West
San Diego wildfires force mandatory evacuations amid dangerous wind conditions
Mandatory evacuations are expanding in Southern California early Tuesday as two wildfires are burning in San Diego County, with powerful Santa Ana wind gusts creating “dangerous fire conditions,” officials say.
Both the Lilac Fire and Pala Fire, which started early this morning near Bonsall and Pala Mesa, respectively, are threatening homes and businesses, according to Cal Fire.
“Mandatory evacuation orders are in place, and I cannot stress enough the importance of evacuating immediately and listening to first responders,” San Diego County District 5 Supervisor Jim Desmond wrote on X.
“Santa Ana winds are creating dangerous fire conditions — please do not wait to leave if you are in an evacuation zone,” he added.
LOS ANGELES WATER CHIEF GIVEN POLICE SECURITY DETAIL FOLLOWING ‘THREATS’ AGAINST HER, EMPLOYEES
Firefighters battle the Lilac Fire along Interstate 15 near the Bonsall community of San Diego County, Calif., on Tuesday, Jan. 21. (AP/Noah Berger)
As of Tuesday morning, the Lilac Fire “has consumed 80 acres with 10% containment, 86 residents are displaced and two structures have been damaged,” the North County Fire Protection District said. “There are over 200 firefighters assigned to the incident.”
“Firefighters are making good progress on the fire. The fire activity has decreased significantly,” Cal Fire added.
The Pala Fire has consumed about 30 acres and has a “slow rate of spread,” the agency added.
Evacuation orders have been issued for communities in proximity to the Lilac Fire.
“Be prepared to evacuate should conditions change. If you feel you are in danger, GO!” the San Diego County Sheriff’s Office warned on X.
‘MILLION DOLLAR LISTING’ STAR SAYS UP TO 70% OF PALISADES RESIDENTS WILL NOT RETURN AFTER DEVASTATING LA FIRES
Vehicles pass through smoke from the Lilac Fire in Bonsall, Calif., on Tuesday. (AP/Jae C. Hong)
The causes of both fires remain under investigation.
FOX Weather Meteorologist Craig Herrera said “Right now, critical (fire weather) extends all the way down into San Diego County, and elevated (fire weather) goes into the high deserts.”
Firefighters walk up a ridge to battle the Lilac Fire. (AP/Jae C. Hong)
The National Weather Service said a top wind gust of 102 mph was recorded as of early this morning in San Diego County.
A firefighter pulls a hose while trying to keep the Lilac Fire from spreading near the Bonsall community of San Diego County, Calif., on Tuesday. (AP/Noah Berger)
The region has been placed under a High Wind Warning until later this afternoon and a Red Flag Warning until tomorrow night.
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San Francisco, CA
Missing man, 85, last seen in South San Francisco
SAN FRANCISCO (KRON) — A Silver Alert was activated Thursday by the California Highway Patrol after an 85-year-old man was reported missing from South San Francisco.
Zosimo Carmen is described by authorities as 5 feet 5 inches tall and weighing 155 pounds. He has gray hair and brown eyes.
Carmen was last seen around 2 a.m. on Thursday in the area of James Court and Livingston Place in South San Francisco. He was wearing a brown flannel shirt and blue sweatpants.
The Silver Alert was activated for San Mateo and San Francisco counties.
Anyone who sees Carmen is asked to call 911.
Denver, CO
Jonah Coleman says being a Bronco is ‘the best thing in the world’ as rookie camp begins
Welcome to the NFL, rookies.
The Denver Broncos are set to hold a rookie minicamp from May 8-10, with players expected to report to the team’s facility today (May 7). One of the key players to watch will be running back Jonah Coleman, the club’s fourth-round pick in last month’s NFL draft.
“Ultimately, to be a Bronco is the best thing in the world,” Coleman told the Big Ten Network during a sideline interview at Washington’s spring game last week.
Coleman figures to begin his pro career as a third-string running back behind J.K. Dobbins and RJ Harvey, but he could quickly win playing time as a capable blocker and receiver.
Broncos offseason schedule
- Offseason program started: May 4
- Rookie minicamp: May 8-10
- OTAs: June 2-4; June 9-11
- Mandatory minicamp: June 16-18
With rookies reporting to the facility, we should get jersey number news soon. Denver’s draft class, undrafted free agent signings and several expected tryout players will participate in the rookie minicamp this weekend.
Social: Follow Broncos Wire on Facebook and Twitter/X! Did you know: These 25 celebrities are Broncos fans.
Seattle, WA
Meet the ‘fuel mitigation specialists’ protecting Pierce County from wildfires
GRAHAM, Wash. – As Washington faces a spring with severely low snowpack, fire districts across the state are ramping up preparations for Wildfire Awareness Month. At Central Pierce Fire and Rescue, some of the most effective team members are focusing on prevention, through meal time.
Station 96, now affectionately nicknamed “The Goat House,” deployed a herd of goats to serve as official “fuel mitigation specialists.” These four-legged lawnmowers are tasked with clearing thick vegetation and maintaining the retention pond area around the station to ensure dry brush doesn’t become fuel for a potential fire.
The ‘G.O.A.T.’ of mitigation
While they may not look like your typical firefighters—and they certainly lack a sense of professional decorum—officials say the herd is setting a regional standard for wildfire prevention.
“They are the GOAT of […] fuel mitigation,” joked Wildfire Coordinator Jake Weigley.
The strategy is as practical as it is adorable. By having the goats graze the land, the department avoids spending crew downtime on weed whackers. This keeps firefighters ready for what they do best: responding to emergencies.
“It does save the taxpayers money, because our crews are able to focus on training and responding to calls,” Weigley said.
The “GoatFundMe’ account
Despite their official titles, these specialists aren’t on the public payroll. Their snacks, veterinary care, and general upkeep are funded internally through a “GoatFundMe” account, which is supported entirely by voluntary contributions from fire department and county employees.
The department hopes these stubborn workers will inspire residents to take notes on their own “defensible space” at home. Much like the goats clearing the field, fire officials recommend homeowners hardscape and remove any fuels that could carry a fire toward buildings.
A heightened season of awareness
The timing is critical. Following a winter with low precipitation, officials are on high alert for the upcoming fire season, though the full severity remains a question mark until the summer heat truly hits.
“We’re in a heightened level of awareness based on our snowpack and precipitation over the winter,” Weigley said. “But until fire season really gets started, we won’t know how severe it will be.”
Residents interested in meeting the herd can monitor the Central Pierce Fire and Rescue Facebook page for upcoming station events and community open houses. They ask to protect the goat’s health, you do not feed them.
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The Source: Information in this story comes from original reporting from FOX 13 Seattle reporter Taylor Winkel.
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