Wildfire Coverage

 Officials Reconsidering Policy that Bans Aerial Firefighting at Night

Officials at the California agency that coordinates fire projection in San Diego's back country are reconsidering their long standing policy that bans aerial fire fighting at night. KPBS reporter Alison St John has more.

 S.D. Supervisors Agree to Spend $3 Million to Lease Firefighting Air Tankers

San Diego County Supervisors have voted to spend $3 million to lease two air tankers and one air command plane to help fight wildfires this fall. KPBS reporter Alison St John has more.

There were plenty of heroes in last October’s wildfires in San Diego County. One fire fighter in particular helped save a teenager’s life, even though she was badly burned herself. KPBS Health Reporter Kenny Goldberg catches up with the firefighter, who six months later is back on the job.

 Insurance Commissioner States Homeowners Rights for Fire Victims

California Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner says insurance companies cannot force owners who lost their homes to rebuild on the same site. KPBS reporter Alison St John has more.

Overcoming an overnight flare-up, fire officials made headway Monday against a stubborn wildfire east of Los Angeles.

 Native Plants Recovering from October Wildfires

Last October's wildfires ravaged much of San Diego County's native plants and animals. The fires burned nearly 600 undeveloped acres that are part of the Wild Animal Park near Escondido. This week a team of ecologists are taking stock of how the burned area is recovering. KPBS Environmental Reporter Ed Joyce has more.

 Most S.D. Wildfire Victims Still in Struggle with Insurance Companies to Rebuild

Even though it's been six months since wildfires ravaged more than 1,600 homes in the San Diego area, only a handful have begun to rebuild. That's because for many wildfire survivors, dealing with their insurance companies was like a second disaster. Reporter David Nogueras has more.

 Wildfire Recovery: Rising from the Ashes in San Diego County

For one victim of last October's wildfires in San Diego County, losing her home has been a blessing of sorts. KPBS Reporter Ed Joyce first introduced us to Linda Laird at her sifting party last year. Six months later, here's an update on her recovery.

More than 1,400 property owners in San Diego County are getting a tax break.

 S.D. County Firefighters Join Forces to Strengthen Fire Protection

For the first time, firefighters from different unions around San Diego County are joining forces. The "County Council of Firefighters" wants the priorities of crews on the ground considered, when public officials debate ways to strengthen fire protection around San Diego. KPBS reporter Alison St John has more.

 Cleveland National Forest Reopening to Public

In the aftermath of last fall's wildfires in San Diego, the Forest Service restricted access to large parts of the Cleveland National Forest. Now, almost six months later, many of the sections are reopening to the public. Reporter David Nogueras has more.

 San Diego Moves Forward with Brush Clearing Program

For the first time in the city's history, San Diego will have a fully funded brush management program. During the next two years the city will clear all of the nearly 1,200 acres recommended by the fire rescue department. Reporter David Nogueras has more.

San Diego's city council has finalized a deal to buy a second firefighting helicopter for the city's fire department.

 Red Cross Spent $688,000 on Unused Hotels During Wildfires

The American Red Cross says it paid nearly $700,000 for thousands of unused hotel rooms during last October's wildfires. KPBS reporter Andrew Phelps has details.

The California Department of Insurance is extending a helping hand to residents affected by the San Diego fires. The agency, along with Consumer advocacy groups, United Policyholders and RB United, will hold sessions to help affected residents collect their claims. Reporter, David Nogueras has more.

 S.D. County Supervisors Consider Ending Local Emergency

San Diego County supervisors will soon decide whether to end the local emergency declared in the midst of October's wildfires. County officials say recovery lasted for months after the flames were extinguished. KPBS reporter Andrew Phelps has details.

 San Diego County Fire Agency Plan Moves Forward

San Diego's County Board of Supervisors voted yesterday on two separate proposals to coordinate the region's fire fighting agencies. Both will have to overcome steep political and financial hurdles for the County to make any progress before the next fire season. KPBS reporter Alison St John has more.

We often figure fire burns randomly as it destroys one home but not another on the same street. But many fire experts say it’s more predictable than that: defensible space, building materials and an often forgotten issue plays a pivotal role. You guessed it: Location, location, location. Many fire experts say it’s the number one risk factor. Yet the Department of forestry says 5 million California homes are in wildfire-prone areas. And there’s little being done to limit development in such places. For KPBS, reporter Rebecca Tolin has the story.

The San Diego wildfires have faded from the headlines, but fire victims have not forgotten. They still must overcome the inertia. Then they have to confront the insurance companies. And then they face a wall of bureaucracy. KPBS reporter Andrew Phelps says rebuilding can take years.

For all the attention devoted to preventing another catastrophe like the deadly 2003 Cedar Fire, San Diegans witnessed an almost eerie rerun when massive wildfires hit last October. Even though the city and county had four years to prepare for the firestorm, the region still does not have enough firefighters and equipment. KPBS investigative reporter Amita Sharma has the story.