Archive for August, 2009

Station Fire **UPDATE**

August 31, 2009 5:00 pm

LA County Fire reports the Station Fire has now burned 105,000 acres and is 5 percent contained at 1500 hrs, August 31, 2009.  Approximately 12,000 residences are threatened at this time (also 500 commercial structures and 2000 out buildings). 18 residences have been destroyed. Two L.A. County firefighters were killed battling the Station Fire according to fire officials.

LA County CEO has proclaimed a local emergency and Governor has proclaimed a local emergency for Los Angeles County.

Evacuations

  • 2,000 evacuated
  • Aliso Canyon Road from Acton to Angeles National Forest
  • In La Canada/Flintridge homes east of Jenssen Drive, northeast of Los Amigos St. east of Castle Road and east of Ocean View Road. Also, Briggs Ave to Pennsylvania north of Harmony Place.
  • Rockdale area – Briggs north of Rockdale. Altadena – north of Loma Alta between Lake and Canyon Del Drive.
  • West of Arroyo Seco to Palm Drive North of Olive Lane in La Canada.
  • Acton, All residences to the south of Soledad Canyon Road from Highway 14 to Crown Valley Road and all residences in Alison Canyon Road from Angeles Forest Highway to Soledad Canyon Road.


MANDATORY EVACUATIONS
Acton-Palmdale:

  • All residences to the south of Soledad Canyon Road from Highway 14 to Crown Valley Road;
  • All residences in Alison Canyon Road from Angeles Forest Highway to Soledad Canyon Road.

Road Closures

  • ALL 3 AXLES OR GREATER COMBINATIONS ARE PROHIBITED ON STATE ROUTE 2, LOS ANGELES COUNTY, (Angeles Crest Highway) between Interstate 210 (in City of La Canada) and Angeles Forest Highway (Angeles National Forest).
  • Angeles Crest Highway
  • Tujunga Canyon Road
  • Big Tujunga Canyon Roads

Southern California Edison Wildfire Updates

August 31, 2009 4:06 pm

Currently there are no power outage issues in the Santa Clarita Valley.

SCE wants its customers to know that   even thought there is no current conservation alert issued by the company or the California Independent System Operator, it is always a good idea to be thoughtful about personal energy usage to help grid reliability.

SCE is working closely with local officials, the Los Angeles County Fire Department, the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection and other agencies to help ensure coordination and understanding of electric service conditions in the wildfire areas.

Wildfire Safety Tips from SCE:

  • Outages could occur at any time in the wildfire areas, so SCE reminds its customers to keep flashlights handy in the event of a service interruption.
  • Do not rely on candles for lighting during a power outage because they could pose a fire hazard; use battery-operated lights instead.
  • If you see downed lines, please call SCE and report it to the police and fire departments immediately. Never touch or try to move a downed power line.
  • If you are without electrical service in your home or business, leave one light switch in the “on” position to serve as a signal when electrical service has been restored. This will help limit stress on the electrical system when SCE restores service.
  • Turn off and unplug any unnecessary electrical equipment, especially sensitive electronics.

Health Advisory: Practice Safe Clean-Up After Fire

August 31, 2009 3:13 pm

LOS ANGELES – The Los Angeles County Health Officer, Dr. Jonathan E. Fielding, advises people to take precautions during clean-up following a fire. Ash, soot, dust, and other airborne particles may have been deposited inside and outside of homes and businesses. While ash from wildfires is relatively non-toxic and similar to ash that may be found in a home fireplace, it may be irritating to the skin, nose and throat. Exposure to ash in air might trigger asthmatic attacks in people who already have asthma.

View full document (*PDF)

Station Fire: Youth Sports Programs Cancelled, Skate Park/Aquatic Center/Gymnasium Closed Due To Air Quality Concerns

August 31, 2009 11:50 am

The City’s Skate Park, Aquatic Center and Gymnasium will be closed today in addition to Central Park (and Central Bark), Additionally, City Youth Sports programs and practices are cancelled today at Canyon Country Park, Valencia Meadows Park, and Valencia Heritage Park. Other youth group reservations are also cancelled at Santa Clarita Park, Bouquet Canyon Park, Newhall Park, and Old Orchard park due to air quality issues resulting from the fires.

The closures will continue to be evaluated on a day-to-day basis. Community members can call: 250-3700 for more information.

Station Fire: Staging Area Moved To Central Park Today, Park Closed Until Further Notice

August 31, 2009 9:41 am

Los Angeles County Fire will be moving emergency fire operations into Central Park this afternoon and will use the park for approximately the next week as a staging area for the Station Fire. Because of it’s location and vast acreage, Central Park has periodically been used as a staging area for emergency fire operations throughout the years.

The transition of personnel and equipment to Central Park will occur throughout the day with most of the activity happening later this afternoon. Staff is making preparations for housing and feeding of approximately 1800 firefighters from the United States Forest Service and Los Angeles County.

All recreation activity at the park is cancelled until further notice.