California Wildfires
Santa Ana winds are fueling several fires in California. Critical fire weather conditions are expected throughout today. Numerous areas are under Red Flag Warnings, meaning a combination of strong winds, warm temperatures and low humidity may create the potential for explosive fire growth.
Total active fires: 11
Total acres burned: 34,323
Personnel assigned to fires: 4,877
Firefighter injuries: 23
Total evacuated: 5,000
Total sheltered evacuees: 61
A Red Flag Warning remains in effect throughout this evening through much of Southern California.
Strong Santa Ana winds are expected to decrease today. However, warm, dry weather is expected to continue today through Friday. Fire danger remains high.
Governor Schwarzenegger has declared a State of Emergency for Los Angeles and Ventura counties.
Here is an overview of the largest fires:
Northern California Fires
Angel Fire, Marin County
The Angel Fire is located on the eastside of Angel Island State Park in Marin county. The fire began shortly before 9 p.m. on October 12.
- The fire is currently at 400 acres and is 90 percent contained.
- One outbuilding has been destroyed.
- No state park and historical structures are threatened.
- 69 personnel are assigned to this incident.
- Campers and non-essential park employees have been evacuated.
Chalk Fire in Monterey County
This fire began about 7:30 a.m. on September 27, north of Chalk Peak in the Los Padres National Forest. The fire is 11,310 acres and is 97 percent contained.
- No structures are threatened.
- 236 personnel have been assigned to this incident.
- Seventeen firefighters have been injured.
- All evacuation orders have been lifted.
- There are no structures threatened.
Southern California Fires
Marek Fire, Los Angeles County
This fire began about 2 a.m. on October 13, in the Angeles National Forest at Little Tujunga Canyon Road and Upper Marek Motorway.
- The fire is more than 4,824 acres and is 80 percent contained.
- Thirty-nine homes and five outbuildings have been destroyed.
- 2,000 homes, 100 commercial properties and 400 outbuildings are threatened.
- One person has been killed.
- One firefighter has been injured.
- 1,272 personnel have been assigned to this incident.
- An evacuation center has been established for people and domestic animals at San Fernando High School, 11133 O'Melveny Avenue in San Fernando.
- Large animals are being sheltered at Hansen Dam Equestrian Center/Park and Pierce College in Woodland Hills.
Sesnon Fire, Los Angeles and Ventura counties
This fire began about 10:40 a.m. on October 13, on the border of East Ventura County and Los Angeles County. The fire is 13,285 acres and is 20 percent contained.
- Nineteen homes and 47 outbuildings have been destroyed.
- Six homes have been damaged.
- Two firefighters have been injured.
- 3,500 homes and 100 commercial properties are threatened.
- 2,500 area homes are being evacuated.
- 2,338 personnel have been assigned to this incident.
- Highway 118 is closed in both directions.
- Evacuation centers have been established at Shepherd of the Hills Church, 19700 Rinaldi St. in Porter Ranch and Canoga Park High School at 2850 Topanga Canyon Blvd. in Canoga Park.
- Large animals are being sheltered and Pierce College, 6201 Winnetka Ave. in Woodland Hills.
Shockey Fire, San Diego County
This fire began about 2:45 a.m. on October 14, near Campo in rural East San Diego County. The fire is 200 acres and is 100 percent contained.
- The fire is burning among houses on both sides of Highway 94.
- One firefighter was injured.
- One outbuilding was damaged.
- All evacuation orders have been lifted.
- 51 personnel are assigned to this incident.
- Route 94 is open.
Juliet Fire, San Diego County
This fire began about 9 p.m. on October 13, on Camp Pendleton, two miles northeast of Oceanside. The fire is 3,980 acres and is 75 percent contained.
- 40 homes are threatened.
- All threatened residences have been evacuated.
- 679 personnel have been assigned to this incident.
- An evacuation center has been established at El Camino High School in Oceanside.
Donations
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is urging those who want to help victims to donate through the National Donations Management Network.
The web-based National Donations Management Network is located at www.fema.gov/donations. Visitors to this site may direct their donation to national volunteer agencies or directly to the affected states that are managing their own state aid portals.
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