October 2007

U.K./U.S. Embassies Closed After Terror Threat

Updated: 14:59, Monday October 29, 2007

U.K. Embassy Closed After Terror Threat

BAKU, AZERBAIJAN/LONDON, ENGLAND: The British embassy in Azerbaijan has been closed after security forces thwarted a "large-scale horrifying terror attack" in the capital Baku.

The claim of a plot came from the Azerbaijani National Security Ministry which said one suspect was killed and several others detained in an operation outside the city.

The security ministry said in a statement that the radical Islamic group included an army lieutenant who had stolen 20 hand grenades, a machine gun, four assault rifles and ammunition from his military unit and made them available for the planned attack.

Security forces tracked down the group and arrested several of its members in the village of Mastaga 20 miles northeast of Baku. One member of the group offered resistance to the arrest and was killed, the statement added. The ministry said that a hunt for other members of the group was still under way.

"Several people belonging to a Wahhabi group have been detained. They were planning terrorist attacks near the U.S. embassy in Baku," said a spokesman.

Visit SkyNews for the whole story: UK. Embassy Closed After Terror Threat

The U.S. Embassy sent out an announcement to American citizens saying it had closed its consular office for an indefinite period because of a security threat and said it encouraged Americans to "maintain a high level of vigilance." Police cars were parked outside.

National Security Ministry spokesman Arif Babayev told The Associated Press that the radical Islamic group had planned to launch a "terror attack against several government structures in Baku and the U.S. Embassy."

In Washington, the State Department declined to comment on the specific nature of the threat but said the embassy, in cooperation with officials in Azerbaijan, had beefed up security and the mission would likely reopen soon. -- Source, AP/Yahoo News -- http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20071029/ap_on_re_as/azerbaijan_embassy_threat

As emergency fades, it's a return to politics as usual

26 Oct 2007

As emergency fades, it's a return to politics as usual

SACRAMENTO, CA: The sense of emergency caused by the devastating fires in Southern California created an initial state of suspended political animation in which Gov. Schwarzenegger could reign without opposition.

Now the goodwill is ending, and second-guessing the state's emergency response is fair game.

Conservative Republican congressmen like Dana Rohrabacher, of Huntington Beach, have criticized the fire response, forcing Schwarzenegger to answer tough questions about how effectively firefighting equipment was deployed.

On Friday, the governor convened a meeting of his cabinet in front of television cameras at the state's emergency operations nerve center outside Sacramento.

"Of course, after this, we're going to go and analyze everything ? how perfect of a job we have done," the governor said, looking tired.

Schwarzenegger has been at his best this week, racing across the state in his private plane to comfort fire victims and cheer on their rescuers. He was a ubiquitous presence on television, conveying such compassion and concern that political analysts on CNN said it was a pity Schwarzenegger couldn't run for president.

He appeared with Democrats like Sen. Dianne Feinstein, who lauded Schwarzenegger in a statement for being "on the scene virtually around the clock."

He spent a day with his frequent political nemesis, President Bush, whose conservatism the far more popular Schwarzenegger often uses to set off his own moderate political positioning on the environment.

But none of that was in evidence as Schwarzenegger toured charred neighborhoods with the president in tow. The governor praised Bush "for his tremendous support and for his immediate help in this terrible disaster, and for taking the time out to come here to California to see firsthand what the people of our state are going through."

Bush returned the favor, saying what a difference it made to have a governor who knew what he was doing in a natural disaster, an apparent reference to the disorganized state and local response in New Orleans to Hurricane Katrina, which, along with what was perceived as a botched federal effort, scarred Bush's presidency.

But Schwarzenegger's rapprochement with the president is likely to come to an end next week, when California files an environmental lawsuit against the feds that it had delayed because of the fires.

"Arnold may be making nice right now with George W. Bush, because there's federal money at stake," said Garry South, a Democrat who advised former Gov. Gray Davis. "But you can bet the minute Bush leaves California, that lawsuit is going to be filed."

Schwarzenegger put off the lawsuit this week because of the fire. But Attorney General Jerry Brown is expected to go to court next week to force the Environmental Protection Agency to decide whether California and 11 other states can impose stricter vehicle standards to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

California has been waiting for almost two years for a response.

The end of the fire emergency means Schwarzenegger will also have to return to everyday business in Sacramento, where his proposals to reform health care and address the state's critical water needs have been stalled. -- Source: Associated Press, Laura Kurtzman, October 26, 2007

Emergency Service Analyst Notes: California Wildfires

CHICAGO, IL: More than a few experts, who study emergency response/disaster operations, say that the problem is not now a return to "politics as usual," but rather that "the politics never went away," during the recent wildfire disaster in California. By the second day of fire operations in various parts of the Golden State, "political sniping" had begun and fingers were already being pointed by various parties in the direction of Schwarzenegger, Bush, and FEMA. Political opponents, often associated with various candidates in the upcoming elections, had already began to criticize and lay blame for any possible difficulties that had or might be encountered. And...this was going on as the battle between firefighter -- the wind -- and the fire storms -- were just being joined.

One would have thought that everyone would have concentrated on rushing aid to the victims of the horrible fires, and providing the necessary resources to help the firefighters in their valiant efforts to defeat "the fire devil." Instead, it seemed that far too many people "had an political axe to grind," and they wanted to do it by criticizing disaster operations as they were ongoing.

Analysts said that this entire mentality of "political one-ups-manship" must stop if we are to hope to ever effectively respond to and effective mitigate disasters in this country. ERRI CEO and senior analyst Clark Staten said of the situation, "Disaster response should be apolitical...it should not be just another opportunity to bash one's political opponents and second guess decisions that are being made during periods of great challenges and emotional stress." "That's what professional after action reports (AAR's), post crisis debriefings, and post-incident studies are for," Staten added.

Staten, a veteran of more than 30 years of various kinds of emergency service and military experience, continued, "First responder leaders do not need to be fighting 'political battles' in the midst of a crisis -- they need to concentrate on strategizing the best possible actions to be taken to resolve the crisis -- not watching their back to see if they are being stabbed by some 'political operative' with an agenda other than saving lives and property and mitigating the crisis circumstances."

"Unfortunately, unless and until the voters (and the main stream news reporters and editors) make it clear that they will not stand for an exploitation of emergencies, disasters, and their victims by politicians...this folly is likely to continue," Staten added. "We, as a country, can't afford to allow the vociferous political climate to get in the way of effective response to disasters...to do so will undoubtedly result in the unnecessary deaths of citizens who might have otherwise have been saved," Staten concluded.

Allegations Surface of Fake FEMA News Conference

Friday, October 26, 2007

FEMA Meets the Press, Which Happens to Be . . . FEMA

By Al Kamen, Page A19

FEMA has truly learned the lessons of Katrina. Even its handling of the media has improved dramatically. For example, as the California wildfires raged Tuesday, Vice Adm. Harvey E. Johnson, the deputy administrator, had a 1 p.m. news briefing.

Reporters were given only 15 minutes' notice of the briefing, making it unlikely many could show up at FEMA's Southwest D.C. offices.

They were given an 800 number to call in, though it was a "listen only" line, the notice said -- no questions. Parts of the briefing were carried live on Fox News (see the Fox News video of the news conference carried on the Think Progress Web site), MSNBC and other outlets.

Johnson stood behind a lectern and began with an overview before saying he would take a few questions. The first questions were about the "commodities" being shipped to Southern California and how officials are dealing with people who refuse to evacuate. He responded eloquently.

He was apparently quite familiar with the reporters -- in one case, he appears to say "Mike" and points to a reporter -- and was asked an oddly in-house question about "what it means to have an emergency declaration as opposed to a major disaster declaration" signed by the president. He once again explained smoothly.

FEMA press secretary Aaron Walker interrupted at one point to caution he'd allow just "two more questions." Later, he called for a "last question."

"Are you happy with FEMA's response so far?" a reporter asked. Another asked about "lessons learned from Katrina."

"I'm very happy with FEMA's response so far," Johnson said, hailing "a very smoothly, very efficiently performing team."

"And so I think what you're really seeing here is the benefit of experience, the benefit of good leadership and the benefit of good partnership," Johnson said, "none of which were present in Katrina." (Wasn't Michael Chertoff DHS chief then?) Very smooth, very professional. But something didn't seem right. The reporters were lobbing too many softballs. No one asked about trailers with formaldehyde for those made homeless by the fires. And the media seemed to be giving Johnson all day to wax on and on about FEMA's greatness.

Of course, that could be because the questions were asked by FEMA staffers playing reporters...(article continues at URL below)

References

FEMA Meets the Press, Which Happens to Be . . . FEMA, by Al Kamen: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/10/25/AR2007102502488.html

White House Scolds FEMA - Video: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/video/2007/10/26/VI2007102601479.html

DHS rips FEMA's propaganda presser as 'inexcusable.'

Department of Homeland Security spokeswoman Laura Keehner said that FEMA's staged press conference is "inexcusable to the secretary." FEMA is part of DHS. Keehner described the incident as a lapse in judgment, but said "stunts such as this will not be tolerated" and noted that "the senior leadership of the department is taking this very seriously." "This is offensive, inexcusable," she told USA Today. -- Posted 19:15 pm - 26 Nov 2007

http://thinkprogress.org/207/10/26/fema-softball-presser/

Evacuees To Leave Qualcomm Stadium Today

October 26, 2007, 9:49 AM PDT

Evacuees To Leave Qualcomm Stadium

SAN DIEGO, CA: The NFL stadium where thousands of displaced residents sought refuge is closing as an evacuation center, a symbolic show of progress against wildfires still menacing Southern California.

Once sheltering more than 10,000 people, Qualcomm Stadium was home to just 350 on Friday morning. It was to close later in the day.

Across San Diego County, the region hardest hit by the firestorms that began last weekend, thousands of evacuees have been trickling back to neighborhoods stripped bare of houses, trees and the familiar signs of suburbia. The lucky ones will find their homes still standing amid a blackened landscape....

-- Source: KTLA, http://ktla.trb.com/news/ktla-sd-evacuees,0,5801361.story?coll=ktla-news-2

Homeland Security: California response working

Oct 25 16:40 PM US/Eastern

Homeland Security: California response working

WASHINGTON, DC: The southern California wildfires disaster response of federal, state and local partners "working together' is operating as it should, an administration official said.

The role of the federal government is to support state and local response, "which is exactly what we've been doing since these fires started," Fran Townsend, assistant to the president for Homeland Security and Counterterrorism, said during a media briefing.

She was unable to provide the cost of the federal commitment, which began Sunday with the fire management assistance grants.

While it was difficult draw comparisons, Townsend said the wildfires were the most challenging natural disaster the federal government faced since Hurricane Katrina struck the Gulf Coast.

"This is over a wider swath of area and certainly there's a larger body of people affected ... but it's hard to compare natural disasters," she said. "Floods are very different in terms of the scale of damage than tornadoes. Tornadoes are different from fires. And so it's hard to compare. All natural disasters are not equal."

Townsend said airborne water drops are more effective since the winds shifted, but "I think it's too soon to say" whether firefighters turned the corner...

-- Source: UPI, http://www.breitbart.com/article.php?id=upiUPI-20071025-162553-7431&show_article=1

FBI Assisting Local Authorities in O.C. Fire Investigation

Oct. 25, 2007 (KABC-TV)

FBI Assisting Local Authorities in O.C. Fire Investigation
Approximately 3,000 Homes Threatened and 43,000 Residents Evacuated

IRVINE, CA: A $120,000 reward for information leading to the arsonist who set the Santiago Fire in Orange County is being offered, as federal agents help local law enforcement investigate the still-burning wildfire.

The fire, started in three separate places near Santiago Canyon and Silverado Canyon roads about 5:55 p.m. Sunday, has destroyed 14 homes and eight outbuildings, according the Orange County Fire Authority. Eight homes and 12 outbuildings have been damaged.

About 22,000 acres in the mostly rural horse country east of Irvine has been blackened. Virtually every canyon community, including Trabuco, Modjeska and Silverado canyons, was evacuated.

Mandatory evacuations remain in effect for the canyon areas of Santiago Canyon Road between Silverado Canyon Road and Live Oak Canyon Road, including the Santiago Estates area and Jackson Ranch Road. Areas along Live Oak Canyon Road through the Trabuco Canyon area, including O'Neill Regional Park, to Trabuco Creek Road are also included in this mandatory evacuation.

Approximately 3,000 homes have been threatened and 43,000 residents have been evacuated.

"The Orange County Fire Authority is offering a $70,000 reward for any information leading to the arrest of the arsonist," OCFA Capt. Stephen Miller said.

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger announced Thursday an additional $50,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for setting the fire.

Anyone with more information as to the cause of the fire is asked to call the Orange County Fire Authority arson tip line at (800) 540-8282.

-- Source/Continues at: http://abclocal.go.com/kabc/story?section=local&id=5719542

[ERRI emergency service analysts said that they have been informed that there are at least four (4) arson investigations on-going in S. California at this time, and that more may be begun, depending on preliminary inquiries into the source and origin of other wildfires. The identity and motives of any alleged arsonist(s) is presently not known. Watch this page for more official information as it develops...]

Two burned bodies are found in California

25 Oct 2007 - 10:15 PDT

Two burned bodies are found in California

POWAY, CA: Crews found two burned bodies in a gutted house, authorities said Thursday, and flames drew perilously close to thousands of homes in Southern California's firestorm despite a break in the harsh winds and a massive aerial assault.

Medical examiners were trying to establish the identities of the man and woman whose bodies were found near Poway, north of San Diego, said Sheriff's Department spokeswoman Jan Caldwell. They were believed to be related, officials said.

Neighbors told officials they last saw the pair around midnight Monday when they told the two to evacuate, Caldwell said. They were reported missing sometime after that.

Flames also claimed the life of a 52-year-old man in Tecate. The San Diego medical examiner's office listed seven other deaths as connected to the blazes because all who died were evacuees. The number of deceased fire victims could rise as authorities return to neighborhoods where homes burned...

-- Source/Continues at: AP/Yahoo - http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20071025/ap_on_re_us/california_wildfires_315

California Crews Aided by Easing Winds; Six Major Fires Still Burning

Oct 25, 2007

California Crews Aided by Easing Winds, but Six Major Fires Still Blazing
A Merciful Easing of Winds Helps Calif. Firefighters Battle Back Against Sprawling Wildfires

SOCAL: A merciful easing of the winds fueling Southern California's sprawling wildfires finally gave fire crews a chance to fight back against some blazes Wednesday, and weary residents could take solace in an overriding sign of hope: Just one person has died from the flames.

That contrasts to 22 dead from a fire of similar magnitude in 2003. And while the final toll has yet to be tallied from this week's fires, officials were crediting an automated, reverse 911 calling system that prompted the orderly evacuation of more than half a million people 10 times the number evacuated four years ago.

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"They are more determined that people leave," said Steve Levstik, who got his call 15 minutes before flames swept through his Rancho Bernardo neighborhood.

"It was very intense. On the call, it was like, 'This area, go! This area, go!' In 2003 there was less guidance. It was like, 'Just pay attention to the news and if it looks bad, leave.'"

On Wednesday, winds dropped to 21 to 36 mph, considerably less than the fierce gusts of up to 100 mph that whipped fire zones earlier in the week.

The improving weather allowed for a greater aerial assault on the flames and helped firefighters beat back the most destructive blazes. Helicopters and air tankers dropped 30 to 35 loads of water on two fires that have burned hundreds of homes in the San Bernardino Mountains, near Lake Arrowhead.

"They're taking it down considerably," said Dennis Bouslaugh of the U.S. Forest Service.

Firefighters had fully contained the three major fires in Los Angeles County by nightfall, and largely contained several smaller fires north of San Diego, though large fires were still burning almost unchecked.

Despite the progress, none of the six major blazes in San Diego County was more than 15 percent contained, and those fires threatened more than 8,500 houses. The top priority was a fire in San Bernardino County that threatened 6,000 homes and continued to rage out of control... Continues/Source: http://abcnews.go.com/Technology/wireStory?id=3772572

Officials: Arson Behind Santiago Fire

Oct. 25, 2007

Officials: Arson Behind Santiago Fire
Investigations Into Cause and origin of Fires Begin...

SAN DIEGO, CA: CBS News has learned a task force of agencies, including the FBI, ATF, the Orange County Fire Authority and the California Department of Forestry will announce shortly that the massive Santiago Canyon Fire -- which has caused an estimated $10 million in damage -- is being officially declared an arson, and a $70,000 reward is being offered to find the arsonist.

Investigators have identified two separate "points of origin" where they believe the fire was set, CBS News has learned. FBI agents secured the scene to "maintain its integrity."

The Santiago Fire has burned about 19,200 acres east of Irvine, officials said, and it is around 30 percent contained. Six homes and eight outbuildings have been destroyed, with another eight homes and 12 outbuildings damaged. Four firefighters have been injured fighting the blaze and about 3,000 people evacuated.

In San Bernardino County, a man suspected of starting a small fire was arrested and another man was shot to death by police after he fled officers who approached to see if he might be trying to set a fire... -- Source/Continues: http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2007/10/24/national/main3401265.shtml

UPDATED: 2:02 pm PDT October 24, 2007

Home Not Searched In California Wildfire Arson Investigation

WASHINGTON -- California authorities and FBI agents did not search a home Wednesday as part of an arson investigation into one of the wildfires devastating Southern California, a law enforcement official said. But, authorities were investigating arson as a possible cause of at least one of the wildfires. FBI evidence response teams did recover materials they hoped would identify the source of the fires that have burned for four days.

Richard Kolko, an FBI spokesman in Washington, said the evidence response teams "have been working with other federal, state and local authorities" to identify the source of the fires. He referred other questions to local authorities.

-- Source: Diego News Story - KGTV San Diego - http://www.10news.com/news/14415303/detail.html

Fire-by-fire status: San Diego County - 24 Oct 2007

07:15 PDT - 24 Oct 2007

Fire-by-fire status: San Diego County

• Witch Fire: About 196,420 acres in northern San Diego County from Witch Creek to Rancho Santa Fe. One percent contained; 500 homes, 100 businesses and 50 outbuildings destroyed; 375 other structures damaged, including 250 homes and 75 businesses. Two civilians and 12 firefighters injured.
• Harris Fire: About 72,000 acres 70 miles southeast of San Diego north of the border town of Tecate. 10 percent contained; 200 homes destroyed; 2,000 homes and 500 commercial properties threatened. One civilian killed, 21civilians and five firefighters injured.
• Rice Fire: At least 7,500 acres in Fallbrook in northern San Diego County. 10 percent containment; 206 homes and 2 commercial properties destroyed. One firefighter injured.
• Poomacha Fire: 20,000 acres on the La Jolla Indian Reservation and in northeastern San Diego County. No containment; 50 homes destroyed and 2,000 homes threatened. Ten firefighters injured.
• Camp Pendleton Fire: 6,000 acres on the Marine base north of San Diego. 10 percent contained.

-- Source: SignOnSanDiego.com: http://sosdfireblog.blogspot.com/2007/10/fire-by-fire-update.html

Oct. 24, 2007 (CNS)

New Round of Evacuations for San Diego County
Fires Burn 200,000 Acres, 513,000 People Evacuated

SAN DIEGO, CA: The Witch Creek fire in northern San Diego County, whose sooty footprint is the biggest in Southern California at nearly 200,000 acres, was just 1 percent contained Wednesday.

One front of the fire was nearing the town of Julian early Wednesday, and a new round of evacuations was ordered for the north side of Highway 76 in Bonsall, San Luis Rey Heights and Winterwarm.

Evacuees were being directed west on Highway 76. The nearest shelters with room are at MiraCosta College and Borrego High School, according to county officials.

The fire broke out east of Ramona about 11 a.m. Sunday, eventually prompting the evacuation of nearly 350,000 households in Poway, Escondido, San Marcos, Rancho Santa Fe and parts of San Diego.

About 645 homes, 100 businesses and 50 outbuilding have gone up in flames, according to fire officials. Hundreds of other residences were damaged.

Because the fire broke out relatively late -- other big fires started around dawn or earlier, and most water-dropping aircraft were already assigned to them via the state's mutual aid system -- few firefighting aircraft were available during its first few hours, San Diego Deputy Fire Chief Brian Fennessy told ABC News.

The strong Santa Ana winds that enabled the fire to spread so quickly were starting to let up as more than 1,700 firefighters headed into Day 4 of the firefight.

-- Source: http://abclocal.go.com/kabc/story?section=local&id=5719545

Man Arrested For Trying to Start Fire

BREAKING NEWS - 11:40 P.M. PDT -- 23 Oct 2007

Man Arrested For Trying to Start Fire

HESPERIA, CA: A male adult has been taken in to custody by the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Dept. in the Hesperia area. A witness saw the man trying to start a fire near Highway 173, south of Mojave Forks Campgrounds in Hesperia. Few other official details are currently available. Watch this blog for more on this still developing story.

MORE UPDATES AND DETAILS AS SOON AS THEY'RE AVAILABLE AT: http://www.abc7.com

Additional Resources for Air Attack on Southern California Wildfires

10/23/2007 GAAS:844:07 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Governor Schwarzenegger Announces Additional Resources for Air Attack on Southern California Wildfires

In coordination with the Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE), the Governor?s Office of Emergency Services (OES) and California National Guard (CNG), Governor Schwarzenegger has announced additional aircraft resources available to fight the devastating Southern California wildfires.

?These fires are causing terrible and tragic devastation in our state, but we are responding and we will not stop until everyone is safe,? said Governor Schwarzenegger. ?I will continue to be relentless in getting additional resources and everything our firefighters need to fight these wildfires. We are working around the clock and deploying every possible resource in cooperation with federal, state and local governments.?

The additional aerial resources that have been made available to support the firefighting efforts are:

6 CNG helicopters

2 additional air tankers for a total of 27

2 U.S. Navy helicopters from San Diego on standby

2 Nevada National Guard helicopters

2 DC-7s from Oregon

1 Martin Mars 7,000 gallon water dropping aircraft from Canada

The following aerial resources are currently being used to fight the wildfires:

24 air attack aircrafts

25 air tankers

40 helicopters

1 DC-10

-- Source: http://gov.ca.gov/press-release/7823/

Interactive Fire Map - Progressing Envelopment

This is an excerpted image from the LA Times Interactive Fire Map, which demonstrates the progression of growth of the San Diego County Fires. Click on the map or visit the flash component at: http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-102307-sandiegofire-fl,0,7627625.flash?coll=la-home-center

Number of SoCal Evacuees Reaches 500,000

22:00 PDT - 23 Oct 2007

Unrelenting fires char S. California, at least half a million flee

Highlights - Increasing Federal Participation in SoCal Fires

· 3,000 Marines evacuated at Camp Pendleton, north of San Diego

· Defense Department firefighting teams fighting the blazes, official says

· President Bush is set to visit Southern California on Thursday

· More than a half-million people evacuated in San Diego County alone

SAN DIEGO, CA: Relentless wildfires roared through Southern California for a third day Tuesday, sending more than half a million residents fleeing with family members, pets and whatever prize possessions they could fit in their vehicles.

The blazes have charred 400,000 acres and reduced 1,300 homes -- 1,000 in San Diego County -- to ash.

The fires have killed one person and injured more than 50. Earlier Tuesday, officials erroneously reported that a second person had died.

Earlier Tuesday, Lt. Gov. John Garamendi, said the number of evacuees "could very well approach 500,000 by the end of the day."

By Tuesday night, officials had evacuated nearly 350,000 homes in San Diego County. Using U.S. Census Bureau numbers from the 2000 census, that could mean as many as 950,000 were affected by the fires.

In San Diego County, at least 513,000 residents had been ordered to find refuge in shelters, schools and stadiums as fires pushed into new areas.

Twelve thousand more people were advised but not ordered to evacuate. Watch a fire official describe "utter devastation"

President Bush will visit the area Thursday, the White House said. Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff arrived in San Diego on Tuesday afternoon.

Chertoff promised a different federal reaction from the one in New Orleans in 2005. "We have been preparing and planning and training together for the last 2? years," he said.

And the scene at Qualcomm Stadium on Tuesday did seem to live up to Chertoff's expectations as volunteers cheerily handed out chairs, food and water. The Federal Emergency Management Agency delivered 25,000 cots early Tuesday.

Free newspapers were available, National Guard troops kept watch, ventriloquists and balloon artists entertained kids, and even massage therapists were trying to help the 12,000 to 15,000 evacuees relax as they fretted about the fate of their homes. Watch evacuees try to pass the time as they worry about their homes »

Meanwhile, at least two fires raged on the property of the U.S. Marines' Camp Pendleton, north of San Diego. Three-thousand Marines were evacuated Tuesday evening.

Paul McHale, assistant secretary of defense for homeland defense, said 550 Camp Pendleton Marines were preparing to deploy to the fire area.

As the Santa Ana winds, which approached 70 mph, fueled the fires, 1,400 Navy personnel and their families were evacuated, the Pentagon said. See photos of the fires »

-- Continues/Source: http://www.cnn.com/2007/US/10/23/wildfire.ca/index.html

UPDATED List of Evacuations, Closures Due to Southland Wildfires

19:30PDT - 23 Oct 2007

UPDATED List of Evacuations, Closures Due to Southland Wildfires

LOS ANGELES, Oct. 23, 2007 (KABC-TV) - Here is a current list of evacuations, shelters and closures:

* MALIBU/"CANYON INCIDENT"

* AGUA DULCE, CANYON COUNTRY/"BUCKWEED INCIDENT"

* CASTAIC/"RANCH INCIDENT"

* LAKE ARROWHEAD/"GRASS VALLEY FIRE"

* GREEN VALLEY CREEK/"SLIDE FIRE"

* ORANGE COUNTY, IRVINE/"SANTIAGO INCIDENT"

* SAN DIEGO COUNTY/"HARRIS FIRE" & SAN DIEGO COUNTY, WITCH CREEK/"WITCH FIRE"

-- A toll-free hotline has been established by the governor's office for businesses interested in making "large quantity" donations to people displaced by the Southern California wildfires. The number is (800) 750-2858. It will be staffed from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. by officials from the governor's Office of Emergency Services.

Individuals interested in donating items or volunteering to support relief efforts should contact the Red Cross at (800) 733-2767.

Extensive information can be found at: http://abclocal.go.com/kabc/story?section=local&id=5719546

23 Oct 2007

2 S.D. Fires Merge, 1,000 Homes and Businesses Lost

Fires Burn 242,000 Acres, 513,000 Homes Evacuated

WITCH CREEK, Oct. 23, 2007 - The Harris and Witch Fires merged in San Diego County, creating a blaze that stretches 12 square miles. At least 513,000 homes were ordered to evacuate in San Diego County. There are voluntary evacuations for another 12,000 people.

Two other smaller fires are also burning in the area. The Rice Fire has burned some 7,000 acres in the Fallbrook area. On Tuesday morning, officials announced more than 1,000 homes and businesses had been lost, but that number is expected to climb.

So far there is no containment on the fires.

Erratic winds on Tuesday made things very difficult for fire crews. Winds would gust up to 60 miles per hour and then die down. Those winds are also spreading embers which can start smaller fires. Fire officials say aerial assaults are the key element in the fight against this fire.

Among the hardest-hit areas is northern Rancho Bernardo, where as many as 300 homes went up in flames Monday, according to a group of firefighters taking a break at a strip mall on West Bernardo Drive Monday night.

Officials say ten times more people have been evacuated than the 2003 Cedar Fire which charred 280,278 acres and killed 15 people.

The Harris Fire killed a Tecate man and injured 21 others since it began in rural southeastern San Diego County on Sunday.

Shelters were set up at Qualcomm Stadium, Santana High School, Poway Community Park, Poway Girls & Boys Club, Campo Community Center, Mission Hills High School, Mira Mesa High School, Escondido High School, the Del Mar Fairgrounds, El Toro Air Force Base, Steele Canyon High School and San Marcos High School. Several of the school shelters are full.

All San Diego Unified School District schools will be closed for the remainder of the week due to the fires, and classes at UC San Diego have been canceled for the rest of the week as well... -- Source: KABC & CNS - http://abclocal.go.com/kabc/story?section=local&id=5719545

Residents urged to avoid non-emergency cellphone calls

SAN DIEGO COUNTY, CA: San Diego County authorities today asked residents to avoid making non-emergency calls on their cellphones as voice traffic surged and prevented some connections. Emergency officials managing response to the fires said text messages were fine.

Many callers, in contrast, received messages that all circuits were busy. It wasn't immediately clear if cell towers were destroyed in the blazes, compounding the standard surge as people abandoned their houses and checked in with one another by cell.

"It's not unusual in an emergency situation," said spokesman Joseph Farren of CTIA-The Wireless Assn., an industry group.

"Think of an L.A. highway at 6 p.m. If you have a lot of calls going in to one site, it overwhelms the site. You want to avoid that kind of rush-hour gridlock and keep the lines open for true emergencies." Spokesmen for Verizon Wireless and other major carriers didn't immediately respond to interview requests.

Continues/Source: LA Times, Joseph Menn and Michelle Quinn, http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-cell24oct24,1,1018637.story?

Editor's note: The editors and webmasters at Emergency.com/Emergency.Blog would like to thank S.D. County resident Col. Gary Wilson (Col. USMCR, Ret.) for all of his contributions and information. Col. Wilson and several other readers have provided us with a perspective that has allowed us to better understand and report the situation of citizens at risk in the SoCal fires... If you have information or pictures that you would like to share here...send to webmaster@mail.emergency.com

California Wildfires Map - As of 0600 - 10/22/2007

Visual References: California Wildfires Map - As of 0600 - 10/22/2007

Includes descriptions of fires and firefighting resources committed to each fire.

http://www.esri.com/disaster_response/firemaps/
pdfs/statewide_fires_102207_am.pdf

Get More Maps, Images, and Data:

http://www.esri.com/disaster_response/
wildlandfire_support2007.html

[NOTE: Emergency.Blog will post the most recent and representative fire maps as they are released by official sources. Watch this page for more data]

Orange County Santiago fire: Arson Fires/Terror Link?

Posted Tuesday, October 23, 2007

California Fire Battalion Chief - Whoever Did This Knew What They Were Doing

Original Source: National Terror Alert Center
Date: October 22, 2007

Fire officials are now stating that the Orange County Santiago fire was purposely set and there is speculation that other fires may have also been deliberate.

Fire officials found three separate "points of origin," all near the intersection of Silverado Canyon Road and Santiago Canyon Road. Two were on one side of the road, and the third was on the other. ?Whoever did this knew what they were doing,? said Kris Concepcion, a fire authority battalion chief. Also, the fire traveled 3 miles in its first 20 minutes when it was ignited about 6 p.m. Sunday, he said.

We are NOT implying that the California fires are an act of terrorism however; the threat of pyro-terrorist attacks pose a significant risk to the U.S. and the fires in California and in Greece earlier this year should be a wake-up call.

In 2003 an FBI memo alerted law enforcement agencies that an al-Qaeda terrorist being held in detention had talked of masterminding a plot to set a series of devastating forest fires around the western United States.

It was reported that the detainee, who was not identified, said the plan involved three or four people setting wildfires using timed devices in Colorado, Montana, Utah and Wyoming that would detonate in forests and grasslands after the operatives had left the country.

?The detainee believed that significant damage to the U.S. economy would result and once it was realized that the fires were terrorist acts, U.S. citizens would put pressure on the U.S. government to change its policies,? the memo said.

This story continues at: Homeland Security National Terror Alert Center, which can be found at: http://www.nationalterroralert.com/updates/2007/10/22/california-fire-battallion-chief-whoever-did-this-knew-what-they-were-doing/

Report from the UCSD Medical Center burn unit

6:23 p.m. October 22, 2007

Report from the UCSD Burn Unit

By Lee Grant, UNION-TRIBUNE STAFF WRITER

SAN DIEGO COUNTY, CA: At UCSD Medical Center's burn unit yesterday, the human toll from the fires inundating the county was heart-rending -- 14 patients hospitalized including four firefighters injured in the rural Potrero area, three in critical condition, one in fair. Four other patients were also in critical condition, four in fair, one in good, many with serious inhalation damage.

Dr. Raul Coimbra, director of the hospital's trauma, burn and surgical intensive care units, and Leslie Franz, director of UCSD's Health Sciences Communications & Public Affairs, were taking stock as they paused for a breather in the lobby of the modernistic structure at Arbor Drive and Front Street.

Like most hospitals in the county, UCSD cancelled elective procedures in anticipation of additional victims of the fires, and because many physicians and nurses, including Coimbra and the burn unit director, Dr. Bruce Potenza, and neurosurgeon Dr. larry Marshall, had to rush away to help their families evacuate their own homes.

"We're prepared for more, able to accept and care for them," said Franz. "We've learned from experience (the 2003 Cedar fire) to be prepared, to make sure we have available beds and staffing. There's lots of personnel in the burn and intensive care units."Protecting the identity of patients and barring visitors other than relatives, Coimbra talked earnestly how his team, including five burn trauma surgeons, responded to what he called "a mass casualty."

Dr. Bruce Potenza, the burn unit chief, was on duty for 24 hours, said Coimbra, but left Monday morning for north Poway where his family was ordered to evacuate.

Coimbra and the staff were particularly taken with the firefighters who were hurt fighting the Potrero blaze.

"We look at them as our partners," he said, speaking quietly. "We're touched and saddened and compelled to help them and try and save their lives.

"For all the patients, everybody's doing everything they can. There's lots going on -- changing bandages -- adjusting ventilators. We're aggressive in excising burn tissue early and stopping infection. We're on the cutting edge of treatment and much of it has been developed here."

Added Franz, "This is an intense, catastrophic event. We do this work every single day for people who need this kind of care not only in San Diego County but Imperial County and Baja California."

Coimbra said the burn patients all came "in the last 24 hours. We got so many in such a short period of time -- seven are really sick with burns and inhalation injuries, six have serious burns but no inhalation damage." Article source/continues at: http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/metro/20071022-1823-bn22moreburn.html

Military Assistance and Aircraft Movements Due to SoCal Wildfires

Pendleton warns some to be prepared to leave

Fires prompt Corps to send Miramar aircraft elsewhere as 'precaution'

By Gidget Fuentes - Staff writer
Posted : Monday Oct 22, 2007 21:36:54 EDT

OCEANSIDE, CA: As wildfires raged in an adjacent town, Camp Pendleton officials on Monday afternoon warned some base residents to prepare for an emergency evacuation.

No mandatory evacuation was ordered as of 5:15 p.m. California time, but base officials wanted residents of several neighborhoods in the east part of the base -- De Luz, Serra Mesa, San Luis Rey and O'Neill housing areas -- to prepare their families just in case.

"The Provost Marshal and military police will announce an evacuation plan, routes and billeting via a loud speaker when evacuation is imminent,"Camp Pendleton officials said in a statement.

A brown, smoky haze hung over Camp Pendleton late afternoon as firefighters battled a growing blaze in Fallbrook, a town just east of Camp Pendleton and Fallbrook Naval Weapons Station. The Rice fire flared up near Rainbow and jumped across Interstate 15 by midday as strong, dry westerly Santa Ana winds pushed the fires to the west. The fire was one of a half-dozen burning in San Diego County.

"Erring on the side of caution, Camp Pendleton officials are recommending military members and their families begin to pack personal belongings and plenty of water,"base officials said.

"Military members are encouraged to pack their personal belongings and stay tuned for additional information of available billeting. Military members who have already packed and have developed a safe route to local relatives and friends, on and off base, are authorized to do so at this time.?

"Safety is paramount: I urge all residents to take prudent precautions ahead of time. Do not wait to begin to prepare,"said Col. James B. Seaton III, base commander.

An expansive wildfire in San Diego threatened communities near Miramar Marine Corps Air Station and prompted officials to evacuate aircraft.

Marine Corps air crews began flying helicopters, fighter jets and aircraft to other military bases in California and Arizona, said 1st Lt. Jill Leyden, an air station spokeswoman. "This is a precautionary measure to prevent damage to aircraft and associated equipment,"Leyden said in a statement.

Camp Pendleton established an information hotline: 1-866-430-2764. Base officials said displaced military families, as well as retirees and Defense Department civilian workers, can turn to base services at the base for temporary lodging, information and other assistance:

* Billeting: 760-430-4702.

* Main Gate Commissary: 760-430-1701.

* Naval Hospital: 760-25-4357.

* San Luis Rey Day Care Centers: 760-725-5608.

* Base Chaplain Services: 760725-4700.

* Abbey Reinke Community Center: 760-763-0649.

Article continues at the Marine Corp Times: http://www.marinecorpstimes.com/news/2007/10/navy_californiawildfires_071022w/

Six Navy copter crews helping fight wildfires

SAN DIEGO, CA: Six crews from the Navy's Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 85 are helping to fight the wildfires in San Diego County, a Naval Air Forces spokeswoman said.

The teams, based at North Island Naval Air Station, are the only local Navy personnel trained to fight fires from the air. They typically handle blazes on local military bases, said Lt. Cmdr. Liz Meydenbauer.

The California Department of Forestry has assigned them to battle the Witch Creek fire.

The crews fly in MH-60 Seahawk helicopters, which carry a 420-gallon water bucket and can fly 60 to 90 minutes without refueling, Meydenbauer said. They are operating out of the Imperial Beach Outlying Naval Base.

Meanwhile, Miramar Marine Corps Air Station has contributed several aircraft and crews to firefighting operations based in Ramona, said 1st Lt. Jill Leyden, a Marine Corps spokeswoman. Several ground firefighting units and two fire trucks also are assisting San Diego firefighters.

-- Source: Steve Liewer, UNION-TRIBUNE STAFF WRITER: http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/military/20071022-1752-bn22helos.html

Raging California Fires Burn More than 500 Homes

22 Oct 2007 -

Raging California Fires Burn More than 500 Homes

Summary/Update - SoCal Wildfires

SAN DIEGO - Wildfires blown by fierce desert winds Monday reduced hundreds of Southern California homes to ashes, forced hundreds of thousands of people to flee and laid a hellish, spidery pattern of luminous orange over the drought-stricken region.

At least one person was killed and dozens were injured. More than 600 homes burned, about 130 in one mountain area alone, and thousands of other buildings were threatened by more than a dozen blazes covering at least 520 square miles.

Soon after nightfall, fire officials announced that 500 homes and 100 commercial properties had been destroyed by a fire in northern San Diego County that exploded to 145,000 acres, said Roxanne Provaznik, a spokeswoman for the California Department of Forestry. The fire injured seven firefighters and one civilian, and was spreading unchecked.

A pair of wildfires consumed 133 homes in the Lake Arrowhead mountain resort area in the San Bernardino National Forest east of Los Angeles, authorities said (See previous story about Arrowhead fire on this blog). Hundreds of homes were lost in the same community fours ago.

Firefighters ? who lost valuable time trying to persuade stubborn homeowners to leave ? had their work cut out for them as winds gusting to 70 mph scattered embers onto dry brush, spawning spot fires. California officials pleaded for help from fire departments in other states.

"A lot of people are going to lose their homes today," San Diego Fire Capt. Lisa Blake predicted earlier.

At least 14 fires were burning in Southern California, said Patti Roberts, a spokeswoman for the Governor's Office of Emergency Services.

From San Diego to Malibu, more than 150 miles up the coast, at least 265,000 people were warned to leave their homes. More than 250,000 were told to flee in San Diego County alone. "It's probably closer to 300,000," said County Supervisor Ron Roberts. This story, by Yahoo News and the Associated Press, continues at: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20071023/ap_on_re_us/california_wildfires_138

Witch Fire Merges with Nearby Blaze in San Diego County

Oct. 22, 2007

Witch Fire Merges with Nearby Blaze in San Diego County; At Least 10,000 Acres Scorched

WITCH CREEK, CA (San Diego County): The 10,000-acre Witch Creek Fire merged with the San Pasqual Valley Fire Monday, and officials warned that the combined blaze could prove more destructive than the 2003 Cedar fire, which blackened 280,278 acres and killed 15 people.

All of Ramona's roughly 36,000 residents were ordered to evacuate Sunday as the fire moved into the area, burning a number of structures. So far, officials have been unable to provide a tally of lost homes in any of the communities ravaged by the blaze.

By early Monday afternoon, crews had yet to gain any containment of the wind-whipped blaze, according to the state Department of Forestry, or Cal Fire.

Shortly before 2 p.m., the San Diego Police Department issued a mandatory evacuation announcement for most of Scripps Ranch, an upscale community that was devastated by the Cedar Fire.

The area subject to the order is bounded by Scripps Poway Parkway on the north, Marine Corps Air Station Miramar on the south, Interstate 15 on the west and state Route 76 on the east. No residents will be allowed to enter the area, SDPD spokeswoman Monica Munoz said...(Continues)

Read more about it from KABC-TV and City News Service (CNS): http://abclocal.go.com/kabc/story?section=local&id=5719545

Fire Mutual Aid Being Requested from Neighboring States

22 Oct 2007 - 10:45 PDT

Fire Mutual Aid Being Requested from Neighboring States

CALIFORNIA: The latest news from California says that the state fire services are being stretched to their limits. At a news conference with numerous Fire, Police, and EMS agencies and California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, the spate of California fires was being called "a perfect storm of fire." The state Office of Emergency Services (OES) said that they were moving fire companies from Northern California and requesting additional firefighting assets (including aircraft) from Nevada and Arizona. The fire task forces from N. California can take at least eight (8) hours to drive to locations in S. California and deploy. Assets coming from other states might take even longer to arrive, due to a need to mobilize them and travel to the fire areas. Watch this webpage and EmergencyNet News for additional information about this still emerging story...

CALIFORNIA FIRE NEWS HOME PAGE

http://calfire.blogspot.com/

Lake Arrowhead Fire Engulfs Numerous Homes

LAKE ARROWHEAD, CA: According to witnesses and a review of aerial video sources, a major fire is emerging near Lake Arrowhead/Green Valley (North of San Bernardino). This fire is encroaching on an urban/wildland interface, with numerous homes at risk at the time of this report. At least 20 houses are currently burning in what is described as a 100 acre area of fire, with that number rising with time. The fire is spreading rapidly and engulfing houses as the flames are pushed by 30mph winds. The latest news from that area says that a mandatory evacuations are being ordered for this neighborhood. Emergency service sources at the scene are said to be requesting "air assets," though air tankers and water-dropping helicopters are at a premium with the numerous fires burning in California. EmergencyNet News is monitoring the airwaves for additional official notifications concerning this fire...

Live video from this fire can be seen at: http://abclocal.go.com/kabc/story?section=special_coverage&id=3654457

A report from KTLA, entitled "Dozens of Homes Destroyed in Lake Arrowhead, October 22, 2007, 10:58 AM PDT," can be found at: http://ktla.trb.com/news/ktla-arrowheadfire,0,979460.story?coll=ktla-news-2

Update: S. California Fires: evacuations, shelters and closures

08:00 PDT - Oct. 22, 2007

Summary/Resource List - Southern California Fires: Evacuations and Closures

LOS ANGELES, CA: -- Here is a current (extensive) list of evacuations, shelters and closures from KABC-TV:

http://abclocal.go.com/kabc/story?section=local&id=5719546

Official Emergency Resource Information

LINK: County of L.A. Fire Department (www.fire.lacounty.gov)

LINK: Orange County Fire Authority Emergency Info (www.ocfa.org)

LINK: San Diego County Emergency Info (www.sdcountyemergency.com)

The city of San Diego has activated its Community Access Phone System, known as CAPS. Residents seeking information on the fires burning in San Diego County can call (619) 570-1070 for updated information on evacuations, shelter locations, road closures and fires.

Media Resources:

Wildfire Coverage From San Diego News 8 - UPDATED: Monday, October 22, 2007 10:20 AM - http://www.cbs8.com/

Summary/Update: At least Ten CA Blazes Burning

S. CALIFORNIA FIRE SUMMARY &

Wind-driven fires in California kills 1; At least Ten Blazes Burning

21:00 PDT - 21 Oct 2007

MALIBU, Calif. - Nearly a dozen wildfires driven by powerful Santa Ana winds spread across Southern California on Sunday, killing one person near San Diego, destroying several homes and a church in celebrity-laden Malibu, and forcing hundreds from their homes.

The Malibu fire was among at least 10 blazes that burned more than 35,000 acres, stretching from north of Santa Barbara to San Diego, as hot weather and hurricane-strength winds marked the height of the traditional wildfire season.

Four firefighters and at least 10 other people were injured and taken to hospitals in connection with the fire near San Diego, said Matt Streck, a spokesman for the California Department of Forestry. Details on the death were not immediately available.

The blaze burned more than 14,000 acres -- or about 22 square miles -- near a highway about 70 miles southeast of San Diego, just north of the border town of Tecate, Streck said. Some of the injured were hikers, and others may be illegal immigrants, Streck said.

In northeastern Los Angeles County, a fire that started near Agua Dulce, a fire burned about 10,000 acres, or nearly 16 square miles, in just a few hours as about 250 firefighters tried to get a handle on it.

Ten buildings were destroyed, but it wasn't clear how many were homes, said county Fire Inspector Ron Haralson. Between 500 and 800 people fled the area, and three people were injured.

"There are several hundred homes in the path of this fire," Haralson said.

Meanwhile, in Malibu, about 700 firefighters worked to protect about 200 homes in several upscale communities nestled in the hills, officials said. About 1,500 people fled the fires, officials said.

The blaze, which started in Malibu Canyon, had charred at least 1,200 acres and destroyed a church and several homes, one of them a landmark castle. No residents or firefighters were injured, Los Angeles County Fire Chief P. Michael Freeman said.

The winds carried embers across the Pacific Coast Highway, closing the popular road and setting fire to cars and trees in the parking lot of a shopping center where a supermarket, drug store and other shops were damaged. It briefly threatened Pepperdine University.

TV footage showed several buildings in flames in the area, including clusters of beach-side homes.

"This fire is zero percent contained, which means we're at the mercy of the wind," acting Malibu Mayor Pamela Conley Ulich said.

In all, five homes and two commercial buildings had been confirmed lost throughout the Malibu area, Freeman said. Nine more homes were damaged, he said.

The fire is expected to burn for another two to three days, he said. Until the blaze is extinguished, "there will literally be thousands of homes that will be threatened at one time or another," he said.

Fire crews early Sunday found downed power lines, which may have started the fire, Capt. Mike Brown said.

Late Sunday morning, palm trees bent in half and embers were carried through the air as winds gusted to 60 to 65 mph. Thick smoke obscured the sun.

-- Source: NOAKI SCHWARTZ, Associated Press/Yahoo News, can be found at: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20071022/ap_on_re_us/california_wildfires_50

Breaking News Alert: One Dead, 8 Injured in Potrero Wildfire

Last Updated: 10-21-07 at 7:00PM PDT

Breaking News Alert: One Dead, 8 Injured in Potrero Wildfire

SAN DIEGO COUNTY, CA: A 3,000-acre wind-fueled brush fire that broke out Sunday in rural southern San Diego County killed one person and injured eight others, including four firefighters hospitalized in serious condition.

As of late afternoon, several homes had been destroyed in the so-called Harris Fire, which began about 9:30 a.m. near Harris Ranch and Potrero Valley roads in Portrero and was burning on both sides of Highway 94, authorities said.

Residents of Potrero, Dulzura, Barrett Junction and Tecate were evacuated.

"This is about as worse (as) fire condition(s) can get," said Cal Fire Capt. Matt Streck, who said ground crews focused evacuating residents rather than protecting property due to the speed of the blaze.

As of 4 p.m., winds were pulling the flames westward at 50 to 60 mph from Potrero into Bell Valley and beyond, he said.

Authorities did not immediately identify the person who perished in the blaze or the circumstances or location of the death. Four other civilians were also injured, but officials did not elaborate or provide condition reports.

The four firefighters were airlifted to the UCSD Burn Center, Cal Fire officials said. According to a 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." 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...

Story continues at: http://www.cbs8.com/stories/story.106463.html

State of Emergency Declared in San Diego County

Both the Potrero and Witch Creek fires have doubled in size since 6 p.m. Sunday. The San Diego County Department of Emergency Services has declared a local emergency and advises residents to call 2-1-1 (or 858/300-1211 if calling from a cell phone) for all non-emergency calls related to the fires..

Ramona wildfire forces about 11,000 evacuations

Source: North County Times

NORTH COUNTY, S. CALIFORNIA: A local emergency was called today after a 3,000-acre wildfire fueled by Santa Ana winds burned on both sides of Highway 78 near Witch Creek Road and spread toward Ramona, causing road closures, power outages and the evacuations of some 11,000 residents, authorities said.

The blaze, dubbed the Highway 78 fire, was reported shortly before 1 p.m., has left Highway 78 closed between Old Julian Highway and Highway 79, and Highway 79 closed between Highway 78 and Highway 76, the California Highway Patrol reported.

Structures in the Witch Creek area ---- near the intersection of Highway 78 and Old Julian Highway ---- are immediately threatened, and several have burned, authorities said. The fire, which has crossed Highway 78 in several places, is burning west toward Ramona and the San Diego Country Estates area, prompting further evacuations, they said.

The Reverse 911 system was used to notify 5,461 Country Estates residents, and additional evacuations are being considered, county spokeswoman Holly Crawford said.

An evacuation center has been established at Ramona High School, 15500 Espola Road, sheriff's Lt. Phil Brust said.

The center, set up by the American Red Cross, will remain open "as long as there is a need" and could remain in place overnight, spokeswoman Gayle Falkenthal said. Lodging, food, drinks and basic health services will be provided, she said.

Evacuation points for large animals and livestock have also been set up at the Lakeside rodeo grounds, at Highway 67 and Magnolia Avenue in Lakeside, said Tammy Glenn, public information officer for the county. Meanwhile, an evacuation center for pets and smaller animals has been established by the Escondido Humane Society at Poway High School, she said.

For general information on animal services, call 211. For emergencies, call county animal services at 619-767-2675.

For information on road closures and related issues, go to: CHP Traffic Incident Information Page

LA County Responds To 'Canyon Fire' in Malibu/LAFD Assists

October 21, 2007

Los Angeles County Fire Dept.

Canyon IC (Malibu)

Malibu Wildfire is at 0% containment now at 1000+ acres. Several homes have been destroyed. Currently Evacuation Center is at Zuma Beach area, Firestone Field House and Agoura High School. 200 homes have been evacuated. Get more information from the LA County Fire Dept. website at: http://www.fire.lacounty.gov/

Los Angeles City Fire Department - Media & Public Relations

LAFD Mutual Aid Responds To 'Canyon Fire' in Malibu

Pursuant of a formal Mutual Aid Request, the Los Angeles Fire Department has assigned three Strike Teams of Firefighters, two LAFD Helicopters, one seasonally contracted Helitanker, one Water Tender and one Assistant Chief Officer as an agency representative, to assist the Los Angeles County Fire Department in their battle against a brush fire in Malibu, California, seven miles west of our City.

These 125 personnel from the Los Angeles Fire Department have been dispatched to the "Canyon Fire" in accordance with California's Fire & Rescue Emergency Mutual Aid System, administered by the Governor's Office of Emergency Services. The system is designed to ensure that additional resources are provided to local jurisdictions whenever their own resources are committed or insufficient for a specific emergency incident.

More information from LA City FD can be found on their PIO blog at: http://lafd.blogspot.com/

Welcome to the California Fire Weather web page...an interagency effort providing convenient access to Emergency Command Center Dispatch Area (ECCDA) forecasts, specific National Weather Service Fire Weather Planning Forecasts (FWZ) and National Weather Service Red Flag Warnings and Fire Weather Watches for California.

Visit the California Fire Weather Map: http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/sto/cafw/

Rapidly Spreading Wildfire Threatens Malibu

21 Oct 2007 - 11:00CDT/09:00PDT

Rapidly Spreading Wildfire Threatens Malibu
"Red Flag Warning" is in Effect...

MALIBU, CA: A wildfire driven by Santa Anna winds* in the Malibu Hills on Sunday morning is threatening a university, has destroyed at least three homes and is forcing the evacuation of hundreds more, authorities said.

According to eyewitness and emergency service reports, the fire has grown from 50 acres to at least 300 acres in a relatively short time. More than 200 homes have been evacuated and several others are seriously threatened.

The campus of Pepperdine University is also at major threat according to witnesses at the University. Students are said to be "sheltering in place," although a number of students are said to have self-evacuated the area. The City of Malibu is advising residents in Puerco Canyon to evacuate the area because the wildfire.

The affect area is north of Pacific Coast Highway and about one mile west of Pepperdine University. Residents who live along the beach on Malibu Road may soon be evacuated, as the fire could jump Pacific Coast Highway. Residents in the beach areas are advised to head to the west.

Evacuation centers are being set up in the Zuma Beach area.

Numerous mutual aid fire units have been dispatched to assist at the fire and air assets (helicopters) were seen in the vicinity. Aerial video, being monitored at the EmergencyNet Watch Desk, shows several structures burning at the time of this report.

An e-mail sent to EmergencyNet News by a veteran emergency service source in California said that the problem is the wind that is rapidly pushing the fire and making firefighting efforts difficult. Unofficial accounts say that wind gusts of 60 mph have been reported at the scene.

The U.S. Forest Service, the Los Angeles County Fire Department and the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection have sent at least 400 people to fight the fire, he said.

Watch EmergencyNet News for more information on this developing story...

[* Santa Anna wind is a weather condition in which strong, hot, dust-bearing winds descend to the Pacific coast around Los Angeles from inland desert regions]

Oct 21, 2007 11:09 am US/Pacific

Malibu Fire Fact Sheet -- Can be found at: http://cbs2.com/local/local_story_294131709.html

THE TOPOFF 4 TERROR DRILL; Why It Matters to Us and You

THE TOPOFF 4 TERROR DRILL

Why It Matters to Us and You

10/19/07

The destruction caused by the simulated "dirty bomb" explosion in Portland, Oregon. The victims were play acting. The blood was fake. The explosions were just for show. Even the ensuing press conferences were staged. Still, we took it all very seriously.

It's called TOPOFF 4 -- short for "Top Officials 4," since it involves the highest levels of government and is the fourth event of its kind. It's the largest terrorism exercise in the United States, meant to test the nation's collective mettle in responding to a terrorist attack.

The fabricated scenario. Terrorists snuck radioactive materials into the U.S....then launched three nearly simultaneous strikes using "dirty bombs" -- first in Guam near a power plant, then in Portland, Oregon, and in Phoenix, Arizona. Unlike conventional nukes, the bombs -- called radiological dispersal devices (RDD) -- release radioactive materials into the surrounding areas, wreaking all kinds of health and rescue havoc. Get the story from the FBI website: http://www.fbi.gov/page2/oct07/topoff101907.html

At least 130 dead as bombs target Bhutto (AFP)

AFP - A suicide bombing targeting former Pakistan prime minister Benazir Bhutto killed at least 130 people, turning her emotional homecoming parade after eight years in exile into a scene of carnage.

At least 130 dead as bombs target Bhutto (AFP)

Update: 126 dead and 248 wounded in Pakistan Attack