South San Diego County, California Fire Kills 1 Injures 17 others including 4 fifighters hospitalized in serious condition.
A strong wind-whipped wildfire that erupted in rural southern San Diego County on Sunday had burned more than 20,000 acres and killed one person and injured 17 others, including four firefighters hospitalized in serious condition. The fire was being driven by Santa Ana winds of 30 to 35 mph, with occasional stronger gusts.
The communities of Potrero, Tecate, Dulzura and parts of Deerhorn Valley were evacuated, according to Cal Fire, the state agency that protects backcountry areas of San Diego County. Ground crews focused on evacuating residents rather than protecting property due to the speed of the blaze. The fire was burning along two fronts to the northwest, with the southern “head” burning past Barrett Lake Road south of Highway 94 and the northern flank moving toward Mother Grundy Peak.
Authorities had not identified the person who perished in the blaze or the circumstances or location of the death by late evening. Twelve other civilians were burned, but officials did not elaborate or provide condition reports.
“With all of the burn injuries to civilians, this indicates how extremely dangerous these fires can be,” Cal Fire’s Roxanne Provaznik said.
“Residents are strongly advised to follow evacuation orders given by law enforcement.”
The four firefighters were airlifted to the UC San Diego Burn Center. According to a Cal Fire dispatcher, the firefighters’ injuries, while serious, did not appear to be life-threatening.
Authorities said the firefighters were trapped in a so-called “burn-over,” or when a fire sweeps over them or their vehicles. They were overcome by towering flames that shot over their heads, apparently while defending a structure —- similar to what happened last October when five firefighters were killed in the Esperanza wildfire in Riverside County.
Displaced residents flocked to a Spring Valley high school set up as an evacuation center in the afternoon, all desperate for information about the fire.
American Red Cross Shelter Location:
Escondido High School,
1535 North Broadway
San Diego, CA 92026
Santana High School
9915 N. Magnolia Ave.
Santee, CA 92071
(619) 596-3657
San Diego County Evacuation Center:
Mira Mesa High School
10510 Reagan Road (off Mira Mesa Blvd.)
San Diego, CA 92126
Steele Canyon High School
12440 Campo Rd,
Spring Valley, CA 91978
Campo Community Center
976 Sheridan Road,
Campo, CA 91906
These facilities will remain open as long as there is a need. Residents will be provided a safe place to stay, drinks and meals, and basic health services at these locations. Additional shelters are being opened and operated by municipal and partner organizations. Residents in the potential path of fire should monitor local media for the latest information about services, or call 211 San Diego.
Residents with large animals are instructed to take them to the Lakeside Rodeo Grounds, located at Highway 67 and Mapleview Street, OR the San Diego County Fairgrounds in Del Mar. Residents are urged to place their household pets in carriers or crates plus supplies such as food and leashes if they are brought to Red Cross shelters. Bring all necessary daily medications, supplies for your children, and any other critically needed items for the next 24 to 72 hours with you to the shelter.
Technorati Tags: San Diego Fire, California Wildfire
Readers who viewed this Post, also viewed:
Powerful 8.2 Earthquake hits Indonesia
Popularity: 4% [?]
No comments yet.