Wildfire and Emergency News

COUNTY EXTENDS EMERGENCY TEMPORARY LODGING PROGRAM FOR FLOOD VICTIMS

East County News Service

March 16, 2024 (San Diego) -- The San Diego County Board of Supervisors voted Tuesday to extend the Emergency Temporary Lodging Program.

The program, which was launched on Feb. 10, has provided safe and secure lodging for more than 840 families who were displaced by flooding from the Jan. 22 storm. 

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THUNDERSTORMS, SANTA ANA WINDS AND SNOW

 

March 14,2024 (San Diego)--A storm sweeping into our region is forecast to bring Santa Ana winds through Friday, with rain countywide and gusts up to 70 miles per hour in high desert areas. 

Mountains and deserts could have thunderstorms through Saturday, with snow down to 5,000 feet in elevation.


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REGIONAL DISASTER MANAGEMENT WANTS TO HEAR FROM YOU

Source: Department of Environmental Health and Quality

March 10, 2024 (San Diego) -- The County is looking to understand how we can improve services to the community during disasters. To learn more about the specific challenges communities are facing during these disasters, we are hosting online webinars open to the community as well as a survey to learn more and hear directly from the public. This information will be used to develop policy recommendations to the County Board of Supervisors about what actions the County should take to help better serve the public before, during, and after disasters. For more information and to take the survey and register for webinars please go to: https://engage.sandiegocounty.gov/regional-disaster-management


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IMPACTED BY FLOOD? YOU CAN APPLY FOR CAL-FRESH FOOD BENEFITS BY MARCH 15

By Miriam Raftery

March 6, 2024 (San Diego) – Victims of the flooding disaster in San Diego County are now eligible for temporary food assistance through Cal Fresh.  Qualified applicants will receive a debit card with at least $291 to purchase food.There is a short application window. In order to get Disaster CalFresh, people must apply by Friday, March 15.

Disaster CalFresh benefits are for people living or working in impacted counties including San Diego County on January 21 who experienced one of the following:

  • Lost wages or income because of the natural disaster, or
  • Had their home or place of employment damaged, or
  • Have disaster-related costs (including lost food, evacuation expenses), or
  • Cannot access savings or checking accounts. 

No social security number is required. 



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FLOOD VICTIMS CAN NOW APPLY FOR FEDERAL HELP AT FEMA DISASTER RECOVERY SITES IN SPRING VALLEY AND SAN DIEGO

East County News SErvice

March 2, 2024 (San Diego’s East County) – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has two local disaster recovery centers that are open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.  Residents who had damage from the floods that occurred January 21-23 can visit the centers or register online for federal disaster relief to help pay for repairs, temporary housing and property losses,  as well as business loans, now through April 19.

The federal aid comes after President Joe Biden issued a federal disaster declaration for our regionl.

The centers are located at the Spring Valley County Library (836 Kempton St, Spring Valley) and at the Mountain View Community Center (651  South Boundary St., San Diego).


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ACTIVE SHOOTING SUSPECT IN EL CAJON ARRESTED: 1 DEAD, 2 INJURED

 

Update  March 1, 2024:  Officers and a mobile forensic lab remains on scene. Police have not revealed details, however a city official told  ECM that the shooting suspect was a digruntled patient. He has been charged with first degree murder.

Update 10  p.m.: The suspect is in custody,  per El Cajon Police post on X.

February 29, 2024 (El Cajon) – El Cajon Police seeks public help to locate Mohammed Abdulkareem, 29, who is considered armed and dangerous. He is the suspect in an active shooter event tonight at the Smile Plus dental office in the 400 block of Magnolia Avenue.

He is described as light-skinned, wearing all black clothing. He fled the scene in a white U-haul pickup truck with Arizona license plate  AM 14894, last seen heading north on N. Mollison. If you see him or have any information, please call El Cajonj Police at 619 579-3311 or call 911.


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PROTECT SANTEE INITIATIVE LAUNCHED TO IMPROVE FIRE PROTECTION

By Miriam Raftery

February 21, 2024 (Santee) – The Santee Firefighters Association (SFA) is sponsoring the “Protect Santee” ballot initiative aimed at improving fire protection. The city’s fire department resources have not kept pace with growth in the community, a problem so severe that firefighters and emergency medical first responders are not able to meet national safety response time standards, multiple reports confirm.

“With just 17 on-call firefighters and two outdated fire stations, the fire department’s response times are often DOUBLE the crucial 4-minute National Fire Safety Response Standard, as AP Triton reported in its 2023 Santee Community Risk Assessment,” a press release from  the SFA states.

The International Association of Firefighters (IAFF) was hired by the SFA to provide a report on the fire department’s capabilities. It found that most fire engines are staffed by  three firefighters, not the minimum of four required by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). Moreover, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires that two firefighters cannot enter a burning building or other dangerous situation unless at least two more fighters are outside. So Santee’s three-person crews must wait until another crew arrives before they can enter a burning home, for example.

 

The study also found most area roads are not currently served  within the safe time frames outlined in the report.  “As such, it results in an increased risk of death or injury to firefighters and the citizens of Santee, as well as increased risk for considerable property loss of housing units and businesses throughout the City,” the report concludes.


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PRESIDENT BIDEN ISSUES DISASTER DECLARATION TO BRING FEDERAL AID FOR FLOOD VICTIMS IN SAN DIEGO COUNTY

By Miriam Raftery

February 20, 2024 (San Diego) President Joe Biden yesterday declared a major disaster in California, making federal funding available to help those who suffered flood damages from January 21-23 in San Diego County, including residents and businesses. 

Residents and business owners who sustained losses in the designated areas can begin applying for assistance at www.DisasterAssistance.gov, by calling 800-621-FEMA (3362), or by using the FEMA App. Anyone using a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, can give FEMA the number for that service. 

The President ordered federal assistance to supplement state tribal, and local recovery efforts from the severe storm.

Assistance can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses, and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of the disaster. Federal funding is also available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures statewide.

The federal disaster declaration comes three weeks after it was requested by both Governor Gavin Newsom and San Diego Congresswoman Sara Jacob.

Additional designations may be made at a later date if requested by the state and warranted by the results of further damage assessments.


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FLOOD WATCH ISSUED SUNDAY THROUGH WEDNESDAY MORNING

East County Wildfire & Emergency Alerts

February 18, 2024 (San Diego) – The National Weather Service has issued a flood watch for  San Diego County’s mountains, valleys, and coasts,  as well as portions of Orange, Riverside,  San Bernadino ,Los Angeles and Oxnard counties. The watch is in effect tonight through Wednesday morning due to a Pacific storm moving into our region expected to bring up to 1.5 inches of rain locally.

A low pressure system from the north is forecast to bring widespread showers and isolated thunderstorms, with moderate to heavy rains capable of flooding in urban and low-lying areas.


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COUNTY STARTS SHORT-TERM LODGING FOR JAN. 22 FLOOD VICTIMS

By Cassie N. Saunders, County of San Diego Communications Office

February 12, 2024 (San Diego) -- The County of San Diego has begun providing people displaced by the Jan. 22 flooding with up to 30-days of temporary lodging.


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FREE LECTURE ON FIRE-WISE LANDSCAPING AT THE WATER CONSERVATION GARDEN

East County News Service

February 8, 2024 (El Cajon) -- California's landscape will always be characterized by wildfires, making homes and properties vulnerable to their impacts. A key component of wildfire preparedness involves proper placement and maintenance of the vegetation surrounding the home. Understanding how fires approach a house and potential vulnerabilities is critical for designing fire-resilient landscapes.

In this presentation, Tuesday, February 13 at 10 a.m., there will be discussion on the key concepts of defensible space and home hardening strategies necessary to create a fire-resilient but aesthetically pleasing landscape. 


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SNOW CLOSES SCHOOLS IN MOUNTAIN AREAS, CHAINS REQUIRED ON HIGHWAYS

Winter storm warning in effect for mountains through Thursday, Feb. 8 at  12 p.m.

By Miriam Raftery

Photo: Laguna Mountain Lodge webcam

February 7, 2024 (San Diego’s East County)—Several inches or more of snow blanketed San Diego County’s mountains overnight.  Snow fell in Julian, Pine Valley, and many other mountain communities, with more precipitation forecast today.

Due to weather and road conditions, several school districts are closed and have a snow day today, according to the San Diego County Office of Education:  Julian Union Elementary , Julian Union High, Mountain Empire,  Spencer Valley,  Warner Unified.


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GOVERNOR DECLARES EMERGENCY IN 8 COUNTIES INCLUDING SAN DIEGO, CITY ISSUES EVACUATION WARNINGS AS ANOTHER STRONG STORM NEARS

By Miriam Raftery

February 5, 2024 (San Diego)—A powerful storm fueled by a “Pineapple Express”  atmospheric river is pummeling much of California and is slated to reach San Diego County later today. The Governor has declared an emergency in eight counties including San Diego to support storm response and recovery efforts.  A flood watch for San Diego County issued by the National Weather Service will be in effect starting at 4 p.m. San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria has issued evacuation warnings for Encanto, Southcrest Mountain View--east San Diego communities along the flood plain.

A new city-run local assistance center for flood victims at the Mountain View Community Center is closed today due to the severe weather and will reopen when weather permits. For updates in the city of San Diego, visit http://sandiego.gov/storm .  For storm recovery in the County, visit https://www.alertsandiego.org/en-us/recovery.html.  

Neither the County nor any East County cities have yet issued evacuation warnings, though residents in low-lying areas especially those that previously flooded should stay vigilant as the heaviest rains and winds hit our region late today, tonight and tomorrow.


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CALIFORNIA FIRE INSURANCE: FAIR PLAN GOING THROUGH GROWING PAINS

By Levi Sumagaysay, CalMatters

CalMatters is a public interest journalism venture committed to explaining how California’s state Capitol works and why it matters

File photo: Fire in Grossmont area

February 2, 2024 (California) -- The fire-insurance premium for Bill King’s home has risen 145% since 2017 — from $399 to $979 — under the California FAIR Plan, the state’s last option for homeowners seeking fire insurance.


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THOUSANDS SEEK HELP AT FLOOD ASSISTANCE CENTER IN SPRING VALLEY

 

By Kirsten Andelman

Photo, left: flooded home of the Ford family along Chollas Creek

February 1, 2023 (Spring Valley)-- When 86-year old Bienvenida Ford felt the water on her feet January 22, all she could do was yell for her sleeping daughter, Debbie, who jumped up and called 911.  But by then, the waters rushing in from the swollen Chollas Creek were already up to the women’s calves.

Within 20 minutes, the water in their National Avenue living room was up to Bienvenida’s ribs.  In the nick of time, two rescue workers swam inside and dragged her by her armpits to higher ground. Meanwhile, Debbie Ford, age 50, was fending for herself, half paddling, half floating out the front door and towards higher ground.  Hundreds of yards away she could see their freezer – recently stuffed with homemade lumpia – laying on its side on a neighbor’s property.


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CITY OF SAN DIEGO ISSUES EVACUATION WARNING, CLOSES ROADS AHEAD OF STORM

East County Wildfire & Emergency Alerts

February 1, 2024 (San Diego) –Mayor Todd Gloria has issued a voluntary evacuation warning for people living in low-lying areas of the city ahead of the new storm moving into the area. The warning was texted to residents in theflood plain areas in Southcrest, Mountain View, Encanto, San Ysidro, Sorrento Valley and Mission Valley.

If the voluntary warning becomes an order,  San Diego Police will go door to door to inform residents.

A shelter has been set up at the municipal gym in Balboa Park. Anyone in the evacuation warning areas who needs a free ride to the shelter can call (619)280-4444 under an agreement between the city and the Ride United app.

The Red Cross of San Diego and Imperial Counties is continuing to provide shelter for people displaced from their homes at the Lincoln High School Gymnasium located at 4777 Imperial Ave., San Diego, CA 92133. The Red Cross San Diego phone number is 858-309-1200. 

Many roads in the city are closed due to potential flooding today. For a current list, visit https://www.sandiego.gov/storm/road-closures.


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WEATHERING THE STORM: PETCO PROVIDES ESSENTIAL FLOOD SAFETY TIPS FOR SAN DIEGO'S PETS

East County News Service

January 31, 2024 (San Diego) -- In the wake of recent flooding in San Diego and with more rainy days on the horizon, it's crucial for pet parents to be prepared for emergencies. Just as we keep first aid kits for ourselves, it's vital to have one ready for our pets to provide immediate care until professional help is available.  


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COLD STORM BRINGING WET WEATHER: FLOOD WATCH THURSDAY-FRIDAY

By Miriam Raftery

January 31, 2024 (San Diego)—On the heels of last week’s severe storm, another atmospheric river is moving into our region, bringing widespread rain, mountain snow as low as 3,500 feet, gusty winds, cold temperatures and possible thunderstorms.  A flood watch has been issued by the National Weather Service for Thursday morning through Friday morning for San Diego County’s mountains, deserts and valleys, with potential for flooding in some urban and low-lying areas as well as along rivers and streams.

The NWS has also issued a wind advisory for valley areas, a high surf and small craft advisory for coastal areas where waves could reach 10 feet.

Mountains and foothills have a 60% chance of 2-4 inches, a 10% chance of 4-6 inches, and a 5% chance of over 6 inches of precipitation.  Deserts could receive as much as 2 or more inches of rain, with .5 to 1 inch likely.  Valleys and coastal areas have a50%chance of 1-2 inches, a 40% chance of 2-3 inches,and a 5% chance of over 4 inches.


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COUNTY STORM RECOVERY UPDATE

January 27, 2024 (San Diego) -- County officials provided an update today on recovery efforts after the unprecedented storm earlier this week that deluged various communities in the region with more than two inches of rain in just two hours.

“We are bringing together the city, county and state resources to help those that need it the most,” said Chairwoman Nora Vargas, San Diego County Board of Supervisors. “To all those that have been impacted, I want to make sure you know we are doing everything we can to bring you the resources you need and to make sure we help you as you recover from this natural disaster.”

Chairwoman Vargas also announced she was postponing the State of the County address. Instead she will host a “Day of Service” for San Diego flood victims.


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SPRING VALLEY FLOOD ASSISTANCE CENTER THIS SUNDAY-WEDNESDAY

East County News Service

January 27, 2024 (Spring Valley)—A Local Assistance Center for those impacted by recent flooding will be at the Spring Valley Library,836 Kempton St. in Spring Valley.  Hours for the two-day center will be Sunday, Jan. 28 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Monday through Wednesday, Jan. 29-31 from 10 a.m.to 7 p.m.

No appointments are needed. Flood victims can walk in for help with services such as:


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ANOTHER STORM ON THE WAY: WHERE TO GET SANDBAGS

With the possibility of another storm heading to the region next week, the County and CAL FIRE are offering free sandbags to residents and businesses in the unincorporated area to prepare for heavy rain.

The Jan. 22 storm brought historic rainfall to the county, causing flood damage to many homes and businesses. Forecasters say more rain may arrive by the middle of next week.

To prepare for potential flooding or soil erosion, people in the unincorporated areas can visit any one of several fire stations to get and fill sandbags.


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COUNTY, SAN DIEGO FOUNDATION LAUNCH FLOOD RESPONSE FUND

January 25, 2024 (San Diego) -- San Diegans who want to help local victims recover from this week’s severe storm can now make financial donations to a new Flood Response Fund.

The County worked with the San Diego Foundation to set up the online fund. The San Diego Foundation will match donations up to $100,000.

Money from the fund will only be directed to non-profits helping flood victims. The fund is not accepting any non-monetary donations at this time.

Monday’s storm was the fourth wettest day recorded since 1850. The torrential downpours caused millions of dollars of damage, flooded streets and roadways, damaged hundreds of homes and created mudslides, erosion and more.


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PREPARING FOR WILDFIRES

By Assemblymember Marie Waldron

Photo: Paradise Mayor Ron Lassonde discussing fire recovery efforts since the 2018 Camp Fire

January 25, 2024 (Valley Center) -- I recently joined several legislators to tour the site of the Camp Fire, the deadliest wildfire disaster in 100 years, which stuck much of Butte County in 2018. The fire resulted in 85 deaths, covered almost 240 square miles, and almost totally destroyed the towns of Paradise, Concow and other communities. Sadly, this tragic death toll was surpassed in 2023 by fires that engulfed Maui, with almost 100 dead and many still missing.

Our region is no stranger to wildfires. Most of us remember the Cedar, Witch, Cocos, Guejito, Rice and Lilac fires which devastated much of San Diego County. In the aftermath of those fires, we’ve learned a great deal. For example, San Diego Gas & Electric maintains one the country’s most advanced utility weather networks. Over 190 weather stations monitor high fire risk areas and generate microclimate forecasts and fire modeling that anticipate the path of potential fires. This data is shared with fire agencies throughout the county in advance of adverse weather events such as Santa Ana winds, and is also used by system operators to shut down circuits to avoid fires generated by downed power lines. More information is available here.


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SURVEY FOR COUNTY RESIDENTS TO REPORT STORM DAMAGE

January 24, 2024 (San Diego) -- County residents and businesses who experienced flooding damage during Monday’s storm can report the damage through an online survey.

Completing the voluntary form will assist the County of San Diego with collecting damage information related to the storm.

The survey will only be used to gather information to determine if the County should request state and/or federal assistance.

Completing the form does not guarantee that you will be eligible to receive any disaster relief assistance. Filling out the survey is not a substitution for filing a claim with your insurance.

The County proclaimed a local emergency Monday since federal and state assistance may be needed due to flooding damage from the storm.


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COUNTY ISSUES EMERGENCY PROCLAMATION AFTER STORM CAUSES FLOODING DAMAGE; RESIDENTS ASKED TO SUBMIT DAMAGES

East Count News Service

Photo courtesy of the City of La Mesa

January 23, 2024 (San Diego)--The County of San Diego is proclaiming a local emergency on behalf of the Board of Supervisors in anticipation that resources and assistance from the state and federal government may be needed because of damage caused by flooding from the storm January 22, 2024.

Residents and businessowners can submit their damages to https://crisistrack.juvare.com/public/sandiegoCA/request.html

A local proclamation communicates to the state that the County is anticipating significant impacts to both public and private property.

The San Diego National Weather Service office reported that Monday was the 5th wettest day in San Diego since 1850.


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RED CROSS OPENS SHELTERS FROM STORM,SOME SCHOOLS CLOSE, COUNTY TO AID WITH DAMAGES, SUPERVISOR ANDERSON SAYS

East County News Service

January 23, 2024 (San Diego's East County)--If you or someone you know is experiencing unsafe living conditionsin EastCounty due to flooding, the Red Cross has opened a shelter.  The shelter is in the Bostonia Recreation Room,1049 Bostonia St.,El Cajon. Additional shelters have been opened at Lincoln High School and the Coronado Community Center.

"The County of San Diego Office of Emergency Services is actively monitoring the storm and its impacts," says Supervisor Joel Anderson, who notes that the winter storm ha affected many parts of the County, with multiple communities and highways experiencing flooding, "especially communities I represent in the unincorporated area of the County."

"The County of San Diego will be assisting with damages caused by the winter storm. More details on that will be shared in the coming days," Supervisor Anderson adds. "For now, if there's any way my office can be of assistance to you during this time, please do not hesitate to reach out to us using the contact form on my website."

The safety of students and school staff is of the upmost importance to San Diego County School Districts. The following schools have early dismissals or closures planned for this week. Please contact your school's administration for more details:


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STORM WREAKS HAVOC ACROSS REGION

By Miriam Raftery

Updated January 23, 2024 to include city and county of San Diego declaring an emergency

January 22, 2024 (San Diego’s East County) – Heavy rains during today’s storm caused widespread flooding, road closures, power outages, and inundation of vehicles and structures including an East County school. Flooding also prompted numerous rescues including motorists trapped in vehicles in Spring Valley and Lemon Grove, as well as homeless people stranded by rising waters along the San Diego River in Santee.

Richard Attaway took dramatic  photos  (left) of Mission Gorge Road in Santee just east of  Carlton Hills Boulevard, where he said “there are homeless clinging on trees for their lives in the river bed.” One video showed a woman stranded on an island surrounded by swift-flowing currents. Numerous emergency crews were on hand and at least one person was rescued from the floodwaters.


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FLOOD WATCH ISSUED FOR MONDAY

East County Wildfire & Emergency Alerts

January 21, 2024 (San Diego’s East County) -The National Weather Service has issued a flood watch for all areas of San Diego County tomorrow, Monday January 22, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Widespread moderate to heavy rain is forecast, with scattered thunderstorms.

The heavy rain may occur during morning and evening commutes, with a risk of flash flooding.


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THUNDERSTORMS, HEAVY RAINS FORECAST

East County News Service

January 18, 2024 (San Diego) -- The National Weather Service is forecasting a major storm bringing widespread rain this weekend and early next week countywide, with thunderstorms possible in San Diego’s mountains, valleys and coastal areas. The storm is also expected to bring gusty winds, graupel (similar to hail) and lightning that could pose hazards to those outdoors.


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FIRST LOCAL DETECTION OF HANTAVIRUS IN 2024

January 18, 2024 (San Diego) -- A Western Harvest mouse collected from the open space area on the eastern side of Mission Trails has tested positive for the potentially deadly hantavirus.

Finding hantavirus in wild rodents is not uncommon in San Diego County, there were a total of 17 cases in 2023. However, people rarely come into direct contact with infected animals because wild rodents naturally avoid humans.

While exposure to hantavirus is rare, people should be careful around wild rodents as there is no cure or vaccine for hantavirus.

Symptoms of hantavirus usually develop between 1-8 weeks after exposure and include:


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