Salem-News.com Fire articles Page 49

California Fires Far From Over

More Santa Ana Winds are expected in the coming days.

(SAN DIEGO) - Tired Firefighters in Southern California are getting a break, but a great deal of uncertainty remains as seven wildfires continue to destroy trees and vegetation and property.

2,000 homes have burned as the seasonal Santa Ana winds fanned flames throughout several counties. A break from the offshore gusts this weekend helped firefighters who now learn that the hot mountain winds are likely to kick back up in speed in the coming days.

FEMA Quick to Put on Fake Press Conference

Watchdog groups say using fake reporters isn’t new to the Bush administration, referencing a 2005 a political operative who was ‘outted’ after asking President George W. Bush simple and easy questions while posing as a White House reporter.

(SALEM, Ore.) - A federal agency with a tarnished reputation over their response to Hurricane Katrina went theatrical last week, as it turns out.

FEMA and the Bush Administration have both admitted that the press Tuesday over the Southern California wildfires was packed with FEMA employees posing as reporters.

Red Cross Helps California Fire Victims Cope (VIDEO)

Thousands receive much needed mental health assistance from American Red Cross

(SAN DIEGO) - Since Sunday, the Red Cross has sent hundreds of mental health professionals trained in disaster response to serve victims of the Southern California wildfires. They number in the thousands.

The estimates of loss are already well over a billion dollars. The number of homes lost to the flames is growing, and people are struggling with the loss of loved ones, pets and their property.

More Warm Weather Headed for Southern California Fires (VIDEO)

Warmer will return Monday but weather experts say the winds should not increase.

(SAN DIEGO) - A light offshore flow is expected to bring Southern California more warm weather and low humidity, it's not good news for the wildfires that have been burning for several days.

Western Expert Meteorologist Ken Clark with AccuWeather.com says winds will be light and localized, unlike the hurricane-force Santa Ana winds that fueled the deadly wildfires earlier this week.

Beaver Nation Asked to Help California Wildfire Victims

“This tragedy has affected many, many people, including some of our very own student-athletes and staff,” Director of Athletics Bob De Carolis said.

(CORVALLIS, Ore. ) - The Oregon State University Department of Athletics is asking “Beaver Nation” to help those affected by the wildfires in Southern California by making a donation at this Saturday’s game at Reser Stadium against the Stanford Cardinal. Kickoff is slated for 3:35 PM.

Monetary donations will be accepted at Fan Fair, located at Parker Plaza, and at the Reser Stadium gates from 1:30 - 4:00 PM.

At Least 56 Firefighters Injured in California Wildfires

Evacuation Order have been issued For the Communities of Lawson Valley and Carveacre.

(SAN DIEGO) - At least 56 firefighters have been injured so far in the wildfires that have devastated parts of Southern California. The Witch Fire has the highest number of injuries, 22 have been reported so far.

As the injuries mount, the Harris Fire in San Diego has placed new neighborhoods under Evacuation Orders, after jumping a portion of Lake Barrett. Fire officials say it is now an immediate threat to life and property to the communities of Lawson Valley and Carveacre.

$50,000 Reward Offered Over California Wildfires

The reward, authorized by California's Governor, is offered toward the arrest and conviction of arsonist.

(SACRAMENTO) - Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today announced a $50,000 reward for information leading toward the arrest and conviction in a California court of the person or persons responsible for setting the Santiago Fire. Below is the full text of the Governor's proclamation.

The reward is over more than 15 fires burning in southern California. It takes into account the fact that the fires have burned hundreds of thousands of acres, including thousands of homes, businesses and structures.

California Wildfires Lessening With Changing Weather

Otay Lakes and Thousand Trails Area Evacuation orders have been lifted.

(SAN DIEGO) - Residents evacuated from Otay Lakes Road to Pio Pico Thousand Trails as a result of the Harris Fire will be allowed to return home today. The evacuated residents will be allowed back in to their homes at 8:00 AM this morning.

Officials say the fire and emergency threat to this area has been mitigated, and critical infrastructures such as roads and bridges have been assessed and evaluated.

California Fire Victims and Families Can Connect on Website

Family and friends can visit the Website and search the list of those who have registered themselves as “safe and well.”

(SAN DIEGO) - People searching for information on potential victims from the California fires have an can visit a Website specifically designed to serve as a disaster information point.

The Red Cross "Safe and Well" site is for people who are trying to connect with loved ones. The Website provides a way for people to let others know their status.

Fire Evacuation Warning Issued for California Neighborhoods

Evacuation WARNING has been issued due to the Harris Fire.

(SAN DIEGO) - Residents near the Harris Fire have been advised that they could be evacuated from their Southern California neighborhoods if fire conditions worsen.

An evacuation warning is the alerting of community members in a defined area of a potential threat to life and property from an emergency incident. Due to fire activity on the Harris Fire, incident commanders are issuing an evacuation Warning for several areas.