1:15 p.m.:  The fire is now 171 acres and burning at a"dangerous" rate of spread, per theWatch Duty app. It has jumped across Chuck Wagon Drive. Structure defense is in progress on Little Klondike. Additional resources have been requested. The fire is burning toward Wildcat Canyon Rd.  The Sheriff has requested a hard closure of San Vicente Rd.,per the CHP incident page.  A new evacuation map has been issued with warning areas as well as mandatory evac areas:  https://emergencymap.sandiegocounty.gov/index.html

By Miriam Raftery

Photos by Josh Stotler

August 9, 2023 (Ramona) -- The Sheriff has issued a mandatory evacuation order due to the #BunnieFire in Ramona, which has burned 103 acres in the area of San Vicente Road and Bunnie King Lane in Wildcat Canyon just north of Lakeside.

The shaded areas of this map show the original evacuation area.  A temporary evacuation point is beingset up at Olive Pierce Middle School, 1521  Hanson Lane. This updated map has evacuation warnings and evacuation orders.

The safest evacuation route is heading north on SanVicente Road or South on Barona Road.


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I-8 CLOSED DUE TO FIRE IN PINE VALLEY NEAR BOULEVARD

 

Update: The evacuation warning has been lifted.  One lane of I-8 west has been reopened.

By Miriam Raftery

Photo by Eileen Martinez

August 6, 2023 -- The #PassFire has burned 10 acres near Ribbonwood Road and Opalacka in Pine Valley near Boulevard. I-8 west is closed, with traffic diverted onto Ribbonwood.

The Sheriff has issued an evacuation warning  with vulnerable people urged to leave, such as those who are disabled, have access issues,or large animals.  

However Cal Fire/San Diego County Fire reports the forward spread has been halted at 10 acres.


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CAL FIRE AND UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA-SAN DIEGO'S ALERTCALIFORNIA PROGRAM JOIN FORCES TO ENHANCE WILDFIRE RESPONSES WITH ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IMPLEMENTATION TRIAL

Source:  Cal Fire

August 5, 2023 (Sacramento) - The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) announced its groundbreaking partnership with University of California San Diego’s ALERTCalifornia program. With the shared goal of improving firefighting capabilities and response times, CAL FIRE and ALERTCalifornia will embark on an innovative Artificial Intelligence (AI) implementation trial in collaboration with the San Bernardino Unit, Sonoma-Lake-Napa Unit, Madera-Mariposa-Merced Unit, Nevada Yuba Placer Unit, Shasta-Trinity Unit and San Luis Obispo Unit.


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PASSAGES: MARK BAKER, FORMER LAKSEIDE FIRE CHIEF (1953-2023)

 

East County News Service

August 5, 2023 (Lakeside) – Lakeside Fire Protection District Director and former Fire Chief Mark Thomas Baker died July 10 after complications following a medical procedure for a heart issue.

“He was dedicated to his work to ensure the success of the Lakeside Fire District and the safety of the residents he served,” says a statement from the district on Facebook, which voiced “great sadness” at his passing.

The California Fire Chiefs Association issued a statement recalling Chief Baker as not only “a dedicated professional, but he was also a kind-hearted individual with a great sense of humor. He brought joy to those around him and always had a smile on his face.  He will be greatly missed by all those in the fire service that not only knew him, but also looked to him as a leader and mentor."


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MILITARY FIREFIGHTERS ARE UNJUSTLY DENIED VA BENEFITS: HOW THE MICHAEL LECIK MILITARY FIREFIGHTERS PROTECTION ACT MIGHT CHANGE THAT

By Miguel Leyva

Photo by Marine Corporal J.R Heins

August 4, 2023 (San Diego) --Working as a firefighter entails numerous dangers, from smoke inhalation to crush injuries from collapsing structures. Still, a more insidious health threat these courageous people face is toxic exposure, as a fire can release many hazardous agents, including carbon monoxide, benzene, asbestos, hydrogen cyanide, particulates, and sulphur dioxide. Even if they wear the maximum feasible protective equipment, firefighters are inevitably exposed to these substances to a significant extent. Because of occupational toxic exposure, cancer is the leading cause of death in firefighters. They have a 9% higher risk of being diagnosed with cancer and a 14% greater risk of dying from cancer than the general U.S. population. 

Unfortunately, military firefighters are no exception, as they encounter the same health hazards on the job, if not more.


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FIRE IN MEXICO, SOUTH OF BOULEVARD

August 3, 2023 (Boulevard, CA) -- A new fire is burning in Mexico south of Boulevard. Eileen Martinezx provided this photo to ECM around 3:30 p.m.

Cal Fire's Mike Cornette confirms that the fire is about 4 miles from the border.


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