1,000 STRUCTURES THREATENED

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By Miriam Raftery

Photo by Richard Edwords

Update June 22, 2016 7:45 a.m.:  The size of the fire is 6,500 acres as of 7 a.m. today and it is now 15% contained.

June 21, 2016 (San Diego's East County) -- 9 p.m.--Tonight Cal Fire indicates the Border Fire has been mapped at a reduced acreage estimate of 6,020 acres.  The fire is now 10% contained. Approximately 1,000 structures remain threatened but no homes have burned, though 4 outbuildings were lost.



Our media outlet has learned from multiple sources of a desperate need for water and food for people, pets and livestock in Potrero, where many animals have already perished. People who evacuated and were unable to bring animals with them, or who were away when the fire started, were not allowed entry by authorities into the evacuation area due to concerns over shifting winds and the potential for fire to return. One chicken ranch has had many thousands of birds die, multiple sources told ECM. Dogs, pigs, horses and other animals remain at risk, some with no food and no water. In response to our inquiry, Michele Clock with the County called and said the County will try to get help tomorrow.

Some volunteers have offered to donate supplies but are seeking a way to get them into the evacuation area.  Meanwhile if anyone is in this area and has access to water, hay, pet food or pig food,  or a way to safely get supplies to Potrero, where there are also people in need who did not evacuate, please let us know at editor@eastcountymagazine.org or 619-698-7617 so that we can notify those working to get relief supplies into the vicinity.



This afternoon we spoke with a Cleveland National Forest spokesperson who advised that Cleveland National Forest and Hauser Wilderness had thus far not burned, though some Bureau of Land Management property was burned.  The Pacific Coast Trail in the fire area is closed due to high fire danger in the impacted areas.



Here are more details from Cal Fire:



San Diego Residents call 2-1-1 for questions about the Border Fire.



Evacuations:



Orders: The San Diego Sheriff has issued evacuation orders for the following communities; Potrero, Forrest Gate, Star Ranch, Cowboy Ranch, Dog Patch, Canyon City and Lake Morena. An evacuation order was also issued for the following area. The area of the evacuation is within the following boundaries; Pacific Crest Trail to the south, Buckman Springs Road to the east from Lake Morena Dr to Morena Valley Road, Moreno Stokes Valley Road (Corral Canyon) at Sky Ranch (Sky Valley Road) to the west and Moreno Stokes Valley Road (Corral Canyon) at Buckman Springs Road  to the east.



Warning: Campo



Evacuation Shelter: Los Coches Creek Middle School, 9669 Dunbar Ln., El Cajon, CA 90201 (There is a tent with misters and fans for pets)



Road Closures: Located at Highway 94 west of Buckman Springs, eastbound 94 at the 188 and Buckman Springs Road at Old Buckman Springs.



Structures Destroyed: 4 outbuildings

Structures Threatened: 1000

Cause: Under Investigation

Total Personnel: 1,550

Engines: 115

Handcrews: 30

Airtankers: 4

Helicopters: 6

Water Tenders: 12

Dozers: 8

Conditions: Even with cooler temperatures, the steep terrain, extremely dry vegetation due to many years of drought, difficult access and low humidity's continue to produce erratic fire behavior thus hampering control efforts. The fire continues to move to the north and northeast threatening portions of the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail as well as surrounding communities. Firefighters will continue to construct and strengthen containment lines throughout the night. As well, providing for structure defense and establishing perimeter control.



Trail Closures: Pacific Coast Trail



Cooperating Agencies: SDG&E, San Diego County Fire, Border Patrol, Cal Trans, CHP, San Diego Sheriff, BLM, California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, Red Cross

 

 Residents in need of emergency assistance evacuation should call 9-1-1. For additional information, visit www.sdcountyemergency.com or call the San Diego Sheriff's Department non-emergency line at 858-565-5200.

For additional information, visit @CALFIRESanDiego.



You can listen to scanner traffic on the  Border Fire at:

Heartland: http://www.broadcastify.com/listen/feed/6326/web



Rural: http://www.broadcastify.com/listen/feed/9733/web   

Phone landlines and cell service are both out in the Potrero area. 



If you have updates or can provide an eyewitness account on this or any incident please contact editor@eastcountymagazine.org.

 

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