Yes. 1993. And 1994, and 1995, and 1996, and 1997.... and hundreds of examples every year thereafter. It is still happening, and getting worse to this day.
Poomacha fire update
Posted @ 10:12 PM
With the newest evacuations Thursday night from the Poomacha fire, the evacuation center in Borrego High School has grown to nearly 400 people, with many more people camping outside the school and coming in for meals.
Shelter manager Dan Hoffman of the Red Cross said some people left to return to their homes while new ones came in. Evacuees from Ramona and Julian especially have been frustrated repeatedly for the last few days since they leave believing they can finally return home, only to find the roads blocked again and have to return to the shelter.
Meanwhile, the latest evacuation for the Witch fire in Lake Henshaw and Mesa Grande was ordered Thursday night so firefighters can work a backfire to cut off the flames, said CalFire Division Chief Steve Gasaway.
The Witch and Poomacha fires have met up around Palomar Mountain as officials feared they would, so the firing operation could help slow the combined rage of flames.
The legendary telescope on Palomar remains in danger from fire, but Gasaway said the increase in resources to fight the Poomacha fire has helped bring it down to 30 percent controlled.
“I wouldn’t say it’s out of danger,” said Gasaway. “Things tend to burn better at night. There’s no guarantees.”