California is on Fire..

[Nord]

Can't sleep. Just turned on the news and it looks like they declared a state of emergency in like 7 different counties. There is a fire in almost every direction. There are 10 wildfires and about 35,000 acres burned so far. It is still windy as a Mofo outside too. Hopefully we get a break in the weather to help:(
~NORD~

[RitcheyRch]

Is pretty scary out there. Woke up at 3Am this morning to people talking outside. Went out to see what was going on. Appears the people were evactuated from the Val Verde area about midnight and were heading towards higher ground plus they know people in my area.
Wishing all our fire fighters good luck today since is going to be one rough day for them.

[IMPATIENT 1]

according to gore cali. will be under water soon when the caps melt, then you guys won't have fire or quakes to worry about anymore;) :D
a forest fire burned down our deer cabin here in okla. last season, fire suuxxxxx:mad:

[Sherpa]

I saw about a dozen CDF trucks heading south on I5 yesterday afternoon
near woodland....
Hope they can get a handle on it quick...........
--Sherpa

[RitcheyRch]

All we need now is an earthquake. "Shake and bake"

[Cigalert]

The Santiago fire looks like it's burning quite fast. All kinds of road closures this morning. I just went on to my roof at work to here in Garden Grove to check it out and you can clearly see the flames. I'm waiting for my pops to call. He's about 3 miles from the burn line with brush leading right into his backyard. We'll see what happens today now that the wind is kickin again.

[Mr. C]

Is pretty scary out there. Woke up at 3Am this morning to people talking outside. Went out to see what was going on. Appears the people were evactuated from the Val Verde area about midnight and were heading towards higher ground plus they know people in my area.
Wishing all our fire fighters good luck today since is going to be one rough day for them.
Also heard they are evacuating Hasley and Sloan Canyons. not sure if it's voluntary or not.
Didn't Dan (H20 Toie) just move to Hasley?

[racecar.hotshoe]

No fire here but very high winds.The schools have all been closed.Its going to be one of those days...

[Moneypitt]

I have heard the term 50 year, or 100 year flood.....So is this situation a 50 or 100 year fire?.....I have seen alot of different fires here in So Cal. Malibu, Brentwood, Topanga, Tijunga, Moorpark, Simi......etc etc........But Nothing, nothing even close, to this many areas on fire. Usually the neighboring Fire Fighters come to the aid of the affected area, but there are so many different fires to fight the resources are stretched very thin.......LA County FD has been on the lines, up close and personal to the flames for well over 24 straight hours battling, at times, 90 MPH winds...Sustained at over 40......This is exactly what was predicted after 05/06 being a very wet rain season, then 06/07 being very dry.......Where and when will it end?......I heard there are more than 15 MAJOR fires burning from Santa Barbara to San Diego with little or no relief in sight.....To Sam, ("Fired up" here on HB), and all the other Firemen and women, thank you, thank you for doing all that you do to keep us safe, and your un ending efforts to protect our properties from total destruction......Think about this situation next time you hear about Firefighters asking for a raise in pay and benefits.........What ever they make, it aint enough!!!!!!!!.......Over 50 years I've been watching this tenderbox we call So Cal burn in various areas, and now it seems like the entire area may burn to the sea................Ray

[RitcheyRch]

Think we are pretty safe for now being we are not really in a canyon. Yes, Dan did move to the Upper Hasley area this year.
Also heard they are evacuating Hasley and Sloan Canyons. not sure if it's voluntary or not.
Didn't Dan (H20 Toie) just move to Hasley?

[NashvilleBound]

Sounds pretty bad. My parents live in San Pasqual Valley... I heard its mandatory evacuations. No one is answering their phones..... go figure.

[photo chick]

Is pretty scary out there. Woke up at 3Am this morning to people talking outside. Went out to see what was going on. Appears the people were evactuated from the Val Verde area about midnight and were heading towards higher ground plus they know people in my area.
Wishing all our fire fighters good luck today since is going to be one rough day for them.
I haven't heard on the news about the fire near you...where exactly is it, just Val Verde?

[Miss Perfect]

It's bad in San Diego. Over 50,000 people have been evacuated.

[Miss Perfect]

Sounds pretty bad. My parents live in San Pasqual Valley... I heard its mandatory evacuations. No one is answering their phones..... go figure.
My boss lives there too and they were evacuated at 3 am last night.

[H20 Toie]

Well that was a messed up night :(
1am the Sheriff pounds on the door and says leave now

[Mr. C]

Well that was a messed up night :(
1am the Sheriff pounds on the door and says leave now
How close is it to you, are they just being really cautious?
Hopefully the latter.
Don't know if there is anything i can do but if you need any help or anything let me know.
Mike

[phebus]

My thoughts and prayers go out to all within the fire areas.

[KACHINA KEN]

ya'll hang in there.

[RitcheyRch]

The fire is in Upper Hasley Canyon which is behind me.
I haven't heard on the news about the fire near you...where exactly is it, just Val Verde?
Glad to hear you are ok Dan. I was thinking about you when saw the fire up in your neck of the woods.
Well that was a messed up night :(
1am the Sheriff pounds on the door and says leave now

[H20 Toie]

How close is it to you, are they just being really cautious?
Hopefully the latter.
Don't know if there is anything i can do but if you need any help or anything let me know.
Mike
It was close
I live in a canyon and it was at the top of the ridge.
I tried to get back in so that i could get the motorhome and Ferrari out but they are having nothing to do with it.
but i havent heard of any houses buring there yet, so hopefully it will be ok

[Mr. C]

I haven't heard of any houses burning up there either, that's good news.
I can put the Ferrari in my garage if you need:D :D :D
sorry no room for the motorhome.
Seriously though if you need anything let me know.
It was close
I live in a canyon and it was at the top of the ridge.
I tried to get back in so that i could get the motorhome and Ferrari out but they are having nothing to do with it.
but i havent heard of any houses buring there yet, so hopefully it will be ok

[RitcheyRch]

Just heard manadatory evacuations North of Copperhill.

[Mrs.Racer277]

It was close
I live in a canyon and it was at the top of the ridge.
I tried to get back in so that i could get the motorhome and Ferrari out but they are having nothing to do with it.
but i havent heard of any houses buring there yet, so hopefully it will be ok
Dan
If we can do anything to help please let us know.

[Mr. C]

Just heard manadatory evacuations North of Copperhill.
Rich
I can't watch tv right now. Is it going to crest the mountain and head toward the lake. Or is going back into San Francisquito Canyon(sp).

[essexjet]

Live news coverage from san diego http://www.10news.com/video/14036255/index.html

[H20 Toie]

the wind just changed directions and is now heading east. straight back at us :(

[H20 Toie]

Dan
If we can do anything to help please let us know.
Your so sweet thanks

[Havasu_Dreamin]

Some info for the San Diego peeps. Fire Cheif expects fire to burn to the ocean :eek:
From the San Diego Union Tribune
9:22 a.m. October 22, 2007
The fires ravaging San Diego County are expected to get much worse before they get better.
Over the next two days, city and county officials expect the fires will eclipse the damage caused by the 2003 Cedar fire, the worst wildfire on record in California.
“This fire will probably be the worst this county has ever seen – worse than the Cedar fire,” Sheriff Bill Kolender said.
The weather forecast is equally grim. Overnight, gusting winds sparked new fires and spread smoke and ash throughout the county. Thousands of people have been forced from their homes, and scores of roads and schools have been closed.
Help from other fire agencies is on the way, but firefighters are battling severe Santa Ana winds that will ultimately determine the fires' paths.
Along with providing updates at a morning news conference, city and county officials discussed the challenges they are facing and what's ahead.
There are currently seven fires actively burning in the county. Four fires that started overnight have been extinguished.
There are reports of at least 20 people who have been treated for injuries, most having suffered burns in the Harris fire, which also claimed the life of one civilian.
At least six firefighters have been hurt battling blazes throughout the county.
There are no estimates yet on the number of structures lost or damaged, but officials said several homes have burned.
Some of the smaller fires – such as the Guejito fire – were caused by downed power lines and transformers but officials have yet to determine whatsparked the Harris or Witch fires or the other major blazes that are burning out of control.
Additional firefighting resources have been called in from as far away as Lake Tahoe and the Bay area, but those crews are being split with Los Angeles County because similar fires are burning there, said Chief Bill Metcalf, county area fire coordinator.
A thousand fire engines have been called and about a quarter of them have arrived.
Metcalf described the fire conditions as “extraordinarily dangerous” and “dramatically worsening.” “This is nowhere near finished,” he said. “This is worst than many of us imagined. We're seeing 100 to 200 feet flame lengths and truly explosive fire behavior.”
The Witch fire is rapidly burning in two directions – to the west and to the south. It has crossed Interstate 15 at Lake Hodges into Rancho Bernardo.
“I think it will go to the ocean before it stops,” Metcalf said, which means the fire would pass through Rancho Santa Fe, Solana Beach and Encinitas.
Metcalf also is concerned that the Witch fire will take the same path as the Cedar fire, south through Wildcat Canyon, Barona, Lakeside and Santee.
The Harris fire continues to move “dramatically to the west and cause a great deal of destruction,” Metcalf said.
He expects the fire to spread to the ocean through the communities of Otay Lakes and Chula Vista.
The Coronado Hills fire in San Marcos, like the Harris and Witch fires, is zero percent contained, Metcalf said. He fears it could burn west through Carlsbad.
The Rice Canyon Fire, east of Interstate 15 and south of Temecula, is threatening Fallbrook.
“It's one of those days that are beyond our capabilities,” said San Diego Fire-Rescue Chief Tracy Jarman.
Firefighting efforts have been hindered because the aircrafts used to fight the flames are grounded due to strong winds and poor visibility.
Jarman said 240 firefighters and 60 engines are in Rancho Bernardo “trying to hold the line.”
Along with dangerous weather conditions, firefighters said they haven't been able to get ahead of the flames because their efforts have been focused on rescuing people.
“We haven't done any suppression because in most cases fire personnel are being pulled off to do rescues of people who were told to evacuate,” Metcalf said.
Officials repeatedly urged residents to evacuate if told to do so or if they see fire.
San Diego Mayor Jerry Sanders told residents to minimize their cell phone use and calls to 911 to avoid clogging the emergency lines.
“These fires are moving very quickly so you really need to pay attention,” he said.
The mayor said city employees are staffing an evacuation relief center at Qualcomm Stadium “because the Red Cross is maxed out.”
County Supervisor Ron Roberts said dozens of roads have been closed and several school districts have canceled classes.
He urged residents to stay tuned to news reports.
“We have every reason to believe the weather conditions will remain the same the next couple days. That's the bad news,” Roberts said.
County Supervisor Dianne Jacobs said “lives are more important in this kind of situation. Property can be replaced. . . we don't know what will happen next, but we will get through this.”

[RitcheyRch]

Not really sure which direction is heading.
http://abclocal.go.com/kabc/story?section=special_coverage&id=3654457
Rich
I can't watch tv right now. Is it going to crest the mountain and head toward the lake. Or is going back into San Francisquito Canyon(sp).

[FOREVER2DOXIES]

the wind just changed directions and is now heading east. straight back at us :(
basically...OH CRAP. that means is heading toward the 5 which is in our direction off Hasley and the 5.....

[FOREVER2DOXIES]

Rich
I can't watch tv right now. Is it going to crest the mountain and head toward the lake. Or is going back into San Francisquito Canyon(sp).
from what i am listening to it is heading into Green Valley. They have closed San Francisquito Canyon and Bouquet Canyon, as well as Plum Canyon. it is also heavy above Copperhill in upper Saugus. In addition...Arrowhead is now on fire

[H20 Toie]

basically...OH CRAP. that means is heading toward the 5 which is in our direction off Hasley and the 5.....
Yep
Me too, my office is right here on Halsey and commerce center drive.
This is just messed up.

[RitcheyRch]

Map of evacuations.
http://www.santa-clarita.com/news/fire-maps.asp

[FOREVER2DOXIES]

I haven't heard on the news about the fire near you...where exactly is it, just Val Verde?
basically they have closed the 126 between the 5 freeway and Piru

[Mr. C]

Thanks for the info, I was just able to sneak out of my office and check out some news. Lake Arrowhead is looking pretty bad. looked like alot of homes burning(ch 5).
from what i am listening to it is heading into Green Valley. They have closed San Francisquito Canyon and Bouquet Canyon, as well as Plum Canyon. it is also heavy above Copperhill in upper Saugus. In addition...Arrowhead is now on fire

[FOREVER2DOXIES]

Yep
Me too, my office is right here on Halsey and commerce center drive.
This is just messed up.
Dan....are you working today? We live in the Hasley Hills housing community which is, I believe, North West of your office location....if they begin to evac the commerce center area, can you let me or Ritcheyrch know on here....we have animals we will need to go home and get

[socalmoney]

This was my email to my boss this morning.
I literally can't make it to work today.
South Bound 15 is closed
8:31AM PER R12; NO GOOD TO CLOSE FRWY AT MISSION , SHUT IT DOWN AT RAINBOW , SET UP UNIT AT OLD 395, FIRE IS COMING TOWARD MISSION OPASS/ OLD 395
8:29AM SDSO REQ WE MOVE THE I-15 CLOSURE UP TO RAINBOW HEIGHTS RD
8:28AM DIST 8/RICO ADVSD TO CLOSE SB 15 JNO RAINBOW/AT INSPECTION STATION TO TURN AROUND TRAFFIC
8:27AM FIRE IS ON EAST SIDE BTWN MISSION AND RAINBOW VALLEY
8:19AM 2 VOLUNTEER SO UNITS ADV FIRE IS GOING EITHER UNDER OR OVER FRWY BY STEWART CANYON
8:18AM S7; REPORTS OF FIRE JUMPING MISSION RD
5:46AM D9; 10 PER CONTAINED BUT SEVERAL FIRES WILL NEED TO FIND OUT WHERE COMMAND POST IS
5:36AM STAA REQ ING UNIT FOR ROUND ROBINS 15 AT CARMEL MOUNTIAN TRAFFIC BACKED UP
5:09AM R5 AND R11 / NEED ANOTHER UNIT FOR ROUND ROBINDS / 10 AT DSR WILL HEAD / M4 AND M5 EB FRM MISSION
5:00AM R5 EB 78 TO SB 15 CLOSED WILL NEED A BREAK / TRAFFIC IN HOT RUNNING OO FLAIRS
5:00AM /S5; WB 78 TO 15 I HAVE IT CLOSED
4:59AM 1039 FD
4:58AM RP ADV THE CANYONS ON FIRE AND BUILDINGS IN THE AREA STARTING TO CATCH ON FIRE
High Way 74 & 241 are closed.
6:40AM FIRE CLOSURE ADDT - SANTIAGO CYN CLOSED BETWEEN 241/261 & RIDGELINE UFN^
6:35AM FIRE CLOSURE UPDATE - NB 241 CLOSED @ PORTOLA UFN^
6:22AM CALTRANS INFO-LAKEVIEW OFFRMP FROM BOTH EB/WB SR-91 - SIGNALS ON FLASH UFN^
5:44AM SR-74 (ORTEGA) INFO - ESCORTS IN BOTH DIRECTION DUE TO NUMEROUS ROCK SLIDES UFN - DELAYS EXPECTED^
5:38AM ALL FIRE RELATED QUESTIONS SHOULD BE REFERRED TO THE OCFA PUBLIC INQUIRY LINE (714)573-6500^
5:07AM FIRE CLOSURE-SR-241 BETWEEN SR-133 AND SR-91 CLOSED UFN^
5:05AM FIRE CLOSURE-SR-261 BETWEEN SR-241 AND IRVINE BLVD CLOSED UFN^
5:04AM FIRE CLOSURE-SR-133 CLOSED @ I-5 UFN^
5:00AM UPDATED FIRE CLOSURE INFO - EB/WB SR-91 CONN TO SB 241 CLOSED UFN^
4:30AM TMC MEDIA LINES ARE OPEN - OFCR QUESADA ON DUTY^
The 91 has 4 accidents being reported.
0251 8:28AM Traffic Hazard WB SR91 JEO SR241 Santa Ana
0245 8:23AM Traffic Collision WB SR91 JEO WEIR CANYON RD Santa Ana
0665 8:22AM Traffic Hazard WB SR91 AT SERFAS CLUB DR Riverside
0240 8:19AM Traffic Hazard WB SR91 JEO N LAKEVIEW AV Santa Ana

[Nord]

I got to work late today because of the traffic. Hope everyone is ok.

[H20 Toie]

Dan....are you working today? We live in the Hasley Hills housing community which is, I believe, North West of your office location....if they begin to evac the commerce center area, can you let me or Ritcheyrch know on here....we have animals we will need to go home and get
yep i am at work
my cell is 818 253 6780

[Mr. C]

Same offer goes to you and Rich, If you need any help let me know I'll do what i can. I pretty sure Rich has my number.
Mike
Dan....are you working today? We live in the Hasley Hills housing community which is, I believe, North West of your office location....if they begin to evac the commerce center area, can you let me or Ritcheyrch know on here....we have animals we will need to go home and get

[FOREVER2DOXIES]

yep i am at work
my cell is 818 253 6780
thanks Dan. Rich is so worried that he just left work (pasadena) to head home. i will forward your cell to him

[FOREVER2DOXIES]

Same offer goes to you and Rich, If you need any help let me know I'll do what i can. I pretty sure Rich has my number.
Mike
thanks Mike....will let Rich know. he has decided to leave work and head home just in case. he hasnt been around as many fires as i have so he is less certain about what they act like....

[Nord]

Looks like Arrowhead is getting pretty pumbled....:(

[NashvilleBound]

Live news coverage from san diego http://www.10news.com/video/14036255/index.html
Thank you for the link!!! Having hundreds of friends and family there in SD its tough to not be there to help and see what up....

[Her454]

Very very sad. My heart goes out to those people. Headed back from Bakersfield yesterday and counted over 50 fire trucks headed down 99 toward the fires from Nor Cal.

[Nord]

Anyone know how far up the toll road the irvine fire has gone?? I know the 241 was closed..........

[topless]

Just heard there is a new fire at the 215/15 split.

[RitcheyRch]

Thanks Dan and Mike. Much appreciated. Came home from work. A ton of stuff flying all over the freeways. Actually hit a tree branch with my newly painted car. Looks like will buff out. Wind is blwoing like crazy.
http://santa-clarita.com/
October 22, 2007 - UPDATE 11:48am
Mandatory Evacuation: Hillcrest Area (Castaic) North of Hasley Canyon to the Old Road

[Mr. C]

Thanks for that info Rich, I have a co worker that lives up there. Needless to say he is leaving as we speak.

[RitcheyRch]

Figure much better to be home even if dont need to evacuate. Better safe than sorry.
Thanks for that info Rich, I have a co worker that lives up there. Needless to say he is leaving as we speak.

[essexjet]

Just heard there is a new fire at the 215/15 split.
Yes here is a picture from my office window. I'm off of Foothill close to the 15 looking north toward the 215.
http://www.***boat.com/image_center/data/500/iphone.jpg

[socalmoney]

Just heard there is a new fire at the 215/15 split.
Which one, there is two of them.

[essexjet]

Which one, there is two of them.
The one in Devore

[Nord]

The one in Devore
The one in Devore is where the news channels are zoning in on now.....

[WYRD]

The one in Devore is where the news channels are zoning in on now.....
I15 is closed.........now I cant get home:(

[Nord]

I15 is closed.........now I cant get home:(
both ways?>?:jawdrop:

[WYRD]

both ways?>?:jawdrop:
From 138 to Kenwood per Caltrans website

[Nord]

From 138 to Kenwood per Caltrans website
Just to let you know, last night, the 15 was supposed to be closed last night north of Glen Helen...........It wasn't, my parents trucked right through there.

[WYRD]

Just to let you know, last night, the 15 was supposed to be closed last night north of Glen Helen...........It wasn't, my parents trucked right through there.
http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b61/WhosYoRiverDaddy/102107_14011.jpg
They closed it yesterday for about an hour, I was in Lytle Creek in the jeep trail riding when we came upon this a bunch of cars on the back roads:D

[topless]

both ways?>?:jawdrop:I just heard that 15 South is closed but going North throught he Cajon pass is still open at this time. (now remember, this is just what I heard)

[OverKill]

I hope everyone is OK that lives near these fires. I will pray for the best.
On a lighter note. Now I can put my home up for sale here in Arizona. $500,000 for the starting bid. I would bet I'm not the only one that thought of this.
OverKill

[WYRD]

I just heard that 15 South is closed but going North throught he Cajon pass is still open at this time. (now remember, this is just what I heard)
This highway information is the latest reported as of Monday, October 22, 2007 at 14:33 .
I 15
[SAN DIEGO & IMPERIAL CO.'S]
IS CLOSED FROM THE JCT OF SR 56 TO THE JCT OF SR 78 (SAN DIEGO CO) - DUE
TO A BRUSH FIRE - MOTORIST ARE ADVISDED TO USE AN ALTERNATE ROUTE
[SAN BERNARDINO & RIVERSIDE CO.'S]
IS CLOSED AT WINCHESTER RD /IN TEMECULA/ (RIVERSIDE CO) -
DUE TO A BRUSH FIRE - MOTORISTS ARE ADVISED TO USE AN ALTERNATE ROUTE
IS CLOSED FROM THE JCT OF I 215 TO 2 MI NORTH OF FONTANA /AT SIERRA AVE/
(SAN BERNARDINO CO) - DUE TO BRUSH FIRE - A DETOUR IS AVAILABLE
A HIGH WIND ADVISORY IS IN EFFECT FROM THE JCT OF SR 91 (RIVERSIDE CO) TO
THE JCT OF I 215 (SAN BERNARDINO CO) - TRAVEL IS PROHIBITED FOR CAMPERS,

[Nord]

Reported 128 homes lost in Arrowhead.......:(

[riverbound]

I will see if I can snap an overhead pic from the plane. some of my guys called me earlier this am and last night and said it was very sad to see. :(
My brothers have been hosing down my dads house and property in the mtns all morning and they just received the get out of here warning...things dont look to good there :(

[HOOTER SLED-]

I15 is closed.........now I cant get home:(
Where are you at now Shane?

[ravencrew]

Wish Everybody the best of luck!!! Just watched a satellite photo of the fires. Their so big now the smoke can be seen from space!!!:sqeyes: Watched it on Fox!!
Here is a satellite image of the fires from space!!!!
http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/sgx/sat/satellite_display.php?picture=http://sat.wrh.noaa.gov/satellite/1km/Sandiego/VIS1SAN.GIF&sizeh=480&sizew=640&alt=Southern%20California%20Visible%20Satellite%20 Image

[Nord]

Just had a customer say there is a new fire off of Weir Canyon in Yorba Linda/Anaheim Hills..................any info??

[Havasu1986]

Just had a customer say there is a new fire off of Weir Canyon in Yorba Linda/Anaheim Hills..................any info??
I don't see anything from my house and I live about a mile from the 91.

[Nord]

94 on the Coast and 98 Inland tomorrow...........Its going to be HOTT!!!

[HOOTER SLED-]

94 on the Coast and 98 Inland tomorrow...........Its going to be HOTT!!!
I think I'll chill at home by the dirty pool. :D I'm on vacation.

[spectras only]

Guess I shouldn't bitch about the rain we're getting too early in the season:idea: . We were trying to call relatives in Poway all night but no service , so we don't know how they making out . :(

[Nord]

The whole Lake Arrowhead area has been evacuated. They lost something like 500 homes :(

[riverbound]

The whole Lake Arrowhead area has been evacuated. They lost something like 500 homes :(
We have plans to head up to our cabin in Big bear to get our Pontoon winterized.....It will be the first time I have been up since all the fires...it will be sad to see how much of the mountain has been burned up :(