Local news San diego is reporting Hwy. 94 closure between 188 and Potrero.
Tecate Border crossing has been reportedly closed.
Wildfire started near the border south of Potrero has raced north from 50mph. winds . Has jumped Hwy. 94 , burned at least 1 house and parts of the
area are now being evacuated.
leroDENNIS - 10-21-2007 at 01:13 PM
Wow......Maybe adios to a b-tchen campground.DianaT - 10-21-2007 at 02:39 PM
Sitting outside we smelled smoke and had some ash falling here in Imperial Beach----guess there is also another fire near Ramona---it is that time of
year.
It is bad news----lots of fuel in that area and the Santa Ana winds are blowing.DianaT - 10-21-2007 at 04:19 PM
Television says it is totally out of control at this time----at the mercy of the winds---wornout - 10-21-2007 at 04:48 PM
Satellite Picture taken about 11am Sunday.
[Edited on 10-21-2007 by wornout]
tecate fire
leatherstuff.com - 10-21-2007 at 07:20 PM
Thank you so much for the information. My husband is leaving Mulege in the morning and planned on crossing at Tecate, he had no idea about the fire.
I'm in Ohio and with your help I was able to warn him and now he will try Tijuana.
9 pm update
Bajalero - 10-21-2007 at 09:37 PM
2 fires burning OOC currently in San diego county .
North fire , Santa isabel ,"Whitch Creek"
Mandatory evac just ordered for Ramona and San Diego Country estates. Traffic is said to be at a snails pace comming out of Ramona at this time.
Potrero Fire :"Harris Fire"
Fire which started at 9:30 am in Potrero has reached eastern Jamul . This is a 10 mile distance yet local news reports only 4000 acres burned. I"d put
it at closer to 20000+
Unofficial news via CDF and HAM monitors is that not much is left in Barrett , burned thru Dulzura is now in the outer areas of Jamul and currently
contingient evac plans are being made for Jamul.
HWY. 94 and Tecate border crossing still closed. Friend of mine from Barrett called and says he stayed to protect his property , garage caught fire
but was able to put it out . Fears all else in area is gone , "Barrett trailer park gone"
4 fire fighters burned when overun by flames, 2 not expected to live . 8 other civilians injured , 1 killed.
Once again , all this is unofficial , very diff from news being reported on radio and TV. Hopefully not as bad as I"m writing
Wind has been generally E-W all day but in just the last hour has changed more N-S. Still gusting 60 mph+ in Descanso Pine Valley, Ramona and is
pushing smoke towards Rosarito -Ensenada.
I had a bad feeling the other day when I posted in the KIKO thread this was going to happen. Repeat of 03
more later , lero
[Edited on 10-22-2007 by Bajalero]David K - 10-21-2007 at 09:40 PM
We hope the best for Hook, jeans and other Baja Nomads in Ramona and the east county!!!DianaT - 10-21-2007 at 09:41 PM
Thanks for the update---let's hope this is not 2003 againbancoduo - 10-21-2007 at 09:43 PM
Lero
Is rcho san diego threatened?Bajalero - 10-21-2007 at 09:50 PM
Not at this time Duo
I was just up in the Muther Grundy -Japatul area and I would say the fire is 7-8 miles from Jamacha/94 jnctn
My best guesstimation at this timeDavid K - 10-21-2007 at 09:51 PM
The local SD news didn't mention Rcho SD as of 9:45pm... Just SD Country Estates and all of Ramona! The Witch fire began near Santa Ysabel and is
moving along Hwy. 78 towards Ramona. The other fire started near Potrero and is heading along Hwy. 94 towards Chula Vista... It's a mess...bancoduo - 10-21-2007 at 09:57 PM
Thanks
My daughter lives at the east end, but out of town. I know how fast these things move.DianaT - 10-21-2007 at 10:02 PM
Just hope for a break in the windDianaT - 10-21-2007 at 10:09 PM
Watching NBC right now, and they have someone giving all the information re: the fire in Spanish---kudos to them---all of the evacuation
notifications, the evacuation centers, school closures, etc.
But we do wonder want is happening south of the border in Tecate.
[Edited on 10-22-2007 by jdtrotter]Bajalero - 10-21-2007 at 10:15 PM
Quote:
Originally posted by bancoduo
Thanks
My daughter lives at the east end, but out of town. I know how fast these things move.
Socal and Parts of Australia are said to be the 2 most dangerous places on earth for wildfires.
In 03 ,( 10-26-03) the Cedar fire started around 4:30pm near the town of Julian and by 5:30 in the morning was ripping thru Lakeside a distance of 40
miles so yes you are right these can move fast and need to be payed attention.
A caller on hwy. 80 west of alpine just reported seeing flames on the N side of EL cap reservoir so I'll be on watch all night.
These fires don't stop till the wind doesDianaT - 10-21-2007 at 10:21 PM
The Santa Ana Winds control all of these fires. We have read that if the marine layer had not come in and the winds died down, the 2003 fire would
have reached the sea.
Stay safe---lots of fuel, lots of wind--
[Edited on 10-22-2007 by jdtrotter]Diver - 10-22-2007 at 06:09 AM
Here's what I'm hearing this morning. I'm in S Alpine and can see a orange glow when looking to the south towards Jamul so that fire is still going
strong.Wind where I am seldom blows at night even during strong Santa Anas but it was literally howling all night.
Hwy. 94 still reported closed at Otay lakes Rd. to 188 cutoff to Tecate. I don't know if the border is still closed or if that crossing can be
accessed from Buckman Springs- Campo to the east.
Most activity reported now in Escondido - Poway area fire . San Pasqual-Wild Animal Park- Lake Hodges - Rancho Bernardo--are in a world of hurt right
now. The've opened Qualcomm stadium as an evac area.
Hwy. 67 between Lakeside and Ramona closed.
I-15 being reported as "completely" closed
Just heard of new fire started in Descanso Valley, I'm trying to get a confirmation on that. If true , that could potentially threaten Alpine.Bajalero - 10-22-2007 at 06:31 AM
News just reported all areas from Hwy 56 north between I-5 and I-15 just ordered to evacuate.David K - 10-22-2007 at 06:51 AM
Avoid San Diego County if you are heading to/ from Baja today...
News conferance on the air as I type this at 6:45 am...
As Bajalero said, I-15 is closed between Escondido and Poway as the fire has crossed it heading towards Rancho Santa Fe... New fires in San Marcos
(Coronado Hills), Rancho Bernardo, Poway, Rice Canyon between Temecula and Pala, more areas, Tecate, etc.
Most schools closed, Courts closed, I-5 will be gridlocked... Avoid SD County today if you can.fdt - 10-22-2007 at 06:53 AM
For those with kids in school in Tijuana, Tecate and Rosarito, Juan Jose Ramos, Basic Education Director for this area just announced no school today,
Preeschool, Primary or Secondary, government or private. Those in Preparatoria and Universidad must contact their schools but probably the same
applies.
Now if I could only get the kids to go back to sleep
Edited to include Tecate.
[Edited on 10-22-2007 by fdt]Bruce R Leech - 10-22-2007 at 06:58 AM
I 5 is closed in both directions right nowDavid K - 10-22-2007 at 07:14 AM
Rancho Bernardo is being evacuated... homes there burning... this is going to be worse than 4 years ago it seems (which was the worse fire in SD
history)...David K - 10-22-2007 at 07:45 AM
Quote:
Originally posted by Bruce R Leech
I 5 is closed in both directions right now
Perhaps you mean I-15... as of 7:41 am, no mention of I-5 being closed... But it should be avoided during an emergency like this... stay home today!Taco de Baja - 10-22-2007 at 08:20 AM
Caltrans website shows good speeds on both the 15 and 5 from the 78 south at 8:15 am, except for the usual slowing around Carlsbad on the 5....
I-15 still CLOSED (9:53am) between Escondido and Poway... CHP just now reported on TV.
[Edited on 10-22-2007 by David K]Bob H - 10-22-2007 at 08:46 AM
We are just South of highway 56 and West of I-15 and it looks horrible outside. We are ready to go if they extend the evac south of 56.
Bob H
California Is on fire... Again!
MrsFDT - 10-22-2007 at 08:46 AM
This is the worst and is being compared to what happened a few years back. The smoke is so thinck I have had to keep my dogs crated in their room.
Very bad air right now and Im in Tijuana! Here is an image I found on the Nasa Site. Do you have family in any of these areas?
Ramona , Dulzura, San Pasqual & Barrett Junction, Tecate (both sides) Southeast Chula Vista, Julian, Palomar, san Marcos... A lot of other places
in between. Its moving so fast that I dont even know where it is anymore.
Winds are reaching up to 100 miles an hour and it is Dry dry dry.
Fernando and I can call anyone you might be worried about in these areas. We are in a state of emergancy here.
I'll get some pics of Tijuana city in a bit so you can see .... what you cant see at the moment.
One dead, 17 injured.
I removed the pic it was too big and I didnt know how to resize, but I took some from right outside the house. First one is from the street in front
of the house pointed toward the border crossing.
The other is one from the back of the house pointed out toward the city and U.S. side.
[Edited on 10-22-2007 by MrsFDT]
[Edited on 10-22-2007 by MrsFDT]
[Edited on 10-22-2007 by MrsFDT]David K - 10-22-2007 at 08:47 AM
Bob, O'side is safe (so far)... I just put some Pacificos in the fridge for you! No work for me today...DianaT - 10-22-2007 at 08:48 AM
Good luck, Bob.
We were leaving for Baja, but fire too close to our son's home.DianaT - 10-22-2007 at 08:50 AM
Are those fires south of the border also? Smoke has been bad here in Imperial Beach off and on---depending on the wind.
I saw the other thread when I was done posting this one. I would have just posted on the other, but yeah Im sure there is a lot of fire on this side
as well. I ll get fernando on that in a few, se if he can find out whats going on over in Tecate. My sister is in the rolling hills area (Chula Vista)
East which is at the west end of Oatay lakes RD. coming out of Tecate, But she says she has blue sky's at the moment. The wind is blowing our way I
Guess. So thats asmall worry relieved for the moment. My mom is up by Alpine and is still in the safe zone. People are being eveacuated to her area
for now.
The 2003 fire reached her door step last time so you can see where Im a little freaked. That one started in about the same areas.
Im going to get some tj pics in a sec and we'll find out about the mexican side.fdt - 10-22-2007 at 09:24 AM
Today's images may look like that 2003 image.David K - 10-22-2007 at 09:59 AM
I-15 is closed still per CHP at 9:53 am between Escondido and Peñasquitos/ Poway
[Edited on 10-22-2007 by David K]Baja&Back - 10-22-2007 at 10:19 AM
10AM Monday:
Oh my gosh! Interatate 8 is closed @ Buckman Springs due to Potrero fire.
I-15 closed @ Hwy 78. Ramona, Escondido evacuated.
I-5 closed @ Santa Clarita.
Malbu burning.
Too many fires. Bless those being affected. Hope it's not you.
BarryBob H - 10-22-2007 at 10:50 AM
Homes in Rancho Bernardo are now burning down to the ground! Their goal up here is to stop it from going past Black Mountain.... PREDICTED to burn
all the way to the Pacific Ocean, via Encinitas area. This is way worse than the big fire two years ago.
Bob HBajaGuera - 10-22-2007 at 11:18 AM
Evacuations for Del Dios, Rancho Santa Fe and Olivenhein Dam area. Del Mar Fairgrounds can take no more animals.
My thought is if fire is expected to reach the ocean along that Del Dios route - it leads right to the Fairgrounds. What then?Bob H - 10-22-2007 at 12:20 PM
Pomerado Hospital has been evacuated and is now under fire threat. A 100+ unit rental complex in Rancho Bernardo is now ablaze.
Let's hope for the wind to stop blowing so hard.
Bob HDavid K - 10-22-2007 at 12:39 PM
Fire reaching the edge of San Ysidro, Otay Mesa Rd.... ! Live coverage on Ch. 10 news... screams of homowners... so sad... Homes, cars burning... A
new fire, not directly connected with the Harris Fire near Tecate.
250,000 now evacuated in San Diego County... noon Monday.
[Edited on 10-22-2007 by David K]David K - 10-22-2007 at 12:52 PM
Maybe describe what a County fire dept. is in relation to the CDF? Much of the county east of cities is state park and national forest land. The air
fire equiptment is grounded because of the winds... they are all there in Ramona and can't yet fly.David K - 10-22-2007 at 12:58 PM
12:52 pm, fire going through Rancho Santa Fe and burning homes in Olivenhein (behind Encinitas)... many losses in Rancho Bernardo... Some of the
evacuation centers full...David K - 10-22-2007 at 01:00 PM
Do you know why there isn't one for SD County (the official reason given)?fdt - 10-22-2007 at 01:34 PM
No school Tuesday in Tijuana, Tecate or Rosarito, this just announced by the State education director.Hook - 10-22-2007 at 01:39 PM
Quote:
Originally posted by soulpatch
Many years ago the county board of supervisors voted fire protection out of their charter..... they foisted the responsibility on local districts.
At this point the DA's office and the sheriff's office will fight anyone who tries to shift funds for public safety to fire protection. Just look at
the prop 172 funds that were voted in on the backs of firefighters in the aftermath of the firestorms of the early/mid 90's. Of the hundreds of
millions of $'s San Diego county gets from that 0% goes to fire protection.
That is why the board backed prop C after the Cedar fire 4 years ago. They got a public mandate to form a county FD but they made sure there was no
funding mechanism included in it.
That is a good capsulation of the story of firefighting in SD.
But that said, there could be a million firefighters at the ready right now and THERE IS NOTHING THEY COULD DO IN THE FACE OF THIS WIND!!!!DanO - 10-22-2007 at 01:44 PM
Is that another substantial fire east of Ensenada, or just dust or clouds?
Dan,
Maybe start another thread??? Would really like an answer to your question---
Johnbajabound2005 - 10-22-2007 at 02:14 PM
Looks like a fire on the map; got a slight smell of smoke a while ago.elgatoloco - 10-22-2007 at 02:18 PM
Quote:
Originally posted by soulpatch
So, how do those of you that live in San Diego county feel about our county being the only urbanized county in the state of California not to have a
county Fire Department?
San Diego county also has one of the lowest ratios of firefighters to populace in the state.
Does anyone other than professional firefighters think this is a significant issue?
This San Diego County taxpayer thinks it is criminal that we do not have more funding for fire safety. The politics involved is a disgrace. David K - 10-22-2007 at 02:41 PM
Homes in Escondido burning, Valley Center evacuations, Fallbrook evacuated through Camp Pendleton base roads to San Clemente...
It's within 10 miles of my home now...
Hook, where are you now? Glad you are safe...fdt - 10-22-2007 at 02:44 PM
Get out!DENNIS - 10-22-2007 at 02:44 PM
David....
Doesn't Hook live in San Juan Capistrano? ----- SJC ----- Or is that something else?David K - 10-22-2007 at 02:46 PM
Fire burning near Lake Hodges, San Pasqual Valley's San Diego Wild Animal Park, my Cable has popped on and off the last few minutes... hmmmm...
People in South Fallbrook are being warned to evacuate...
Fire now entering Scripps Ranch, south Poway, this is the area so hurt 4 years ago...
I am typing this as I hear it off the TV news...Bajaboy - 10-22-2007 at 02:48 PM
and don't forget the fire headed towards East Lake/Chula Vista...bajabound2005 - 10-22-2007 at 02:53 PM
Originally posted by Bajaboy
and don't forget the fire headed towards East Lake/Chula Vista...
Heard on the radio that one was started by some teenage boys????
Our son is beginning to gather up some things---watchin the one in the Fallbrook area very closely and which direction it goes.Taco de Baja - 10-22-2007 at 03:14 PM
A friend who live near the Wild Animal Park in Econdido has evacuated. He of course packed up a bunch of his Baja pictures.
Scary times.Bob H - 10-22-2007 at 03:22 PM
Now Scripps Ranch ordered to evacuate! Looks like Audrey and I are in the middle - but still no evac order here.
Bob HBajaGeoff - 10-22-2007 at 03:24 PM
I heard that the firefighters have been busy evacuating people that refused to leave when they were told instead of being able to focus all of their
energy on the fires.jeans - 10-22-2007 at 04:21 PM
Quote:
Originally posted by soulpatch
Many years ago the county board of supervisors voted fire protection out of their charter..... they foisted the responsibility on local districts.
At this point the DA's office and the sheriff's office will fight anyone who tries to shift funds for public safety to fire protection. Just look at
the prop 172 funds that were voted in on the backs of firefighters in the aftermath of the firestorms of the early/mid 90's. Of the hundreds of
millions of $'s San Diego county gets from that 0% goes to fire protection.
That is why the board backed prop C after the Cedar fire 4 years ago. They got a public mandate to form a county FD but they made sure there was no
funding mechanism included in it.
I do not have cable or satellite TV, so yesterday the only news I could get was on KOGO AM from the "people on the street" who would call in with fire
locations. That's how the first news was related to us. One guy said this could go all the way to the ocean...(I thought he was being overly
dramatic.) The people calling in said it was not being covered on TV yet.
Then "Sharon" the honorary Mayor of Ramona came on and started ranting about Supervisor Jacobs and her non-support of the Intermountain Fire District.
While her point may have been valid....her timing sucked as the radio guy was trying to get her to conclude so he could get back to the immediate
crisis...but she just went on and on....not a good grasp of priorities. Plenty of time to lay blame later.
I left at 11:00pm. My neighbor (one of the stubborn ones who stayed) said the fire passed us by.DENNIS - 10-22-2007 at 04:39 PM
Different area --- Same problem.
Huge, billowing gray-black cloud of smoke just south east of Maneadero, directly in the path of prevailing winds. I see this from Punta Banda and
distance can be deceiving. I hope it's further away but, for sure, tonight the sky will be fire red.Minnow - 10-22-2007 at 04:39 PM
Patch, aren't you a fireman?
When I used to design fire protection systems for the hotels here in Vegas we had a saying. " We save people, not property".
Stay safe all you SD Nomads!supergrouper - 10-22-2007 at 04:59 PM
Since Tecate is closed, does anyone know if you can cross at Mexicali?
Thanx for any info.bajalou - 10-22-2007 at 05:03 PM
Haven't heard of any problems near MexicaliBajaboy - 10-22-2007 at 05:04 PM
Quote:
Originally posted by supergrouper
Since Tecate is closed, does anyone know if you can cross at Mexicali?
Thanx for any info.
Diring the Cedar fire we could see flames in a horseshoe shape around our place in Santee...........This time smoke to the north and south but really
not much here and no flames.
We sat the last one out at Keri's place at the same time she was taking friends from Mulege in because of a fire (I think) down there.
Just heard they are thinking of evacuating the prisons on Otay Mesa......guess the poor guys can't deal with the smoke.
OH! Really nice (serious) the mayor of TJ is offering San Diego County any help that they can give.
NO MORE HOTEL/motel ROOMS FOR AVAILABLE IN San Diego--we may head down to the Pyramid yet.DanO - 10-22-2007 at 05:19 PM
Quote:
Originally posted by DENNIS
Different area --- Same problem.
Huge, billowing gray-black cloud of smoke just south east of Maneadero, directly in the path of prevailing winds. I see this from Punta Banda and
distance can be deceiving. I hope it's further away but, for sure, tonight the sky will be fire red.
It's very visible on the noaa radar now. How are the winds down there?fdt - 10-22-2007 at 05:26 PM
Quote:
Originally posted by Baja Bernie
OH! Really nice (serious) the mayor of TJ is offering San Diego County any help that they can give.
And Tijuana firefighters were in Tecate helping there. Right now all of the city is on full alert. From were we are, up a hill, and from looking at
all the diferent satelite immages and news reports I would say the fir is going to cross the border somewere by Donovan prison, Brown Field area.
We have been gathering as much info as we can for tonight.Halboo - 10-22-2007 at 05:36 PM
SWIMPAL and I have been planning a fall trip for months and have already postponed several times.
We'd planned on leaving San Clemente this afternoon, stop to run the mutts at Dog Beach, then spend the night at the KOA in Chula Vista and hit the
border around sunrise tomorrow.
Right now I feel guilty even mentioning it.......
At this point the SD Fairgrounds AND the KOA are going to be evac sites.
God bless the Bomberos.DENNIS - 10-22-2007 at 05:37 PM
Quote:
Originally posted by DanO
It's very visible on the noaa radar now. How are the winds down there?
Blowing 15--20 mph low on the hillsides from the south east. Much stronger up high. The cloud of smoke has become huge but seems to be moving with
the wind toward the water. I have no idea if there has been any serious damage.fdt - 10-22-2007 at 05:56 PM
There are 4 fires in Ensenada arearts551 - 10-22-2007 at 06:16 PM
FDT
Thanks for your info. It is hard to get anything here. Did they say where the fires in Ensenada were.fdt - 10-22-2007 at 06:23 PM
I'm talking about it on air right now
fdt
Baja Bernie - 10-22-2007 at 06:35 PM
Normally I don't like talk radio on the net BUT listened to you today and you fill a great need for border hoppers.....Thanks much!Riom - 10-22-2007 at 06:41 PM
Before it got dark, I went up to a high area about 2 miles east of San Luis Rey mission (Oceanside/ Vista border) and could see the flames from the
Fallbrook fire just a few miles up the San Luis Rey River valley and to the north...greybaby - 10-22-2007 at 08:04 PM
Any update on fires in the Ensenada area? The resources are so limited there and news so sketchy this side of the border. Our prayers are with you
all.MrsFDT - 10-22-2007 at 08:08 PM
Thats kind of a scary feeling, when you can actually see flames.
We can see them now here too. It just came over the mountain from Tecate and is half way down to the edge of very populated part of Tijuana. The far
end where all the new homes have spread out in the last year or so.
Oh also see flames out on Otay Mesa. Im not sure which side its on though because its dark. I think its the Potrero fire because it starts where the
TJ city lights end
Oh and this is the link directly to the burn map and evac areas.
[Edited on 10-23-2007 by MrsFDT]bajabound2005 - 10-22-2007 at 08:11 PM
From where we sit, in Punta Banda looking directly across the bay at Ensenada, we see no flames or burning embers. The city looks beautifully lit up.
A far cry from this time last night when we thought there was a complete power outage in Ensenada because we could see nothing from all the dirt and
dust in the air. Two years ago when we had wildfires, we could see the embers burning during the night (Bajamar and around the Toll Road).DianaT - 10-22-2007 at 08:15 PM
Quote:
Originally posted by David K
Before it got dark, I went up to a high area about 2 miles east of San Luis Rey mission (Oceanside/ Vista border) and could see the flames from the
Fallbrook fire just a few miles up the San Luis Rey River valley and to the north...
Is it really in the San Luis Rey River Valley---if so, we need to get our son and his family to evacuate----
fdt
DianaT - 10-22-2007 at 08:28 PM
Fernando,
Do you think there is any problem driving through Tijuana?
Hope there has not been any loss of life there.bajabound2005 - 10-22-2007 at 08:30 PM
Reporting live from Punta Banda -- this just in from a neighbor:
I just returned at 6:30 pm from driving down the highway to check on the fire. There are very high flames up in the mountains across the road and
slightly south of El Zorrillo (about 5 miles south of Maneadero.) The highway was closed from there further south and there was quite a bit of traffic
backed up.There were also a number of fire engines and rescue workers headed down there.
A lot of smoke was filling the valley there in both directions...toward Santo Tomas and also up the same valley which comes out on the back side of
the mountains here behind Cantu. Needless to say, that is the direction the wind is blowing. I cannot say for sure, but from the appearance of smoke,
it seemed the fire would have been very close to the highway just past El Zorillo in the valley heading down toward Santo Tomas, also accounting for
the reason why the highway was closed. I can say that it is quite a bit further away than it appears from here.Dave - 10-22-2007 at 08:34 PM
Quote:
Originally posted by MrsFDT
Thats kind of a scary feeling, when you can actually see flames.
We can see them now here too. It just came over the mountain from Tecate and is half way down to the edge of very populated part of Tijuana. The far
end where all the new homes have spread out in the last year or so.
Are you saying the southern part of the Harris fire is now entering eastern Tijuana??? Very Scary!!!
Coming south out of Primo Tapia this evening I could see a giant smoke plume rising over Ensenada. It was huge/ugly. Where is this fire
and where is it heading?fdt - 10-22-2007 at 08:40 PM
Quote:
Originally posted by Dave
Are you saying the southern part of the Harris fire is now entering eastern Tijuana??? Very Scary!!!
It's on top of the mountain were the Tijuana Tecate toll gate and Blvd 2000 are.Bajafun777 - 10-22-2007 at 08:40 PM
Had to rush over to Otay Lakes late last night from El Centro to save my 5th wheel that I had stored at Thousand Trails Park. All the way up one you
get up the mountains from Imperial Valley you could see the fires working their misery. I just got through the fire line by Honey Springs Road and
the bridge that turns back up to Otay Lakes Road. The passing over the bridge brought the dark sky lighted like the early morning sun coming over the
hills but it was what looked like 12 foot flames jumping and running towards Otay Lakes. I got into the park told the Rangers at the Park what I saw
and told them they should get everyone out. I then hooked my 5th wheel up and just before I left I encouraged another Ranger to get the rest out and
his wife along with him. I parked my 5th wheel at Walmart parking lot off East Lake. The Walmart staff were going to each trailer offer things to
drink and eat as they knew everyone was running from the fire. Next morning I woke early and made plans to where to leave my 5th wheel as I would not
be allowed to take it east on I-8 too strong of winds big trucks and trailers were not allowed by CHPs. I got my trailer into the KOA in Chula Vista.
The folks running this KOA actually were involved in helping displaced people living in trailers, getting trailers to help go get horses out of the
fires paths and trucks to help get dogs & cats. Makes you realize that people can be people caring for others misfortune and not afraid to get
involved. Called all my friends to see how they were and found out a couple of firemen may not have made it fighting these hellish fires. My
thoughts and prayers go out to these firemen and their families, they always step in danger's way to save people. Hope everyone else makes it and to
Nomads living in San Diego Area or that have family hope they stay clear of the fire's misery also. Later==== bajafun777greybaby - 10-22-2007 at 09:05 PM
I still remember in October 2003 heading South through San Diego on our way back to Ensenada from Idaho. It felt like the end of the world as fire
seemed to be coming in from all sides except the Pacific. From what we're seeing in the news, this seems even worse this year.
Thanks for the updates on the area in Ensenada and around. My heart goes out to the people in El Zorillo. They, for the most part, are in a
difficult area as far as fighting the fire and, again, with such limited resources. We have seen the Army get involved in that area (Ensenada) in the
past and were always surprised that fires just didn't seem to reach the magnitude they do in the SD area. Have not figured out why but will continue
to watch and pray. Be careful.David K - 10-22-2007 at 09:39 PM
Quote:
Originally posted by jdtrotter
Quote:
Originally posted by David K
Before it got dark, I went up to a high area about 2 miles east of San Luis Rey mission (Oceanside/ Vista border) and could see the flames from the
Fallbrook fire just a few miles up the San Luis Rey River valley and to the north...
Is it really in the San Luis Rey River Valley---if so, we need to get our son and his family to evacuate----
Let be clarify what I typed: "...could see the flames from the Fallbrook fire just a few miles up the San Luis Rey River valley and to the north..."
Here is another way to express what I saw:
As I looked up the SLR river valley a few miles, the flames were to the north, in Fallbrook/ above Bonsall... Not in the river valley yet... that's
where I live, a block from the river and a mile from the mission.
I think all of Oceanside is safe... I hope!
My prayers are with all who have family in the danger area or who are directly in the fire storm's path of destruction.Bob and Susan - 10-23-2007 at 05:15 AM
leatherandstuff...he SHOULD have stayed hereleatherstuff.com - 10-23-2007 at 05:38 AM
Bob and Susan..I told him to check out the fire, Tecate was closed not a good time to leave but no one listens to me!!!! He called at 1:00 a.m. Ohio
time and he was in Ensenada.Bob and Susan - 10-23-2007 at 05:44 AM
i saw the "white beast" driving out...
he has a LONG drive in front of him...
you NEED to "come on down" next tripLoboron - 10-23-2007 at 06:58 AM
Quote:
Originally posted by bajabound2005
Reporting live from Punta Banda -- this just in from a neighbor:
I just returned at 6:30 pm from driving down the highway to check on the fire. There are very high flames up in the mountains across the road and
slightly south of El Zorrillo (about 5 miles south of Maneadero.) The highway was closed from there further south and there was quite a bit of traffic
backed up.There were also a number of fire engines and rescue workers headed down there.
A lot of smoke was filling the valley there in both directions...toward Santo Tomas and also up the same valley which comes out on the back side of
the mountains here behind Cantu. Needless to say, that is the direction the wind is blowing. I cannot say for sure, but from the appearance of smoke,
it seemed the fire would have been very close to the highway just past El Zorillo in the valley heading down toward Santo Tomas, also accounting for
the reason why the highway was closed. I can say that it is quite a bit further away than it appears from here.
Looking across the bay from Loma San Marino, it's still burning and moving fast towards the West. I can see flames about a mile wide. It's currently
6:30 ambajabound2005 - 10-23-2007 at 07:11 AM
Doc (Doc's Pub) just sent this to me:
"Woke up at 3AM to see ridge just beyond Camp Kennedy/Dump on fire. That one seems to have exhausted itself. But, per my drive by this morning at 6,
Ramajal has a few fires on hills just above homes and the ridge just east of Cantu is on fire."
He's heading to San Diego- should be an interesting ride today.Taco de Baja - 10-23-2007 at 07:31 AM
This morning I woke to orange/ smoke filled skys... There is no wind (nor has there been here by the river even though it was blowing inland)....
The news reported over 1,000 homes gone, 300,000 people evacuated... Lawrence Welk Resort (north of Escondido) and Hidden Meadows (just above Welk's)
are both being evacuated right now... a new Valley Center fire is moving that way.
The smoke above my home is probably from the 'Rice' fire, in south Fallbrook... Many homes along Gird Road, north of Hwy. 76 are reported burned...
This is about 10 miles upriver from the mission where I am near.
Governor Arnold is in Rancho Bernardo this morning and was at the stadium last night where there is a major evacuation center...
The home loss numbers will be MUCH higher once this is over... The only good news is the inland winds have died enough so all the aircraft can go to
work dumping retardant on the fires...
Thanks to bajaboy for asking about me this morning on the crossing border thread... I am fine (so far)...
The politics involved is a disgrace. 
