Posted on 10/26/2006 11:48:53 AM PDT by kellynla
CABAZON, Calif. -- A fast-moving fire killed at least three firefighters, prompted mandatory evacuations and burned more than 4,000 acres in Riverside County this morning, officials said.
The Esperanza fire in Cabazon, some 90 miles east of Los Angeles and about 20 miles northwest of Palm Springs, was reported at 1:12 a.m., Becky Luther, a spokeswoman for the Riverside County Fire Department, said in a telephone interview.
"It's a very serious fire," Luther said. "There are Santa Ana conditions and the fire is fast moving."
Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger told reporters that three firefighters were killed fighting the blaze. The U.S. Forest Service confirmed the deaths, adding that two firefighters were critically injured.
The exact dimensions of the fire were hard to determine because of the thick smoke and the relative lack of access, according to Capt. Julie Hutchinson of the Riverside County Fire Department and California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.
Television images showed houses and other structures burning, but the exact number could not be confirmed.
Wind speed and heat are the twin dangers at the fire scene. Winds were running 18 to 25 mph with steady gusts of 30 mph, Luther said. Temperatures are expected to be around 80 degrees.
More than 300 firefighters were battling the blaze, though that number was increasing, fire officials said. More than 27 crews were at the scene along with 68 engines, six air tankers and seven helicopters.
There were reports that at least one firefighter and some residents required medical treatment. But fire officials stressed the reports were unconfirmed.
A mandatory evacuation was ordered for the Twin Pines and Poppet Flats areas, Luther said.
About 150 homes were threatened in the areas with the majority, about 100 homes, in Twin Pines.
(Excerpt) Read more at latimes.com ...
Oh my gosh. I am here in coastal SoCal nursing my Santa Ana Winds Migraines and little did I know how bad it's gotten. Prayers up for the lost firefighters and their families, and for the ones still out there bravely battling.
thanks
the local NBC & ABC stations covered the news conference.
Yep, I was in the middle of the Grand Prix fire that started on October 21, 2003 but really took off when the Santa Anas started on October 24, 2003.
I saw your high wind alert thread yesterday and the comments as to why, is there a care? I was telling my mom about it this morning. You were right. It's not the winds, it's the fires.
I'm here in the Oceanside area, and it is smokey! ash is in the air on the cars and the winds are blowing, hard to believe the Cabazon fire has almost made it's way to the coast!
When it blows the other direction, it makes it's way to Las Vegas. :(
Not sure if this is OUR fire, but I thought this was interesting... (by the way, what is "SO"? (I anticipate it's S____ Officer?):
http://www.rimoftheworld.net/incident/2797\
Back 01:57 PM
Thu 10/26Fire - Possible ArsonistVICTORIA AVE AND BASE LINE ST
02:02 PM
Thu 10/26 SO is in the area. Advises can cancel. SO may be with party who started fire. 02:00 PM
Thu 10/26From: CHP
1:53PM 1039 CDF-SB
1:53PM SAW MAN START BRUSH FIRE
01:58 PM
Thu 10/26 2 reports from SO and CHP01:57 PM
Thu 10/26From: Dispatch
To :E3513, E3591, ME543, ME542A
Thanks. What a perspective...
Please God, no repeats.
I think this is in Ventura County...just heard that a grass fire had started there.
looks like it was witnessed and they may have him...
Is the Cedar fire the one that went through Ramona?
Grand Prix fire...Fontana, Rancho Cucamonga, Alta Loma, Claremont to name a few cities it ripped through.
Actually it is in San Bernardino...this could be a break.
This is the worst time in the year for fires. All that vegetation had grown with the spring rains, and dried out all summer long. Add in the Santa Anas, and you have a powder keg.
Prayers for the families of the hero firemen who gave their lives for us. If anybody hears about a memorial fund, please put a link up, because I am sure there are alot of folks who would like to contribute.
Beautifully stated.
That is one awesome picture!
Thanks for posting it!
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