Eagle fire continues spreading in hot east San Diego SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA (BDCi) – Firefighters worked for a fifth straight day at controlling the Eagle fire which is located in northeast San Diego County and sending smoke to the Coachella Valley and Riverside County. According to Cal Fire, the fire has burned up to 12,800 acres and is 45% contained, helped recently by a change in the climate from dry to moist air conditions. Even so, with temperatures close to 100 degrees, the challenges are enormous for the diverse firefighting crew. Six firefighters have been injured, and only one building has been destroyed by the blaze which started at the Los Coyotes Indian Reservation. Crews are working in the air and on the ground to contain the fast moving fire. The California National Guard joined the effort Sunday as firefighters needed shuttling to remote areas to get ahead of the eastern movement of the fire. Cal Fire also reported today that 2,100 people in total are working the blaze with 6 air tankers, 17 helicopters, 71 fire engines, 30 water trucks and 17 bulldozers at their disposal.
The estimated cost to fight the Eagle fire is currently estimated within a range of $6.2 and $6.5 million.
By Don Weinstein Source: Los Angeles Times, Fox 5 San Diego 26 July 2011
11:34p.m. P.D.T.