Cal-Fire

SMALL VEGETATION FIRE IN RANCHITA, NAMED MONTEZUMA FIRE, CONTAINED BY CAL-FIRE IN ROUGHLY AN HOUR

UPDATE: @Lambo_Gambo reported the "forward rate of spread has been stopped and fire is contained at 3 acres," around 5:30 p.m. 

By Jonathan Goetz

June 1, 2021 (Ranchita) - Wildfire watch cameras detected a possible wildfire roughly an hour ago, around 4:30 p.m., reported @huntefire and Cal-Fire was immediately dispatched. It turned out to be a small vegetation fire and was named the "Montezuma Fire."

@CALFIRESANDIEGO reported being on the scene at Montezuma Valley Road in Warner Springs, while @SDCountyFires reported it started in the 27900 block of Old Mine Road in Ranchita.

No structures are threatened, reported @SDCountyFires, adding, "SDSO reporting no winds in the area and that the fire is spreading south."


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OFFICIALS MEET WITH POTRERO RESIDENTS ON BORDER FIRE CONCERNS

 

 

By Miriam Raftery

October 6, 2016 (Potrero)—Supervisor Dianne Jacob convened a meeting at the Potrero Library on September 27th ,  where officials from Cal Fire, the Sheriff’s department,County Animal Services and the Office of Emergency Services responded to concerns raised by residents during the Border Fire.

Verizon, AT&T and SDG&E were also on hand with information on communications issues and power outages.


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FIREFIGHTERS ASK YOU TO "FILL THE BOOT" NOV. 9-13 TO FIGHT MUSCULAR DYSTROPHY

 

 

Source: CAL FIRE

November 9, 2015 (San Diego)--Members of CAL FIRE Firefighters, along with the Muscular Dystrophy Association, will celebrate their 61-year partnership and kick off the fire fighters' annual Fill the Boot fundraising campaign to benefit children and adults affected by muscle disease throughout the San Diego area.

More than 300 members of CAL FIRE will fan out across San Diego County with boots in hand for this year’s drive during the week of November 9 through 13th at intersections throughout the San Diego region.


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DRONE GROUNDED FIRE FIGHTING PLANES BATTLING CA FIRESTORMS

 

CAL-FIRE ISSUES WARNING TO DRONE OPERATORS, UPDATES ON FIRES

By Miriam Raftery

June 26, 2015 (San Diego)—With wildfires raging across California, an unmanned hobby drone interfered with firefighting aerial drops yesterday on the Sterling Fire in San Bernadino Fire.  According to CAL-FIRE Captain Kendal Bortisser, this is the second time in two days that a drone has halted air drops. The near-misses have prompted CAL-FIRE to issue this stern warning to hobby drone users: “If you fly, we can’t!”


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BORDER FIRE PROMPTS CAL FIRE WARNING TO SHOOTERS

 

August 20, 2014 (San Diego’s East County)—A 20-acre wildland fire on the border caused by target shooting last weekend has prompted CAL-Fire to issue a stern warning: shooting on state lands during these extreme drought conditions is prohibited—and if you start a fire, you can be held liable for firefighting costs.


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$5,000 REWARD FOR REPORTING ARSON

 

June 29, 2013 (San Diego) – One out of every four fires is started by arson, according to Cal-Fire. When an arsonist sets a fire, everyone pays. Arson fires destroy homes, businesses, communities, forests, wilderness and lives. They cost our community considerably in fire losses, firefighting expenses and higher insurance premiums. They also tie up fire crews and equipment needlessly.


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MOTORCYCLIST HOSPITALIZED AFTER HITTING FIRE TRUCK

 

May 11, 2013 (Potrero) – A motorcyclist was airlifted to Sharp Memorial Hospital with a broken leg after sideswiping a fire truck near Potrero this morning. According to California Highway Patrol spokesman Brian Pennings, the motorcyclist was speeding when the 49-year-old driver lost control and sideswiped a Cal-Fire truck on state route 94.


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SUPERVISORS ASK YOU TO CONTACT FAA , OPPOSE IMMINENT CLOSURE OF RAMONA AIR TRAFFIC TOWER CRUCIAL FOR FIREFIGHTING: COMMENT DEADLINE IS TOMORROW

 

By Nadin Abbott, photos Tom Abbott

March 12, 2013 (San Diego)—Today, Supervisor Dianne Jacob urged citizens in San Diego County to contact the Federal Aviation Adminstration (FAA) at Closurecomments@FAA.GOV  and oppose closure of the Ramona Airport’s air traffic control tower, a vital component in fighting wildfires and protecting safety of firefighting crews. Tomorrow at 1 p.m. Pacific Standard Time is the deadline for comments.

 The Board learned that the Federal Aviation Administration has targeted the Ramona Air Traffic Control Tower for closure as as early as April 7. This means, according to Cal Fire Battalion Chief Ray Cheney, that the airport would revert back to an “uncontrolled airport, where pilots have to avoid each other and announce their intentions.”  

This was the way it was back on June 21, 1995 when there was a midair collision between a United States Forest Service Beechcraft and an NTSB air tanker, leading to the deaths of the air tanker crew. An open space, instead of a controlled space, will increase the risk of mid-air collisions, since a “controlled airport controls the air traffic sequencing.”


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CAL FIRE TO HOLD CONTROLLED BURN WEDNESDAY IN CUYAMACA AREA

November 14, 2012 (Cuyamaca)  -- Due to a change in weather, this week’s controlled burn planned for McCain Valley was cancelled. Instead, Cal-Fire will hold a prescribed burn on Wednesday, November 15 in the Middle Peak area off Highway 79 and Mild Ranch Road in the Cuyamaca area.  Smoke will be visible from the Julian and surrounding areas, Mike Mohler at Cal-Fire advises.


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HIGHWAY 79 CLOSED DUE TO BRUSH FIRES

Update 3:50 pm. The highway is expected to reopen by 6 p.m., starting with one-way traffic.  Traffic is being diverted up Old Highway 80 over the Sunrise Highway currently.

Update:  2:25 p.m.  These fires have been held to a total of 12 acres; air tankers are being dismissed. Fire is contained but not yet out; no structures were lost.


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SMALL FIRE DOUSED EAST OF JULIAN

June 11, 2012 (Julian)—A fire near the Rodriguez Spur Truck Trail and Pacific Crest Trail charred three to five acres east of Julian near Banner grade today, Cal-Fire reports. 


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SECOND BORDER FIRE NEAR DULZURA


May 18, 2012 (San Diego’s East County) – A border fire in Jewell Valley that has been burning for several days is now 100% contained.  However a new fire erupted this afternoon on Marron Valley Road near Dulzura.  The new fire, known as Border Fire #7, is now 70% contained and its spread has been stopped, according to Cal-Fire.

Border Fire #7 has burned about 25 acres in the U.S. and 15 in Mexico.  The Incident Commander has released three fire crews and all air-tankers assigned.


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SPREAD OF FIRE STOPPED ON U.S. SIDE OF BORDER; I FIREFIGHTER HAS MINOR INJURY

 

May 17, 2012 (San Diego’s East County) -- The spread of a 600-acre fire that has burned over 15 acres on the U.S. side of the border in the Jewel Valley area has been stopped, CAL-FIRE reports.

 “There is extensive mop up on this portion of the incident, and crews will be committed well into the night,” said Roxanne Provaznik with CAL-FIRE. “The fire is still spreading eastward in Mexico.  We will continue to monitor the fire activity in Mexico to determine any threat.”

There is one minor heat-related injury to a firefighter.


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SPECIAL MEETING ON FIRE PARCEL FEE IN SAN DIEGO WEDNESDAY

 

May 15, 2012 (San Diego’s East County)--The California State Board of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal-Fire) plans to hold a special meeting this Wednesday to receive public input on draft regulations as part of ABX1 29, better known as the $150 annual parcel tax or "triple" fire tax for properties within the state’s area of responsibility. 

 

The meeting will be held this Wednesday at 10 a.m. in the Board of Supervisors chamber at the County Administration Center, 1600 Pacific Highway in San Diego. 


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SAN MIGUEL FIRE BOARD VOTES TO MOVE FORWARD ON PROPOSAL TO OUTSOURCE FIRE SERVICES TO CAL-FIRE

"What they did tonight is unconscionable."  --Board member Criss Brainard

"We have to fix this now." --Board President Chris Winters

 

By Miriam Raftery


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SAN MIGUEL FIRE DISTRICT HOSTS COMMUNITY MEETING APRIL 17 TO DISCUSS OUTSOURCING SERVICES TO CAL-FIRE

April 9, 2012 (La Mesa) – The San Miguel Fire Protection District will host a community meeting from 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. on April 17 at Foothills United Methodist Church, 4031 Avocado Blvd., La Mesa.  The meeting will provide residents a State of the District presentation and discuss the Request for Proposal submission from CAL FIRE for the outsourcing of the district’s fire protection. 


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CAL-FIRE CONDUCTING PRESCRIBED BURN NEAR PINE VALLEY


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.

 


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FIRE DESTROYS HOME AND BARN IN DEHESA

December 4, 2011 (El Cajon ) – A home and barn used for storage at 5237 Dehesa Road in the unincorporated area of El Cajon were destroyed by fire this morning.

Leonard Villareal, spokesman for San Miguel Fire Department, said the November 1st elimination of the fire engine at the Department’s Dehesa station was “not a factor in this case."


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GUSTY WINDS FORECAST THROUGH FRIDAY; CAL-FIRE INCREASES STAFFING

 

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.


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CAL-FIRE CANCELS NO-BURN ORDER

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.  


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CAL-FIRE ISSUES NO-BURN ORDER FOR BACKCOUNTRY


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.

 


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FIRE NEAR LIVE OAK SPRINGS NOW 40% CONTAINED

Update 4:45 p.m.  The Tierra del Sol fire is 40% contained at 3 acres. There has been structure damage, according to Cal Fire Captain Mike Mohler. Forward spread has been stopped.

 

Update 4:30 p.m.  Incident Page Network reports "many homes threatened."  CHP site indicates reverse 911 calls are being considered though no evacuations have yet been ordered.


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LIGHTNING SPARKS SMALL FIRES NEAR BORREGO

 

September 14, 2011 (San Diego’s East County) – Lightning strikes have ignited two small brush fires in Shelter Valley, between Julian and Borrego Springs, Cal Fire confirms.

 


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REPORT ARSONISTS, CAL-FIRE ASKS

 

July 25, 2011 (San Diego's East County) -- Cal Fire is asking for your help in identifying suspected arsonists.

 

If you see a fire start, report it and remember everything you saw, Cal Fire advises. Make note of any suspicious vehicles or persons. The information you have, no matter how minor, could be the key to stopping the arsonist.


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“DOG FIRE” NEAR OTAY TRUCK TRAIL AT BORDER

 

Update 2:30 p.m. - The Dog Fire is now 70% contained and full containment is expected within the hour.

July 22, 2011 (San Diego’s East County) – Three small brush fires have burned into one at Doghouse Junction and Otay Truck Trail (Thomas Brothers Map 1353 H11) along the U.S./Mexico border. The fire was reported at 5:40 a.m. and cause is under investigation.

 

Two air tankers have been added to the incident and fire crews are beginning to be flown to the fire scene, Roxanne Provaznik has informed East County Magazine.


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SMOKE FROM MEXICO FIRE VISIBLE IN U.S.

 

July 13, 2011 (San Diego’s East County) – Cal-Fire is combating 100-acre fire in the remote “Tin Can” area in Mexico, east of the Otay port of entry and just south of the border fence.

 

“We currently have 3 engines, 2 air tankers, 1 air attack and 1 helicopter,” Cal-Fire Captain Mike Mohler said. “Aircraft and crews are pre-treating areas along the fence.”


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LOCAL CAL-FIRE FIREFIGHTER KILLED IN ACCIDENT

 

July 13, 2011 (San Diego) – Colby Shigley, 26, a Cal-Fire firefighter stationed at the Lyons Valley station in East County, has died of injuries sustained in an accident July 8th. Shigley was driving a 2000 Cadillac while visiting his terminally ill father in Munro Township, Michigan, when he struck trees and was killed.

 

Shigley, who lived in Alpine, leaves behind a wife, Justine, and their three children, Jaylynn, 4, Wyatt, 3, and Dylan, 8 months. A fund to help the family, the Firefighter Colby Shigley Memorial Fund, has been established at Navy Federal Credit Union in Santee.


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LIVE FIRE TRAINING IN MCCAIN VALLEY CANCELLED

 

July 6, 2011 (McCain Valley) – Cal-Fire and the San Diego County Fire Authority have announced cancellation of plans to conduct controlled brush fire training tomorrow, July 7,  the McCain Valley area of East County. Cal Fire Captain Mike Mohler advises.


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CAL-FIRE TO CONDUCT CONTROLLED BURNS JUNE 14-15 IN RANCHO CUYAMACA STATE PARK

June 13, 2011 (Cuyamaca)-- Cal-Fire and Cuyamaca Rancho State Park will be conducting prescribed burns on Park lands opposite the Paso Picacho campground on Tuesday and Wednesday, June 14 and 15.


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CAL-FIRE SENDS AIR TANKER TO ARIZONA TO HELP WITH WILDFIRES


June 9, 2011 (San Diego's East County) – One of the nation’s only DC-10 very large Airtankers has been deployed from California to assist in fighting the raging wildland fire in Arizona. The request was made yesterday by the U.S. Forest Service. The aircraft, Tanker 911, took off this morning from its base in Victorville.

 


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