May 26, 2011 (Lakeside) – Cal-Fire, working in unified command with Lakeside Fire Protection District, has halted the spread of a 5-acre fire burning south of the San Vicente Reservoir near the Morena gate in Lakeside.

Ten engines, two fire crews, a helicopter, an air tanker, bulldozer and water tender have helped battle the blaze. Access was limited due to construction in the area, however the situation is under control and a request for a second air tanker has been cancelled.

May 21, 2011 (San Diego’s East County) – If you see smoke, don't panic!  Heartland Fire is conducting controlled burns today in East County.

April 10, 2011 (San Diego’s East County) – Two separate accidents in Ramona and Valley Center resulted in damage to aircraft and injury to one pilot.

February 22, 2011 (Julian) – An explosion possibly caused by a faulty installation of a clothes dryer caused a fire reported at 6:32 p.m. at a home at 3208 Salton Vistas Drive in Julian.

“We had two injuries,” Cal-Fire Captain Mike Mohler informed ECM. “We had one male in his 60s with burns and one female also in her 60s with injuries from a collapse.”

February 14, 2011 (Pine Valley) – Cal-Fire is conducted a controlled burn today and tomorrow in Corte Madera Ranch near Pine Valley.

Smoke may be highly visible throughout much of East County.

The Alpine Community Network reports a controlled burn is also underway today in the Japatul Valley area.

January 30, 2011 (Otay) – Two motorcycles collided head-on around 11:02 this morning on Otay Lakes Road, just west of the Otay Glider Port.

“Unfortunately, one patient was pronounced dead at the scene,” said Nick Schuler with Cal Fire. “The second patient who suffered arm and leg fractures was flown to Sharp Memorial Trauma Center by Mercy Air.”

December 4, 2010 (San Diego’s East County) -- CAL FIRE/San Diego County Fire Authority in partnership with the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) will be holding its annual Fill The Boot Drive to raise funds to battle this debilitating disease. Locations and times of East County locations where you can help “fill the boot” with donations are listed below:

November 8, 2010 (Pine Valley) – Cal-Fire will be burning brush piles on the Corte Madera Ranch south of Pine Valley during the next two days. Smoke will be visible from through the eastern portions of San Diego County. Weather permitting, the burns will begin around 10 a.m. and should be completed by 2 p.m. both days as part of an ongoing vegetation management plan, said Nick Schuler, Cal-Fire battalion chief.

Update 12 p.m. - This fire continues to spread and is moving toward the border, Cal-Fire's Nick Schuler said. There are currently 10 engines, 2 dozers, and 2 hand crews at the scene.  Helicopters are on the ground staging to combat the fire if it reaches the U.S.  In addition, air tankers are staging in Ramona if needed.  The fire is now 35+ acres.

September 19, 2010 (Boulevard) 11:25 a.m. – A brush fire is burning within 1,000 feet of the U.S.-Mexico border, just south of the community of Boulevard in East County. “Currently the fire is seven to 10 acres, rapid rate of spread moving in an easterly direction,” said Cal-Fire battalion chief Nick Schuler.

Story and photos by Dennis Richardson

September 4, 2010 (Ramona) -- Aerial firefighters continue battling the Cowboy Fire, which is currently 65% contained with full control predicted Monday night. If not for this Ramona air field,  brush-covered open spaces in our backcountry would be even greater threats to residents throughout San Diego County.

Eloy Bazan suspected in Lakeside blazes

July 30, 2010 (Lakeside)--An arrest has been made in connection with a series of recent vegetation fires in the Lakeside area. The most recent fire occurred last night  near I-8 and Los Coches Road at approximately 10:45 pm. Fire crews were able to quickly extinguish the fire; there was no damage to structures and no one was injured.

East County News Service

July 28, 2010 (Julian) – A fire during the night destroyed a triple-wide mobile home on the property of Whispering Winds Catholic Camp and Conference Center at 17606 Harrison Park Road in Julian. Firefighters from Cal Fire and the Julian Volunteer Fire Department responded to the fully-involved blaze at 2:53 a.m.

Cal-Fire provides arson hotline for tips to bust firebugs

July 2, 2010 (San Diego’s East County) -- One out of four fires is started by arson, Cal Fire reports.

“When an arsonist sets a fire, everyone pays,” a public service announcement issued today by Cal-Fire reveals. “Arson fires destroy homes, businesses, communities, forests, wildlands and lives." Arson costs also include fire losses, firefighting expenses and higher insurance premiums--plus arson fires tie up fire crews and equipment.

Finale at Viejas Fire-Safe Expo proves a bang-up hit with crowd
 

By Miriam Raftery
 

June 25, 2010 (San Diego’s East County) – Lemon Grove Firefighters scored a victory in the Firefighters Demolition Derby, held June 19th at the Del Mar Fair. Viejas, sponsor of the event to benefit the San Diego Burn Institute, took second in the action-packed event.

The Firefighters Demolition Derby has been a long-standing tradition in East County, dating back to the days of the old Cajon Speedway. The event disappeared when the Speedway shut down in 2005—until now, when Viejas resurrected the Derby and brought it to Del Mar. View our videos of the derby’s opening and final round segments.

June 16, 2010 (San Diego’s East County) – Cal-Fire has issued a no-burn proclamation for all areas within San Diego County for which Cal-Fire is responsible. This includes all unincorporated areas of the County and parklands, but excludes incorporated cities.