Snowy Rescue Saves Seven Hikers

Photo courtesy of Staci White

On Saturday February 26th 2011, at approximately 10:00 pm. CAL FIRE-San Diego County Fire Authority engine companies under the direction of Battalion Chief Mike White, responded to assist Chief Sherman from Mount Laguna Volunteer Fire Department and the United States Border Patrol with eight international travelers who needed assistance in the area of the 18.5 mile marker of Sun Rise Highway. Border Patrol rescue teams were able to locate the group after more than one mile of hiking through heavy snow in freezing conditions. The group had been traveling north from Mexico and were not wearing the appropriate clothing for the extreme weather.

Photo courtesy of Staci White

Seven patients were safely transported to local hospitals by American Medical Response Ambulances. The group told rescue teams they had left one hiker behind in an unknown location who could no longer hike. Unfortunately the victim was found deceased the following day.

Photo courtesy of Staci White

Chief White stated it was remarkable anyone was able to survive the extreme conditions the group was found in. This is a real credit to the hard work of the United States Border Patrol and the cooperative efforts of all involved.

Winter Driving

With the cold Arctic blast on it's way we need to take a few minutes and examine the condition of your vehicle. Here in Southern California we are not very experienced when it comes to winter driving. Take a look at your tires for decent tread and proper inflation, make sure your windshield wipers are not cracked and mounted correctly. If you plan on visiting the snow areas you should plan on carrying snow chains and have a full tank of gas prior to your trip. Conditions will be cold so be aware of black ice and slick roadways you may encounter over the next few days. It is very important to also check current road conditions to make sure you can make it to your destination safely.

Wet Weather On It's Way

This Afternoon: Rain. High near 57. Southwest wind around 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%.


Tonight: Showers. Low around 45. West wind around 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%.

Thursday: Showers likely before 10am. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 52. West wind between 5 and 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%.

Thursday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 42. Calm wind becoming east around 5 mph.

Friday: A 20 percent chance of rain after 10am. Partly sunny, with a high near 55. South wind between 5 and 10 mph.

Friday Night: Showers. Low around 51. Chance of precipitation is 80%.

Saturday: Showers. High near 53. Chance of precipitation is 80%.

Saturday Night: A chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 42.

Sunday: A chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 53.

Sunday Night: A slight chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 43.

Washington's Birthday: A slight chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 57.

Monday Night: A slight chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 46.

Tuesday: A chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 53.

Controlled Burn

CAL FIRE/San Diego County Fire Authority in cooperation with the San Diego County Sheriffs Department will be conducting a controlled burn on Monday February 14th and Tuesday February 15th. This burn project will be in the Corte Madera area of San Diego County approximately two miles south of the community of Pine Valley and south of interstate 8. The vegetation management program serves as a vital part of fuels management and will also provide a fire break for the area. Burning will begin at 8:30 a.m. both days and conclude in the early afternoon, approximately 300 acres total will be consumed. Smoke will be visible in many parts of the county. Weather plays a very important role in this type of operation and is continually monitored, if there is an unfavorable change the project will be postponed

High Tech Fair

CAL FIRE/San Diego County Fire Authority's information bureau had the opportunity to display our newest vehicle that will be used as a command and information platform. This fair is attended by over 1200 high school students from across the county and gives them the opportunity to see the high tech side of different careers. This fair is held at the Del Mar Fairgrounds and this was CAL FIRE's second year as part of the display. The vehicle shown has been upgraded with multiple radios for improved communication along with additional power sources that are supplied by a secondary battery system. In addition the vehicle is a mobile hot spot that will assist in either the public information role or the command function. In the rear of the vehicle a custom command console and storage area was designed to fit in the bed of the truck. This vehicle will serve the citizens of San Diego County for years to come and is a great asset to the department.