Tuesday, October 23, 2007

San Diego Fires: Press Conference

I will only post new info from this conference.

The city is allowing residents back into two areas.

Del Mar Heights: North of Torrey Pines, West of I-5, south of via de la valle

Scripps Ranch: South of Bueller Canyon, West of Sycamore, East of I-15, North of MCAS

The areas met the following criteria: out of fire threat, no structures damaged, all utilites restored, and repopulation will not adversely affect suppression.

Rancho Bernardo News: Manscheim has walked the area. A list of destroyed homes will be released on his site this afternoon, and a DAC will be established there when people are allowed back. For info, go to www.sandiego.gov Click on Council District 5, Brian Manscheim. Info should be posted by 2 p.m. (the site is currently down!!)
Rough count of 75 destroyed homes.


Fire Updates:
2 new independent fires at Camp Pendleton
Rice-same no new structures destroyed, still about 4000 acres burning
Fallbrook evacuation order is still in effect. Residents need to stay out.

Witch fire- extreme burning, conditions worse than before.
Pumaca Fire on Palomar Mountain: Grown to 20,000 acres with no containment. Reverse 911 in effect for Highway 76 corridor as the fire should converge with the Witch Fire soon.
Extreme conditions in Rancho Santa Fe, Del Dios, La Jollla Reservation Canyon. Two fires are within 7 nautical miles and are pulling together and will join up and create extremely dangerous conditions.


It is not expected that other areas will not allow residents to return for at least another 24 hours. The areas are still too volatile.

Harris Fire- 70k acres. Focus is on fighting the west end by Chula Vista and to the north at Lions Valley and Jamul. Aircraft support is working the fire. There were structural losses in Deerhorn last night, the fire has 2000 homes threatened today. Despite the fire on the mountain, San Miguel radio transponders appear intact.

11 major fires in SoCal, with 8 with major structural threats.
25 air tankers currently assigned in Southern California

500,000 residents have now been evacuated (Cedar had 50,000)
23 shelters in place
Evacuees must be patient, future evacuees should try to bring 3 days of supplies with them.
Minimize power usage.

1 civilian death, 22 civilian injuries, 22 firefighter injuries
241,000 acres burned.

County has named a recovery director to aid residents who lost homes. Requested funds for individuals.

City of Poway assessment says residents South of Twin Peaks, East of Community to Tierra Bonita to the North and Donard Dr. on the south, North and West of Poway Drive might be able to return. Call the Sheriff before returning at 858-513-2800 to verify the area perimeters.

Volunteers and donations are still needed. Qualcomm still has room. 211 line needs volunteers to do 4 hour phone shifts. Training is available.

Inhalers, medical supplies, insulin, cots, blankets, and shades/umbrellas are still needed.

Transmission lines are down, and ability to import power is at about 40% capacity, and power transmission from north to south has been impaired. Downed lines are not expected to be restored for at least another 24 hours.

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