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Viejas Fire Burning Out of Control

ALPINE, CA. - (1-4-01) A major brush fire is burning out of control in the East County Wednesday morning. The fire started in the Alpine area about 2 miles east of East Willows Road just after 4am. Residents are being evacuated as firefighters are attempting to gain control. As of 6am an estimated 1000 acres had burned. We will update the situation as information becomes available.

UPDATE: An evacuation center has been set up at Alpine Elementary School on the 1800 block of Alpine Boulevard.

1-4-01: As of Thursday morning, 4 homes had been destroyed, 5 residential mobile homes destroyed and at least 5 out buildings burned. The fire had charred an estimated 10,000 acres and was 15 % contained. Evacuations began around 11am in the Lawson Valley area near Beaver Hallow and Sloan Ranch. Preliminary investigation indicates that the fire may have been started by a discarded cigarette.

The picture to the left shows smoke from the fire that can be seen more than 30 miles away in Downtown San Diego. Anyone with health problems, elderly, women who are pregnant, children and anyone with asthma or heart disease should be careful not to breath the smoke.

County officials declared a state of emergency and have also asked for a similar declaration from Governor Davis. If approved, residents impacted by the fire could be eligible for financial aid.

Viejas Fire 35% Contained

ALPINE, CA. - (1-5-01) The Viejas fire is 35% contained Friday morning and the good news is that the Sante Ana winds are dying down and light rain is beginning to fall. Firefighters are continuing to fight hot spots, but say the fire itself is being held to 10,355 acres. Officials hope to have full containment by Saturday at 6pm. One firefighter suffered minor injuries fighting the fire.

Community Pulls Together

ALPINE, CA - (1-5-01) Hundreds of people and animals are being cared for by the overwhelming support from the community of San Diego. The American Red Cross, public agencies and citizens from all over San Diego County are pulling together to help the people impacted by the Viejas fire. Donations have helped to feed those forced out of their homes, and then there are people like the owners of Willow Glen Equestrian Center who are donating their ranch to house animals forced out. Anyone who would like to help can call the American Red Cross at 619-542-7400.

Rebuilding Already Begun

ALPINE, CA - (1-5-01) He lost his home, but Charles Terry is still grateful for the efforts of everyone involved. Terry is one of five people who returned to find their home destroyed. Most say they are aware of the potential fire danger, but say they do plan on rebuilding.

Viejas Fire Update

SAN DIEGO, CA. - (1-6-01) The Viejas Fire is 60% contained Saturday morning. Officials hope to have it fully contained by Monday at 6pm and under full control by Wednesday at 6pm. The cost of fighting the fire is more than $6 million dollars with an estimated cost to top $10 million.