Wildfires rage in Southern Calif.

[HARDCORE]

We live just 15 miles east of the HARRIS FIRE. The Santa Ana Winds are blowing at hurricane force and we have trees down in our yard. The fire is moving South and West from us and there are at least 7 fires burning here in San Diego County along. Power was off for two hours during the nite but we have no idea how long the power will stay on is anyone's guess. Will keep you informed. Rick & Brenda :cry:
__________________________________________________ __
http://informsandiego.org/WebInform/...FocusTopicID=6

Harris Fire:

Evacuations: The Sheriff is issuing a mandatory evacuation along Highway 94 for residents of the following communities: Barrett Junction, Engineer Springs, Dulzura and all areas in between. Barona Mesa Evac now Mandatory.

The evacuation point is Steele Canyon High School 12440 Campo Road in Spring Valley.
The Harris Fire is 14,000 acres and 5% contained, there have been multiple structures destroyed.

The communities of Potrero, Tecate, Dulzura and parts of Deerhorn Valley have been evacuated. The fire is burning to the northwest and being driven by Santa Ana winds.
The ICP will be set up at the Daley Ranch in Rancho Jamul on Highway 94. Highway 94 is closed between Harris Ranch Road and Otay Lakes Road.

The evacuation area also includes Hwy 94 from approximately Honey Springs Road east to 188 and Tecate, Dulzura and Engineer Springs and areas south to the Mexican border (TB Map 429 H-9 J-8, 9, 10 and K-8, 9, 10) This area encompasses approximately 200 sq miles.

The The Sheriff has issued a mandatory evacuation for Barrett Junction and 698 homes have been advised to evacuate using the Reverse 911 system. Initiating Reverse 911 mandatory evacuations to citizens in the area zip codes 91917,91980. Evacuation point is Steele Canyon HS. Mandatory evacuations for the Harris Fire: All residents in Tecate within the United States. The evacuation point is Steele Canyon High School at 12440 Campo Road in Spring Valley.

Animals: County Animal Services is responding to both fires. They are picking up and rescuing animals. Large livestock ( ie horses, cows) are to be taken to Lakeside Rodeo Grounds. County Animal Services is responding to the Steele Canyon High School shelter. San Diego Humane Society opposite of the Jamul Fire Station has been set up to receive large animals.

Areas: The Harris Fire is now 3,000 acres, multiple structures have been destroyed.The fire has two heads, the southern head has burned past Barrett Lake Road south of Highway 94, the northern head is burning toward Mother Grundy Peak.

In the process of ordering mandatory evacuations for a large area including Barrett Lake south to Barrett Junction and the Mexican border.

The evacuation area also includes Hwy 94 from approximately Honey Springs Road east to 188 and Tecate, Dulzura and Engineer Springs and areas south to the Mexican border (TB Map 429 H-9 J-8, 9, 10 and K-8, 9, 10) This area encompasses approximately 200 sq miles.

Potrero/188 is Closed- Tecate Road. Highway 94 At Otay Lakes Road is closed Otay Lakes Road into Chula Vista.

Recommended to return back down Highway 94 into Rancho San Diego. Suggest people stay out of the area to give access to emergency vehicles.

The western most point of this fire is Barrett School Road and Highway 94. The fire has overrun Emory Road and is approaching Highway 188. Potrero Park Road to the south, north of Highway 94, west of Harris Ranch Road and east of Potrero Valley Road. Highway 94 is closed between Forest Gate Road and Highway 188

[DMZ-LT]

Rick , my daughter lives in Pacific Beach. Her work just called and told her to stay home. They have had to close all their windows to keep the smoke out and said the winds are carring burning embers all over San Diego. Y'all are in my prayers

[HARDCORE]

DMZ-LT

Thank you for your thoughts. My son called me at 6 this morning from El Cajon and the smoke was thick there as well. Another son lives in Ramona and that is in direct path of the Witch Creek Fire. Thank God, the third son is still going to University in Northern Arizona. Our bags are packed and by the door in the event that we have to leave immediately. This time, unlike the Cedar Fire, We will not avail ourselves of the local center. During the Cedar Fire, those people were, in my opinion, real pains in the ass. Too many politicians grabbed a hold of that catastrophe for their own agenda, again in my opinion.

[SuperScout]

Isn't this deja vu for you with the fires? Prayers continue for you and all involved, including the first responders.....

[reconeil]

Rick,
You and The Mrs. hang tough, since Mother Nature
or getting a good rain WHEN REALLY NEEDED gives
you no choice in the matter. Regardless, me & Mrs.
wish you all there The Very Best and/or WET Luck.

Neil

[HARDCORE]

The winds are still whipping! Was going to stay at my son's (right at the joining of El Cajon, La Mesa and San Diego) but thought it best to head back to our home in the mountains. Had no power until about 2AM! This is very similar to Cedar Fire of 03, only far worse. Roughly 300,000 have been evacuated, and yes, the politicians are all out polishing political apples and promising much will not be delivered, as usual! Going to try to get this out before power quits again and wind pick up again!! Winds still blowing at hurricane force. No mail being delivered, and my eldest son in Ramona got evacuated. The whole town did!! My middle son in El Cajon may be next to pull out! "And yeah, it is getting really dicey and promises to get worse!!!

Lights blinking, power getting ready to go again!

[DMZ-LT]

My daughter is packed up and has an evacuation plan but so far OK. They bought some garden hoses yesterday and are keeping the outside of the condo wet , scattered fires everywhere. Now I know some of how my parents felt when I was in Vietnam, I don't like it. Extra hugs when I see her again

[Boats]

HT - was ported in Southern Calif - weather is normally nice but can get dry. Let's hope you get some soaking rains to help the fire issues. Keep an eye out that stuff goes up fast being so dry. Will be thinking of you when I watch the news later today. You and your wife have a good exit plan?

[reconeil]

Rick Old Buddy (actually Young Buddy :wink: ),

Things keep looking worse & worse for You & Brenda (plus all other Southern Californians), from here. So, heed Boats wise & sage advise.

This no time to be stubborn, cantakerous or heroic (Fire Fighters excluded). Better that you retreat or haul-ass and: "Live to fight another day".

Regardless, and no matter what Mother Nature dictates you're doing, The Very Best Outcome Possible is Wished for You & Yours from me & mine.

Neil

[HARDCORE]

Guys

Outside of our power coming in and going out for several hours at a time, outside of the winds that are gusting up to 90 miles an hour, outside of being some 60 miles from San Diego, outside of eating smoke and hoping that these fires don't crest over the mountains etc, etc. We are still alive [to this point]. Thank you for your concerns and will keep you posted, if we can?

Rick

Wildfires have now forced 321,000 people from their homes, California officials say. :cry: