The Real Betty Rexford

CITY OF POWAY Public records
MEMORANDUM
TO: Members of the City Council
FROM: Penny Riley, Acting City Manager
Scott Edwards, Senior Management Analyst
DATE: October 27, 2003
SUBJECT: Cedar Wildfire
CHRONOLOGY IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE AND WILL BE UPDATED REGULARLY
Since October 26,2003, the City of Poway is experiencing severe vegetation fires as a result of the Cedar wildfire, originating in Ramona, accompanied by extreme Santa Ana wind conditions. The following bullets offer a brief overview of the occurrences of Sunday, October 26, and Monday morning, October 27. • 5:00 a.m., City firefighters began responding to reports of vegetation fires resulting from the Ramona Cedar wildfire. Due to extreme Santa Ana wind
conditions, the fire advanced in erratic patterns in the west, southwest, and northwest directions. • Firefighters observed an initial wildfire front in Sycamore Canyon, advancing through Deer Valley Estates. • The fire jumped Highway 67 and advanced into Sycamore Canyon Preserve. • The fire also advanced toward and upward onto Iron Mountain, to Rio Maria Road, where it again jumped Highway 67 to proceed west, south of Scripps Poway Parkway.
• The fire again jumped Highway 67 into the Vallecitos area.
• The fire again jumped, across Poway Road, north to areas near Range Park Road •. As of 2:00 p.rn., the Cedar wildfire had consumed approximately 110,000 acres, including those areas within Poway city limits, Scripps Ranch, and Tierrasanta. In addition, the Cedar fire was advancing toward the Alpine and Lakeside communities in southeast San Diego County.
Cedar Wildfire
October 27, 2003
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As of 2:45 p.rn., the Acting City Manager, by authorization of the City of Poway’s Emergency Plan, signed a proclamation to declare a local emergency in the absence of the Poway City Council. As of 4:10 p.m., Mayor Mickey Cafagna and Councilmembers Bob Emery and Don Higginson arrived at City Hall, where they were briefed by Emergency Operations Center staff, including Safety Services Director Mark Sanchez.Deputy Mayor Betty Rexford was telephoned but could not leave her home due to imminent fire threat. She reported to City Hall later in the evening. Councilmember Golby was vacationing in Europe.
• At that time, residential structure losses were estimated at 30 homes, and no business/commercial losses were reported.
• It was also reported that 8 engines were fighting several fronts of the fire, including Water Tender 51, Engine 52, Engine 153, Reserved Brush 52, and Brush 51. • It was reported that Poway’s firefighters were being assisted by a strike team from Orange County .
•. During this meeting, the Councilmembers present approved a proclamation declaring a local emergency. The motion was made by Councilmember Emery and seconded by Council member Higginson, and the proclamation was approved. The meeting was adjourned at 4:35 p.m. • Due to minimal resources, lack of air support, and extreme weather conditions, ground forces utilized backfire tactics to slow select fronts of the Cedar fire in Poway. This strategy was successful in many instances to preserve and protect residential structures.
• Between 7 and 8 p.m., Emergency Operations Center staff was informed that a group of Marines from Miramar was on scene in Beeler Canyon, assisting City crews in extinguishing hot spots.
• Poway Grade is dosed at Highway 67 and Espola Road; Espola Road is closed to through traffic, and Highway 67 is closed to northbound traffic at Scripps Poway Parkway.
• Throughout the evening, it was reported that more than 200 people were evacuated to the Poway shelter from the immediate community. The Red Cross laterreported a peak shelter census of 500 people, along with miscellaneous cats, dogs, and birds.
• At 10:00 p.m., firefighters John Marshall and Steve Harrison were taken to Pomerado Hospital for eye irritation. Near Tooth Rock Road a civilian received 2nd degree burns to his arms and legs. No other injuries were reported.
• As of late evening/early morning on Monday, October 26,2003, it was reported that approximately 40 residential structures were lost. Again, no
Cedar Wildfire
October 27, 2003
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• Several signalized intersections lost power, including battery backup,
resulting in the need for temporary stop controls until the signals regain power.
• As of early morning on October 27, 2003, Poway fire crews continued to set backfires in the High Valley area to establish a fire line in anticipation of increased activity during the day from the Cedar wildfire.
• As of 5:30 a.m. on October 27,2003, Scripps Poway Parkway remained open, although Highway 67 and the Poway Grade remained closed to Ramona.
• At 6:18 a.m., a false fire alarm sounded at City Hall and Weingart Senior Center. Attempts to reach Progressive were unsuccessful. Although contact was later made in the morning and the false alarm was terminated.
• Four inspectors and City staff have been assigned to assess damage and estimate the cost of all repairs, and to report to the City Council on October 28. 2003. The assessment will include burnt guardrail on Poway Grade and miscellaneous water towers and pumping stations. We anticipate that with more inspections we will discover more damage.
• As of the morning of October 27, 2003, the following firefighter units are’ active in Poway: San Diego Engines 32, 13, and 103; Federal Engines 12, 2, and 7; Orange County Strike Team 1401 Alpha Type 1; and Poway Engines 52,153 Type 1, 152 Type 3, Brush 51, Water Truck 51, and Brush 33.