Fires hit close to
home as Back Country dries out
By Christy
Scott
The Alpine Sun
SAN DIEGO COUNTY — Fire fighters on the ground and in the air
have gained the upper hand on a pair of wildfires that burned in
Dulzura and Barrett Junction, last Friday, July 5.
According to a CDF representative, the first fire began
at about 2:50 p.m. north of the community of Dulzura and close
to Honey Springs Road. The fire, called the Border fire, had
burned 100 acres and was 35 percent contained by 8 p.m.
Officials said fire crews remained on scene through the
night. Ten engine crews were involved in fighting the fire,
which was inaccessible to ground crews due to the rocky and
hilly terrain. Four air tankers were used to fight the wildfire.
State Route 94 was closed between Otay Lakes and
Barrett Smith roads for a few hours. At one time, structures
were threatened by the fire, and CalFire had ordered a Type 1
Strike Team to that area to perform structure protection.
Fire officials said they suspect the blaze was caused
by migrants, although that was not confirmed.
A second fire, called the Millar fire, was reported
close to state Route 94 in Rancho San Diego at the old Steele
Canyon Bridge and Millar Ranch Road, not far from the Sweetwater
River.
Officials said the fire quickly burned 10 acres and
threatened at least one structure before being stopping it from
spreading. CDF said that five engines and two fire crews had
been sent to fight that fire.
The fire was under control Friday night.
The Back Country becomes a
tinderbox
As the temperatures rise and the brush dries out, the
potential of wildfire grows. Living in this area requires an
understanding of this, and every household should have a plan
for if and when the next fire strikes.
Before the fire:
Make a kit
Keep some shoes and flashlights handy for a night evacuation.
Keep the six “Ps” ready, in case an immediate evacuation is
required:
People and pets
Papers, phone numbers and important documents
Prescriptions, pills and eyeglasses
Pictures and irreplaceable memorabilia
Personal computer (information on hard drives and disks)
“Plastic” (credit cards and cash)
Make a plan
Keep your car’s fuel tank full and park facing out.
Have a family emergency plan and re-unification plan.
When wildfire
approaches:
Stay informed through television, radio and local agencies.
Evacuate if directed by authorities, or if fire is headed toward
your home.
Close heavy draperies; but remove lightweight curtains.
Turn off propane gas supply at the tank.
Watch for downed power lines — treat all wires as energized and
lethal.
What if my kids are
in school?
Fire fighters will prioritize protecting and evacuating school
sites.
Know your school’s evacuation plans and where they will take
your student.
Develop an emergency plan for baby sitters and other care
providers.
What should I do
with my animals?
Take small animals with you if you can.
Take large stock animals to alternate stables.
Do not release large stock animals to run wild.
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