UPDATED: Friday, November 30, 2007 3:23 PM
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SPECIAL ALERT BLOG:RELOAD PAGE
UPDATED: Friday, November 30, 2007 3:23 PM
FIRE-WEARY RESIDENTS BRACE FOR POSSIBLE MUDSLIDES
11/30 3:23 p.m. - A rain stormed moved into San Diego County around midnight. Now, attention is being directed to how the rain will affect the areas burned by the wildfires. It's not clear yet whether the rain will become heavy enough to trigger mudslides in the fire scorched areas. For more information, click here >>

Residents can get help to prevent mudslides by going to one of five locations in the county:

1. Valley Center County Road Station, 28565 Cole Grade Road, Valley Center

2. Ramona Road County Station, 116 5th Street, Ramona

3. Dulzura Fire Department, 17304 Highway 94, Dulzura

4. Fallbrook Ingold Baseball Fields, 2551 Oliver Hill Rd, Fallbrook

5. Rancho Bernardo Local Assistance Center, 18448 W. Bernardo Drive, Rancho Bernardo


FREE CONCERT & PICNIC TO HONOR FIRE HEROES
11/9 5:21 p.m. - A free concert and picnic featuring the San Diego Symphony is being held next weekend, on Saturday, Nov. 17 from 12 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Rancho Bernardo Community Park. People and business owners who live in Rancho Bernardo and its surrounding areas are recognizing the heroes of the fire. News 8's Larry Himmel, who lost his home in 4S Ranch, will be on hand as emcee. CLICK HERE >> for more information.
BOIL-WATER ORDERS LIFTED FOR PAUMA VALLEY, PALOMAR MOUNTAIN
11/7 7:18 p.m. - Boil water orders were lifted by the county today for the West Cuca Mutual Water Co. in Pauma Valley and the Yoga Center Mothers Kitchen on Palomar Mountain.
ESCONDIDO FIRE ASSISTANCE CENTER NOW OPEN
11/5 4:50 p.m. - The Rebuild Escondido Assistance Center is now open. Fire victims in Escondido and nearby unincorporated areas are urged to visit or call (760) 746-FIRE for information on federal funding, temporary shelter and how to rebuild.
BOIL-WATER ORDER LIFTED IN PAUMA VALLEY
11/2 2:09 p.m. - A wildfire-related boil-water advisory has been canceled for Rancho Estates Mutual Water Co. in Pauma Valley, according to the county Department of Environmental Health.
FIRE UPDATE
11/2 8:29 a.m. - The Poomacha Fire remains 85 percent contained. So far, it has burned 49,410 acres. Click here for a complete fire update.
FIREFIGHTERS STANDBY FOR ANOTHER WILDFIRE THREAT
11/1 9:54 a.m. - Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has ordered firefighters to prepare for another wildfire threat in anticipation of a Santa Ana wind event that is forecasted for this weekend. Click here for more information.
SANTA ANA WIND EVENT THIS WEEKEND
11/1 9:50 a.m. - According to News 8's Chief Meteorologist Matt Baylow, a small Santa Ana wind event is expected to develop sometime late Friday into Saturday. The National Weather Service has issued a Fire Weather Watch for Saturday.
ESCONDIDO/TECATE/PAUMA VALLEY BOIL-WATER ORDERS LIFTED
10/31 5:30 p.m. - Wildfire-related boil-water advisories for the following area distribution systems have been canceled, according to county officials:

- Del Dios Mutual Water Co., Escondido;
- Muir Industries Water System, Tecate; and
- Pauma Valley Mutual Water Co., Pauma Valley.


ROAD CLOSURES
10/31 8:22 a.m. - For the latest road closures around San Diego County, click here >>
SOME LANDLORDS ACCUSED OF PRICE GOUGING EVACUEES
10/30 6:45 p.m. - If you suspect landlords are price gouging you, contact the District Attorney's office at 1-800-927-HELP. The San Diego County Apartment Association is also helping evacuees find reasonably priced rentals. CLICK HERE >> for the full story.
RAMONA WATER SAFE TO DRINK
10/30 11:40 a.m. - The Ramona Municipal Water District and the California Department of Public Health have determined that tap water is now safe to drink. It is no longer necessary to consume bottled water. Homeowners will still need to take steps to assure that the water in the internal plumbing system is safe. CLICK HERE >> for the full story.
IRS ANNOUNCES TAX RELIEF FOR FIRE VICTIMS
10/30 7:58 a.m. - Deadlines for affected taxpayers to file returns and pay taxes falling between October 21 and January 31, 2008 will be postponed to January 31, 2008.

The IRS is also waiving the failure to deposit penalty for employment and deposits due between October 21 and November 5, as long as they are made by November 5.

Affected taxpayers who live or have a business located outside the disaster area are required to call the IRS Disaster Hotline at 1-866-562-5227.
REGISTER FOR REVERSE 911 FOR YOUR CELL PHONE
10/29 7:18 p.m. - CLICK HERE >> to register for Reverse 911 for your cell phone.
TIME-LASPE VIDEO OF THE HARRIS FIRE
10/29 5:40 p.m. - UCSD cameras caught some amazing footage of the Harris Fire, with cameras placed right in the middle of it all. CLICK HERE >> for the video. You can also view longer versions of the video HERE >> .
FREE FLU SHOTS FOR THOSE AFFECTED BY FIRES
10/29 4:53 p.m. - The County of San Diego is offering residents affected by the wildfires the opportunity to get influenza vaccinations at the following local assistance centers:

- Fallbrook Community Center, 341 Heald Lane;
- Ramona Community School, 1710 Montecito Road;
- Cuyamaca College, 900 Rancho San Diego Parkway; and
- Glassman Recreation Center, 18448 West Bernardo Drive


BOIL-WATER ORDER LIFTED FOR RAINBOW METROPOLITAN WATER DISTRICT
4:37 p.m. - A boil-water advisory for areas served by open reservoirs in the Rainbow Metropolitan Water District in northern San Diego County has been canceled, according to county officials.
FIRE CREWS TO SET BACKFIRES IN CUTCA VALLEY AREA
12:53 p.m. - Authorities are alerting residents of the Cutca Valley area in northern San Diego County about fire crews' plan to set a roughly 3,500-acre back fire in the vicinity to reduce fuel in the path of the Poomacha Fire.
JULIAN WASTE & RECYCLING COLLECTION RESTORED
10:39 a.m. - Julian Disposal Service has restored residential and commercial service to all repopulated areas on their regularly scheduled collection day where roadways are open to the general public. Ramona Disposal Service previously announced that it too had restored residential and commercial collection service. Ramona Transfer Station is open for the acceptance of self-haul waste from 7:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday.
WILDFIRE STATS
8:42 a.m.
Witch Fire – 197,990 acres – 95% contained
Harris Fire – 90,440 acres – 75% contained
Poomacha Fire – 49,540 acres – 65% contained
Rice Fire – 9,472 acres – 100% CONTAINED
Horno/Ammo Fire – 21,084 acres – 100% CONTAINED
Wilcox Fire – 100 acres – 100% CONTAINED
Cajon Fire – 250 acres – 100% CONTAINED
McCoy Fire – 300 acres – 100% CONTAINED
Coronado Hills Fire – 250 acres – 100% CONTAINED
EVACUATION UPDATE
7:49 a.m. - Approximately 2,600 residents remain under an evacuation order, all of them in the area of the Poomacha fire. Local shelters are currently housing about 450 people.
NEW SHELTER OPEN IN RAMONA
7:37 a.m. - Due to the large number of people who came to Ramona to visit the Local Assistance Center, a new shelter is open in the community, as of Sunday night. The shelter is located at Olive Peirce Middle School at 1521 Hanson Lane in Ramona. The school plans to re-open to students Tuesday, Oct. 30.
MAIL DELIVERY NOTICE
9:00 p.m. - All but five San Diego district post offices shut down by wildfires will reopen Monday. The following offices will reopen Monday under normal hours of operations: Jamul and Potrero in San Diego County, and Blue Jay, Cedar Glen, Crestline, Lake Arrowhead, Rimforest, Skyforest and Twin Peaks in San Bernardino County. Tecate and Dulzura residents can collect their mail at the El Cajon Post Office, while Palomar Mountain residents can get their mail at the Santa Ysabel Post Office. Anyone with a destroyed or severely damaged home or business can collect their mail at the closest post office to the address.
RED CROSS SHELTER CLOSURES
10:25 p.m.
The following shelters are CLOSED:
- Mira Mesa High School, 10510 Reagan Road, San Diego
- Steele Canyon High School, 12440 Campo Road, Spring Valley
- Escondido High School at 1535 North Broadway in Escondido
- El Cajon High School at 1035 E. Madison in El Cajon
- Santana High School at 9915 Magnolia St. in Santee
- The Rock Church at 2277 Rosecrans St. in San Diego
- El Camino High School at 400 Rancho Del Oro Drive in Oceanside
- Harrah's Rincon Reservation, 777 Harrah’s Rincon Way, Valley Center
- Mount Miguel High School, 8585 Blossom Ln., Spring Valley
- Poway Community Park, 13094 Civic Center Dr., Poway

The following shelters remain OPEN:
- Del Mar Fairgrounds, 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd., Del Mar
- Fallbrook Union High School, 2400 S. Stage Coach Ln., Fallbrook
- Borrego Springs High School, 2281 Diegueno Rd, Borrego Springs
- Valley Center High School, 31322 Cole Grade Road, Valley Center
- Campo Community Center, 976 Sheridan Road, Campo


THREE AREAS ADDED TO BOIL WATER ORDER
2:45 p.m. - San Diego County Office of Emergency Services issues BOIL WATER order for the following areas: the Santa Ysabel Trailer Park, Spencer Valley School and the Western Horizon/Ramona Canyon RV Resort in Wynola.

The boil-water orders will remain in effect until water officials can disinfect the areas' water supply system and an absence of bacteria is proven.

In addition to the areas in and around Ramona, some boil-water orders were issued this morning for Dulzura and other areas in East County.

The current list of areas under boil-water orders outside of Ramona are as follows:
- Calexico Lodge
- Potrero General Store
- Set Free Ministries
- Skyline Ranch Campgrounds
- Dulzura Cafe
- Del Dios Mutual Water Company
- T.C. Worthy Cash and Carry
- Tecate Vista Mutual Water Company
- Sunrise Estates Mutual Water Company
- South Bay Rod and Gun Club
- San Pasqual Academy
- Rancho L'Abri
- Potrero Elementary School
- Muir Industries
- Barrett Valley Water Company
- Barrett Lake Mobile Home Park
- Barrett Junction Cafe
SD EVACUATION UPDATE
12:45 p.m. - According to San Diego County spokesperson Nicole Ossola, 640,000 residents were displaced by the wildfires this week. As of now, 19,000 still remain under evacuation orders.

STATE ROUTE 94 NOW OPEN TO CERTAIN RESIDENTS
11:20 p.m. - State Route 94 east of Jamul is now open, but only to residents of Dulzura, Indian Springs, Proctor Valley, Engineer Springs, Barrett Junction and Deerhorn Valley, county officials said. Identification is required at the checkpoint, which is east of Otay Lakes Road.

EVACUATION ORDER LIFTED FOR JAPATUL
8:25 a.m. - The evacuation order for Japatul has been lifted for residents to return home. Evacuation orders REMAIN for Lawson Valley & Carveacre.

EVACUATION ORDER LIFTED FOR DEL DIOS
1:03 a.m. - All Del Dios residents may return to their homes. This includes all areas including Del Dios Highway and the community of Del Dios.

AT&T PROVIDES FREE WI-FI TO THOSE AFFECTED BY WILDFIRES
7:41 p.m. - To help residents affected by the Southern California wildfires, AT&T Inc. says its AT&T Wi-Fi service will be offered free of charge at nearly 600 hot spot locations across San Diego, Riverside, San Bernardino, Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, Orange and Ventura counties. CLICK HERE >> to find a location near you.

LARRY HIMMEL'S HEARTFELT THANKS FOR YOUR HELP & SUPPORT
7:34 p.m. - It's an image seen across San Diego and around the world. News 8's Larry Himmel reported as his family's dream home went up in flames. Since then, there's been an outpouring of support for the Himmel family. Now Larry is sending his heartfelt thanks to all of you. CLICK HERE >> for the full story.

SCAM ARTISTS PREYING ON VICTIMS OF THE WILDFIRES
7:33 p.m. - We saw it right after the Cedar Fire, and we're seeing it again. Scam artists are preying on fire victims who have lost everything. CLICK HERE >> for the full story.

AIR PURIFIERS REMOVE TOXIC PARTICLES FROM FIRES
7:32 p.m. - Everyone in Southern California is a victim of the wildfires. We're breathing soot, ash and chemicals, which all pose a health risk. But there are ways to minimize the risks. One way is by using an air purifier, which removes contaminants from the air. They have limits, but they work. CLICK HERE >> for the full story.

CEDAR FIRE SURVIVORS' ADVICE FOR NEW FIRE VICTIMS
7:29 p.m. - The situation may seem dire for those who lost their homes this week, but they can learn a lot from victims of the Cedar Fire. They're offering some words of wisdom to current fire victims. CLICK HERE >> for the full story.

BOIL WATER ORDER FOR JAMUL WATER SYSTEM
7:21 p.m. - A boil water advisory has been issued for Sunrise Estates Mutual Water Co. Water System in Jamul due to conditions created by the Harris Fire, according to county officials. For more information, residents can call Harry Fulgham at (619) 468-3420.

EVACUATION ORDERS LIFTED FOR JULIAN, WYNOLA, CUYAMACA & PINE HILLS
6:49 p.m. - All residents of Julian, Wynola, Cuyamaca and Pine Hills are being allowed to return to their homes.

PET LOSS SUPPORT GROUP
6:45 p.m. - The Humane Society has set up a support group for those who have lost their pets in the fires. Call (619) 299-7012 for more information.

RAINBOW GLEN ROAD IN FALLBROOK IS NOW OPEN TO RESIDENTS
4:15 p.m. - Rainbow Glen Road in Fallbrook is now open to residents with identification, along with the following ancillary roads:

  • Ranchbrook Road
  • Aspen Road
  • Sumac Summit
  • Rosa Rancho Lane
  • Lookout Mountain

RED CROSS OPENS NEW NORTH COUNTY  SHELTER
4:10 p.m. - The American Red Cross has opened a new North County shelter for people displaced by this week's wildfires. The temporary assistance center is at Fallbrook High School, 2400 S. Stage Coach Lane. In addition, the agency has announced that it will have volunteers working at the following sites from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 27 to meet with residents and help them meet their emergency needs:
 
- Fallbrook Community Center, 341 Heald Lane
- Ramona Community  School, 1710 Montecito Road
- Rancho Bernardo  Glassman Recreation  Center, 18448 W. Bernardo Drive
- Cuyamaca College, 900 Rancho San Diego Parkway.
PARTS OF SAN VICENTE ARE OPEN FOR REENTRY
3:18 p.m. - The following areas of San Vicente are open for reentry:
 
- Areas north of Interstate 8;
- Areas east of Poway;
- Areas west of San Diego County Estates; and
- Areas south of Highway 67.
 
Carveacre is still under a mandatory evacuation order. Japatul Road is still closed at Dehesa/Tavern Road. Japatul Valley Road south of Interstate 9 is closed.
ALL OF SPRING VALLEY AND JAMACHA ARE OPEN FOR REENTRY
3:17 p.m. - All of Spring Valley and Jamacha are open for reentry.
 
Evacuation notices partially lifted for Bonita and Sunnyside. The following areas of Bonita-Sunnyside are open for reentry. The area is specified by a box created by:
  • Areas north of Chula Vista
  • Areas east of Chula Vista and San Diego
  • Areas west of Hwy 125
  • Areas south of Jamacha Blvd

DE LUZ AND OAK CREST ESTATES MOBILE HOME PARK RESIDENTS CAN RETURN HOME
2:51 p.m. - Residents from the De Luz area and the Oak Crest Estates Mobile Home Park can now return to their homes.
PARTS OF DEHESA-HARBISON AREA REOPENED
2:51 p.m. - The following areas of the Dehesa-Harbison area are open for reentry:

All areas north of Willow Glen Drive
All areas east of El Cajon
All areas west of South Grade Road and Tavern Road
All areas south of Interstate 8
RAMONA RODEO OFFERING WATER FOR LIVESTOCK, FACILITIES USE
2:28 p.m. - According to county officials, well water is available for livestock at the Ramona Rodeo, located at 421 Aqua Lane. This well water is NOT certified for human consumption. Residents can bring their own containers for livestock water. In addition, bottled water, portable bathrooms and showers are available for people at the rodeo grounds. For more information, please contact John Carlson at (858) 565-2268.
THE DEL DIOS HIGHWAY IS OPEN
2:08 p.m. - Drivers still need to be cautious as there may be some downed power lines across side roads within the community of Del Dios that utility crews are still working on.
BOIL WATER ALERT ISSUED FOR BARRETT VALLEY
2:03 p.m. - A boil water advisory has been issued for the community of Barrett Valley, affecting about nine customers. County officials say that due to the fires, the area's water system lost power. The advisory will remain in effect until the distribution system has been disinfected and samples confirm the absence of bacteria in the water supply. For more information, residents can call Jake Meier at (619) 468-3134.
BOIL WATER ALERT ISSUED FOR DEL DIOS, MUTUAL WATER COMPANY
2:00 p.m. - A Boil Water Order has been issued for the community of Del Dios, affecting approximately 151 customers.
Due to the fires, this public water system lost pressure in the water distribution system. The Boil Water Order will remain in effect until the distribution system has been disinfected and samples confirm the absence of bacteria in the water supply.
FREEWAY CLOSURE UPDATES
1:56 p.m. -
I-5 truck scales closed
I-8 Buckman Springs rest areas closed
I-15 southbound off-ramp to Mission Road closed
SR 76 closed from Pankey Road to SR 79
SR 78 closed from San Pasqual Academy Road to Horizon View Road
SR 78 closed from SR 79/Santa Ysabel to S 2/Scissors Crossing
SR 79 closed from SR 78/Santa Ysabel east to Julian; open west to Ramona
SR 94 closed from Otay Lakes Road to SR 188 Junction
SR 94 closed at Otay Lakes Road to all eastbound traffic
SR 94 closed just west of Potrero Valley Road to all westbound traffic
SR 188 closed from SR 94 to the Tecate port of entry
CHARGERS GAME WILL BE HELD AT QUALCOMM
11:18 a.m. - According to the Mayor's Office, the Chargers will play Sunday's game at Qualcomm Stadium. The Chargers will face the Houston Texans Sunday, October 28 at Qualcomm Stadium at 1:05 p.m. More >>
MANDATORY EVACUATIONS STILL ORDERED
6:17 a.m. - Mandatory Evacuations are in effect for residents living in the following areas:

- Lake Henshaw
- Mesa Grande
- La Jolla Indian Reservations
- West of Hellhole Canyon and north of Palomar Mountain
- South of Bear Valley and Rancho Santa Ysabel and east of Montezuma Valley

Evacuees can take State Route 79 to S-2 to reach Borrego High School, where a shelter has been set up.
EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY: BOIL WATER ORDER FOR SKYLINE RANCH CAMPGROUND
5:47 a.m. - The County Department of Environmental Health has declared a Boil Water Order for Skyline Ranch Campground located at 17120 Skyline Truck Trail in Jamul, CA 91935 effective immediately.
EVACUEES AT QUALCOMM TO BE RELOCATED
5:44 a.m. - Residents at the Qualcomm Stadium shelter will be relocated to the Del Mar Fairgrounds around noon Friday, October 26, 2007. Currently, only 350 people remain at the Qualcomm Stadium shelter.
BOTTLED WATER AVAILABLE FOR RAMONA RESIDENTS
5:40 a.m. - Bottled water is available for Ramona residents at the Ramona Rodeo Grounds at 434 Aqua Lane. Water from the Ramona Municipal Water District is currently unsafe, and residents have been advised not to drink or use the water in their homes and businesses until further notified.
UNION ASSISTANCE CENTER OPENS FOR DISPLACED MEMBERS
8:02 p.m. - The San Diego-Imperial Counties Labor Council has opened a Union Assistance Center for union members displaced by the San Diego fires. Any union member in need of assistance should contact their local union directly, or the Labor Council's Labor Participation department at (619) 641-0074 or (619) 641-0095.

BOIL WATER ORDER FOR RAINBOW MUNICIPAL WATER DISTRICT
7:30 p.m. - Because the recent fire may have impacted the water quality, the California Department of Public Health in conjunction with the San Diego County Department of Environmental Health, and Rainbow Municipal Water District are advising residents of Rainbow Municipal Water District, located north of Highway 76, to use boiled tap water or bottled water for drinking and cooking purposes as a safety precaution.

AMERICAN RED CROSS PROVIDES FREE DUST MASKS
4:55 p.m. - The American Red Cross is providing free dust masks for the public at the WIC office in Oceanside. They won't be able to pass them out in bulk, but individuals can pick them up for themselves and their families.
1906 Oceanside Blvd
(east of I-5, north side of the road in shopping center)
Oceanside, CA 92054

MCDONALD'S OFFERS FREE MEALS TO EMERGENCY WORKERS WITH VALID I.D.
4:02 p.m. - McDonald's restaurants throughout Southern California are offering a free Extra Value Meal to emergency workers WITH VALID I.D. through Nov. 1, and free WI-FI internet access to all customers through the next couple of weeks. To locate a McDonald's restaurant near you:
www.mcdonalds.com

LA MESA RV DONATES FREE RVs FOR FIRE VICTIMS
4:00 p.m. - La Mesa RV is offering the use of motor homes and trailers for a one-week time period to local residents displaced by the wildfires. They are also working with local RV parks including Campland on the Bay, KOA in Chula Vista and Chula Vista RV Resort, who are providing sites for RV placement. La Mesa RV will also be placing a special order for 32-foot towable housing units for purchase by those who need housing. (858) 874-8000 ask for Steve Love (Mon-Fri), Jan Mosegaard (Sat-Sun) http://www.lamesrv.com

RAMONA RESIDENTS: DO NOT DRINK OR COOK WITH TAP WATER
3:31 p.m. - Water officials are advising residents of Ramona to not drink or cook with tap water, after the Witch Fire created a loss of distribution system pressure that may have created the possibility of contamination in the drinking water system. Boiling, freezing, filtering, adding chlorine or other disinfectants, or letting water stand also MAY NOT make the water safe. Officials expect the problem will be resolved within the next week.

SAN DIEGO UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT SCHEDULED TO REOPEN TUESDAY, OCT. 30.
3:20 p.m. - San Diego Unified School District to reopen to students Tues, Oct. 30th. Regular hours in effect; Staff to report on Mon, Oct 29th.

Palomar Outdoor School, the district's sixth grade camp, will remain closed until further notice. All field trips requiring bus transportation will be canceled through Fri, Nov. 2.

For more information, check the district's web site at www.sandi.net. A special information line is open from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., Mon-Fri, at (619) 725-8140.

AIR QUALITY ALERT
6:42 a.m. - Local air quality will range from moderate to hazardous, according to the County Air Pollution Control District. Particulate matter (PM 2.5) levels will be unhealthy for Chula Vista, Del Mar, Downtown San Diego, El Cajon, Escondido, Otay Mesa, Kearny Mesa and Oceanside.
INSURANCE TIPS -
6:27 a.m. If you have a home that has been destroyed or damaged, here are some tips to start the process of rebuilding:

- Contact your insurance company and review your policy. - Set up an appointment with a claims adjuster once the full extent of damage is known.
- Make a detailed list of all contents and features of your home.
- Be patient, insurance companies prioritize claims depending on severity. If your home has suffered minor damage, it may take longer to fulfill your needs.
- Make temporary repairs to property and save receipts.
- Beware of contractors, use only licensed or bonded ones and check references. To verify a contractor's license and for more contractor information, go to www.cslb.ca.gov.
- If you have a mortgage, your bank's name may be included on the settlement check. Be sure to contact lenders about mortgage relief programs.
FIRE CLEAN-UP TIPS
6:15 a.m. -
- Do not use leaf blowers, vacuums to remove ash
- Avoid washing ash into storm drains
- Wear gloves, long-sleeved shirts and pants
- Wash ash off skin immediately
- Wear dust masks (preferably rated N-95, P-100)
- Lightly mist ash before cleaning
- Dispose of ash in trash bags
WILDFIRE VICTIMS CAN APPLY FOR FEMA AID
5:35 a.m. - FEMA has announced that residents who have sustained losses in the wildfires can begin applying Thursday, October 25 for assistance. You can apply by calling 1-800-621-FEMA. You can also register online by visiting www.fema.gov. The toll free number will operate from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Sunday.
ADDITIONAL RED CROSS SHELTERS OPENED
12:13 a.m. - The Red Cross has opened the following additional shelters:

Harris Rincon Pavilion
777 Harris Rincon Way
Valley Center, 92082

Mount Miguel High School
8585 Blossom Lane
Spring Valley, 91977

The Rock Church (for special needs evacuees)
2277 Rosecrans Street
San Diego, 92106

Poway Community Park
13094 Civic Center Drive
Poway, 92064


D.A. WARNING ABOUT WILDFIRE SCAMS
5:54 p.m. - The District Attorney's Office is offering tips on how not to fall victim to con artists and others trying to profit from wildfires and other disasters. CLICK HERE >> for more details.

SDG&E: CONSERVE POWER &WATER
7:08 a.m. - SDG&E is asking people to conserve power again today. There are more downed power lines in the North County.

CALIFORNIA ISO: CONSERVE POWER
California ISO has declared a transmission line emergency in all of Southern California. California ISO is asking everyone to conserve energy. Also, do not touch downed power lines, cables and phone lines. To report downed power lines, please call: 1-800-411-SDGE (7343).


INSURANCE CLAIMS:
Policyholders who have suffered losses as a result of the Southern California wildfires should contact their insurance agents at the following phone numbers:
  • Allied Insurance:
    (800) 282-1446
  • AllState Insurance:
    (800) 54-STORM
  • Auto Club:
    (800) 67-CLAIM
  • Farmers Insurance:
    (800) 435-7764
  • Fireman's Fund Insurance Company:
    (866) 456-3108
  • Geico:
    (800) 841-3000
  • GMAC Insurance:
    (800) 468-3466
  • Liberty Mutual:
    (800) 2-CLAIMS
  • Mercury Insurance:
    (888) 313-6372
  • Nationwide Insurance:
    (800) 421-3535
  • Safeco:
    (800) 332-3226
  • State Farm:
    (800) SF-CLAIM
  • Travelers:
    (800) CLAIM-33
  • Wawanesa:
    (800) 57-CLAIM

KFMB TV PROGRAM SCHEDULE
Special Programming Alert >>


NEWS 8 CONTACT INFORMATION
Click Here >>

INSURANCE TIPS: If you have a home that has been destroyed or damaged, here are some tips to start the process of rebuilding:

- Contact your insurance company and review your policy. - Set up an appointment with a claims adjuster once the full extent of damage is known.
- Make a detailed list of all contents and features of your home.
- Be patient, insurance companies prioritize claims depending on severity. If your home has suffered minor damage, it may take longer to fulfill your needs.
- Make temporary repairs to property and save receipts.
- Beware of contractors, use only licensed or bonded ones and check references. To verify a contractor's license and for more contractor information, go to www.cslb.ca.gov.
- If you have a mortgage, your bank's name may be included on the settlement check. Be sure to contact lenders about mortgage relief programs.


FEMA ASSISTANCE
Begining Thursday October 25, San Diego County residents who sustained losses in the wildfires can apply for assistance with the Federal Emergency Management Agency by calling (800) 621-FEMA (3362), or online at www.fema.gov.


RESOURCE LINKS:

Fire Recovery Information

Fire Recovery Information - Erosion Control


Register For Reverse 911 On Your Cell Phone

Fire Updates - San Diego County Office of Emergency Services (www.sdcountyemergency.com)

Contractors State License Board

Red Cross - San Diego/Imperial Counties

California Department of Forestry & Fire Protection

Caltrans - Traffic Information

San Diego Humane Society & SPCA

San Diego County Air Quality Information

National Interagency Fire Center

Latest Fire Information - California Department of Forestry & Fire Protection

Fire Weather - Chief Meteorologist Matt Baylow's Weather Column

News 8 5-Day MicroClimate Forecast

 

   

 

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