Posted on 10/22/2007 8:06:14 AM PDT by Sleeping Freeper
SAN DIEGO -- With fire spreading quickly westward, San Diego County officials ordered the evacuation of a huge area east of Interstate 15 between Del Dios Highway and Highway 56 early Mon"This is the worst fire this county has ever seen -- worse than the Cedar Fire [of 2003]," Sheriff Bill Kolender said.
At a news conference shortly after 6 a.m., officials said fires had spread dramatically overnight, whipped by fierce Santa Ana winds. They said fire had jumped Interstate 15 at Lake Hodges and was burning in parts of Rancho Bernardo. Because of the explosive and unpredictable nature of the blazes, all residents living between Interstate 15 and Interstate 5 from Del Dios Highway in the north to Highway 56 in the south were told to begin evacuating.
"This fire is moving very quickly," San Diego Mayor Jerry Sanders said. "Watch TV, listen to the radio and have your car prepared to leave."
Among the communities in the evacuation area are Rancho Sante Fe, Carmel Highlands, Rancho Bernardo, Del Mar Heights and Fairbanks Ranch and parts of Rancho Penasquitos.
Officials have opened Qualcomm Stadium in Mission Valley to handle the large number of evacuees.
Sanders asked everyone in San Diego County to minimize the use of cell phones to leave the airways free for the use of emergency personnel.day.
(Excerpt) Read more at nbcsandiego.com ...
Very few reports of casualties and necessity of rescue. So different from NO and Katrina... Warning systems had 24 hours plus to warn NO residents, but mere hours for many of these fires. I’m seeing evidence of lessons learned: evac warnings seem to be smoother, more promptly heeded/taken seriously, and people putting up their homes and transportation for use in evacuation/sheltering. WTG citizenry!
I’d argue with you, but I’m too busy evacuating, and hoping my home stays intact.
The end
Prayers for you and yours.
I actually heard on the news that some kids went out into a field and set some fires.
The newscaster said “parents, do you know where your children are?”
I didn’t know it was that close. My DIL and 2 grandsons are between La Mesa and Lemon Grove. I’ve been trying to reach her. My son is at sea.
Prayers and GL to you, Bear...
My place of business is west of the 15 around RB Road. Yes, the west side was on fire - homes.
Let me be the first-where is Fema? where is my $2000 debit card, soot landed on my car! just kidding...
Heading for my bro's house, and he is out of town. If it hits, he will not have anything but what he is traveling with.............
Be Safe...
Prayers Up...
Thanks folks. Much appreciated. Please pray the wind dies down.
How are you kiddo?!
Prayers coming to you from Santee.
Stay safe!
Prayers
Saw a report from Rancho Santa Fe, apparently that is the western edge of the Witch Creek Fire. 4-5 homes burning as of 15 minutes ago.
Will continue to do so. I am very grateful to only have wind damage.
Can’t you get streaming coverage on your computer? I live on the east coast- been watching local SoCa news off and on all day!
Computer is 7 yrs old. It was a good one at the time.... now it has issues even with email. Streaming coverage will cause it to have seizures.
My friend living in eastern Fallbrook (close to I-15) has just been told to evacuate with the rest of Fallbrook getting a warning that they too might be forced to evacuate
At least there's no fear of the roof blowing off or bodies floating outside.
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