Wildfires

Biggest Wildfire On Record In California Is Fully Contained

Sept. 19: By Associated Press

The U.S. Forest Service says the largest wildfire on record in California is 100 percent contained.

Dry, Gusty, Warm Conditions Heighten Wildfire Danger

Sept. 18: By City News Service

Gusty and very dry conditions in local mountain passes and desert slopes will create elevated wildfire risks in the San Diego area Tuesday, forecasters said.

Woman Allegedly Creates Fake Firefighter Husband In Holy Fire Scam

Sept. 11: By City News Service

A San Clemente woman with a history of alleged bizarre scams, including a faked pregnancy, is suspected of creating a nonexistent husband to bilk good Samaritans out of at least $11,000 in donations she claimed would help firefighters during the recent Holy fire, it was reported Monday.

Interstate 5 Reopens After California Blaze Forces Closure

Sept. 10: By Associated Press

A major interstate that connects California and Oregon reopened Monday after a wildfire roared along the roadway and forced a six-day closure while burned trees and charred vehicles were removed.

Interstate 5 Closed In Northern California Due To Delta Fire

Sept. 7: By Associated Press

The main highway between Mexico and Canada was a ghost road Friday morning along a 45-mile (72-kilometer) northern stretch that remained closed since a fire two days earlier swept down and turned hills on either side into walls of flame.

Sierra Club Sues San Diego County Over Carbon Offsets For New Developments

Sept. 6: By Alison St John

The Sierra Club is suing San Diego County to block recently approved housing developments in North and South County. The suit alleges carbon offsets for new development in San Diego could benefit communities in other parts of the world, rather than San Diego.

California Lawmakers Give Utility A Reprieve Amid Fire Cases

Sept. 3: By Associated Press

Lawmakers voted to give a reprieve to Pacific Gas & Electric Co., take steps toward reducing years of secrecy surrounding police misconduct and push back school start times in the frenzied final hours of the two-year legislative session.

Legislative Panel Advances California Utility Liability Bill

Aug. 29: By Associated Press

California utilities regulators would have the option of letting power companies charge their customers for some of the costs of lawsuits stemming from disastrous 2017 wildfires under legislation that will go before the Assembly and Senate this week.

California Wine Country Fires Leave Homeowners Struggling

Aug. 28: By Associated Press

Construction crews have already put up the frame on Cheri Sharp's new house, but she still questions whether rebuilding was the right choice after California's most destructive wildfire took her old home in wine country nearly a year ago.

West Coast Officials Tell Tourists Not To Worry About Fires

Aug. 24: By Associated Press

Alarmed by as much as $20 million in lost tourism revenue in July due to visitors' fear of wildfires, California's state tourism agency said Thursday it is teaming up with Oregon and Washington state to reassure tourists it's safe to visit.

Amidst Rising 911 Calls, Firefighters In El Cajon Deploy 'Squad' Truck To Keep Up With Demand

Aug. 21: By Matt Hoffman

Instead of a fire engine, one of the newest emergency vehicles in El Cajon is Heartland Fire Rescue's 'Squad 6' truck.

Science Says: Hotter Weather Turbocharges US West Wildfires

Aug. 20: By Associated Press

As temperatures rise in the U.S. West, so do the flames.

Utah Firefighter Who Died In California Offered To Help

Aug. 15: By Associated Press

Matthew Burchett said goodbye to his wife and 7-year-old son in early August, volunteering to travel with 37 fellow firefighters from Utah to help battle record-setting blazes in California.

Yosemite Reopens To Visitors With Smoky Air, Limited Lodging

Aug. 15: By Associated Press

Hikers and nature lovers returned to Yosemite National Park's scenic valley Tuesday after a rare 20-day closure because of smoke from wildfires. Some said they didn't mind the hazy air that obscured scenic vistas; others came prepared with eye drops and face masks.

Fire Near San Diego Zoo Safari Park Forces Evacuations

Aug. 13: By City News Service

A wildfire just west of San Diego Zoo Safari Park — the third to erupt in the area in as many weeks — prompted evacuations Monday afternoon and forced the closure of the rural highway that fronts the popular wild-animal exhibition grounds.

Lessons Learned From May Wildfires