EIGHT BIG FIRES BURNING ACROSS CALIFORNIA
Photo: Clayton Fire in Lake County, courtesy of Cal Fire East County News Service August 15, 2016 (San Diego) – Cal Fire reports that over 8,800 firefighters are battling eight large wildfires in California. None are in San Diego County, though hot dry conditions pose a significant risk. Below is an update provided by Cal Fire on the fires burning statewide: While yesterday’s high temperatures allowed several of the fires to grow in size, firefighters were able to contain three of the active wildfires that burned this weekend. Conditions today continue to be hot and dry across California While this weekend’s Red Flag Warnings for dry thunderstorms in the upper part of Northern California have expired, a Fire Weather Watch has been issued for strong winds and low humidity in Southern California. Starting this afternoon through Wednesday fire danger will be heightened in the mountains and desert foothills of Los Angeles, Ventura, San Bernardino, Riverside and San Diego counties. It is critical that during Red Flag Warnings the public be extra vigilant outdoors to prevent sparking a new wildfire. It is recommended that people don’t use powered equipment outdoors after 10 a.m. or on hot windy days. Learn more at www.ReadyForWildfire.org. Fires of Interest: **CAL FIRE Incidents** Clayton Fire, Lake County (more info…) Off Hwy 29, Lower Lake area ● 3,000 acres & 5% contained ● Evacuations in effect ● 1,500 structures threatened ● Over 100 residences and structures destroyed Chimney Fire, San Luis Obispo County (more info…) South of Lake Nacimiento ● 4,300 acres & 10% contained ● Evacuations in effect ● 150 structures threatened Mineral Fire, Fresno County (more info…) Off Hwy 198, 8 miles west of Coalinga ● 7,050 acres & 85% contained Stafford Fire, Humboldt County 7 miles south of Fortuna ● 23 acres & 95% contained Summit Fire, Humboldt County 8 miles west of Willow Creek ● 21 acres & 60% contained Oak Fire, Santa Clara County FINAL West of Morgan Hill ● 25 acres & 100% contained Backbone Fire, Shasta County FINAL Near Back Bone Ridge, west side of Lake Shasta ● 10 acres & 100% contained **Unified Command Incidents** Soberanes Fire, Monterey County (more info…) Big Sur area Unified Command: CAL FIRE, USFS and Monterey County Sheriff’s Office ● 74,604 acres & 60% contained ● Evacuations in effect ● 410 structures threatened ● 68 structures destroyed including 57 residences ● Highway 1 closed again in the Big Sur area Pilot Fire, San Bernardino County (more info…) Off Hwy 138, southeast of Hesperia Unified Command: CAL FIRE, USFS and San Bernardino County Fire Department ● 8,110 acres & 96% contained **Federal Incidents** Clark Fire, Inyo County (more info…) FINAL East of Hwy 395 near Bald Mountain US Forest Service – Inyo National Forest ● 2,819 acres &100% contained Horseshoe Fire, Inyo County (more info…) 12 miles southwest of Lone Pine US Forest Service – Inyo National Forest ● 369 acres & 95% contained
RED FLAG WARNING, HEAT ADVISORY
East County News Service August 15, 2016 (San Diego’s East County) – A red flag alert for high fire danger has been issued for the mountain and desert areas in East County due to hot, dry,windy conditons through Friday. In addition, a heat advisory is in effect for inland regions in our county due to triple digit temperatures today. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water. Avoid strenuous outdoor activities, and do not leave children, pets or the elderly in a hot vehicle –not even for a few moments, since heat stroke can occur quickly in this intense heat. Check on family, friends and neighbors who don’t have air conditioning to be sure they are well. Also avoid any activities which could spark a fire such as mowing or weed whacking.