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Santa Anita Fire/Sierra Madre Fire

Saturday, April 26 - Tuesday, April 29

 

Main Santa Anita Fire /Sierra Madre Fire page

Coverage/updates from during the fire, as it was posted (includes some photos)

Photos by SM News Net

Videos by SM News Net (coming soon)

Photos/links to photos by others

Congressman David Dreier interview and press conference

Nice things people wrote about our coverage

Fire-related letters we got that weren't about our coverage

Post fire articles

Post fire editorial

 

Fire Safe Council Meeting This Monday  Click the "headline" link at left for info

 

4/30/07 City Fire update

- All evacuation orders, for Sierra Madre residents only, were lifted as of 12 pm on Tuesday, April 29th.

- As of 6 am today, April 30th, all evacuation orders are lifted in Sierra Madre.

- Chantry Flats, Bailey Canyon Park and Mount Wilson Trail, are closed until further notice.

- The Sierra Madre Community Center and Youth Activity Center have reopened. The pool is closed until Saturday.

- All schools are back in session.

- Fire Containment is estimated at 88%

- Current weather conditions are favorable, with low wind speed, lower temperatures, and humidity at 30%, predicted.

- Estimated full containment on Friday, May 2nd.

- Acreage is estimated at 584 acres.

A Santa Anita Fire Fund has been set up with the Sierra Madre Community Foundation to help the City pay for the cost of fighting the Santa Anita Fire. If you would like to donate, you can download the attached form and mail it with your donation to:

SIERRA MADRE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION

PO Box 716, Sierra Madre, CA 91025

Checks should be made out to SMCF/CCF with "Santa Anita Fire Fund" in the memo.

 

4/30/07 10:07am update - Arson Arrest Rumor Unfounded

I received an e-mail asking about a rumor that a 30-year old man and a youth had been arrested for arson.  Spoke to Police Chief Marilyn Diaz at 10:07am, she said that it is an unfounded rumor, she had just spoken to the lead arson investigator and there is nothing new to report at this time.

 

City of Sierra Madre Fire Update, 4/30/08, 8:44am

As of Wednesday, April 30, 2008, 6:00 a.m. PST, the Santa Anita Fire has burned 584 acres north of Sierra Madre, CA. Approximately 238 acres are on National Forest System land within the Angeles National Forest, and 346 acres are within the corporate boundary of the City of Sierra Madre.

The fire is currently 88% contained.

All evacuations in the City of Sierra Madre have been lifted - all schools are back in session.

 

Coordinating Council Meeting Cancelled Due to Fire (press release from City)

Unfortunately due to the Santa Anita Fire, the Coordinating Council meeting that was to be held this Thursday, May 1, 2008 will be canceled.  Thank you for your understanding and we look forward to seeing you next month. 

 

We had a slight spike in traffic during the fire:

Stats for my home page April 26 - 29

 

Saturday – 328 page views; 299 visits

Sunday – 2,099 page views; 1,665 visits

Monday – 7,894 page views; 5,615 visits

Tuesday - 2,943 page views; 2,456 visits

 

Chronological Fire Updates, with latest coverage first (to start at the beginning, scroll to the bottom and work your way up)

4/29/08 Fire update 12:06pm

This just in from the City:

Evacuation restrictions are scheduled to be lifted as of 12noon on Tuesday, April 29. At this time people with proof of residency will be allowed back into the evacuation areas. Road blocks are scheduled to be removed as of 6:00 am on Wednesday, April 30.  Acres burned have increased to 583 acres.

Fire update 9:55am

FEMA announces help Thanks to Cici at CalTech for the update.

Fire update, 8:32am

This just in from the Incident Command folks...

Fire update, 8:22am

Just received from the City of Sierra Madre:

There are 1055 firefighters working on the Santa Anita Fire.

150 homes are still evacuated.

The fire is 57% contained, expecting full containment May 2nd.

Fire currently concentrated in the north.

The Community Recreation Center will be closed, Tuesday, April 29, 2008.

There is a smoke advisory:

- stay indoors, including pets

- keep doors and windows closed

- check air filters

- if outdoors, reduce physical activity.

Sierra Madre, Fire update 8:06am

Just spoke with Angeles Forest phone info, here's what they are telling me...There's been no change in the evacuation order since 8pm last night.  East of Baldwin is now open.  West of Baldwin evacuation area remains at North of Carter, from Grove to Michillinda, north of Fairview.  Grandview to Fairview is open to residents only, from Baldwin to Michillinda.  538 acres have burned, it didn't grow overnight.  The fire is 57% contained.  They said they will be faxing me the most recent release from Incident Command, I'll post it when I get it.

4/29/08 - Fire update for Pasadena 8:00am

I haven't forgotten you, Pasadena.  I have not received any updates from Pasadena, and the release posted at 8:48pm Monday night immediately below is the last post on the City of Pasadena's website's emergency page...

Fire update for Pasadena 8:48pm

I have been receiving a lot of requests for updates from Pasadena residents, so I guess it's transition time.  I have now been added to the Pasadena Public Information Office distribution list, so that I can begin receiving the City's official releases.  Thanks to Brooke at KPCC for sending me this most recent 6:25pm update.

PASADENA UPDATE ON WILDFIRES

Now that wildfires in the San Gabriel Valley foothills have the potential of spreading into Pasadena, households on Park Vista Drive and Skycrest Drive are under MANDATORY evacuation. Both are off of Michillinda Avenue.

Households on the following streets have been advised of VOLUNTARY evacuations: Carriage House Road, Ranch Top Road, Hastings Heights Lane, Winding Way and Pear Orchard Lane.

Pasadena Fire Department is providing fire engines in these neighborhoods in case the situation worsens.

People who have NOT been ordered to evacuate should remain calm and update their emergency preparedness kits and review their household evacuation plans, which should already include potential places to which to evacuate, such a friend's home or a motel in another town.

Pasadena Fire Department offers the following tips for those who HAVE BEEN ordered to evacuate:

* Remain calm and stay in control of your situation.

* Absolutely do not stay on your property.

* Follow all instructions given by public safety officials.

* Wear sturdy shoes and appropriate clothing.

* Take your emergency supply kit plus valuable papers, prescription medication, keepsakes and family/emergency phone numbers.

* Close windows and doors to prevent sparks from blowing inside.

* Remove all combustible items from around the exterior of your home, including lawn and poolside furniture, umbrellas and tarp coverings. (If these items are left outside, they may catch fire and the added heat could ignite your home.)

* Help neighbors who may require special assistance.

* If you have a physical disability and need transportation, call Dial-A-Ride during regular business hours at (626) 744-4094. After hours or on weekends, call Pasadena Police Department at (626) 744-4241.

* Only service animals, such as guide dogs, are allowed at emergency shelters. If you have pets, make arrangements in advance for their care at kennels or other locations. Pets may become agitated due to the situation, so transport them in animal carriers.

* Lock your home or business when you leave.

* Use only authorized routes.

* Once you are safe, call an out-of-area contact with information about where you are and how you can be reached.

For more information visit www.cityofpasadena.net/disaster or call (626) 744-7000.

Fire update for Pasadena 8:01pm

Just received the following.  I'm told it's from (and it appears to originally be from) Pasadena City Manager Bernard Melekian. 

>Further update....

Two streets in the very northeast of Pasadena are being evacuated.

The northern one third of Upper Hastings Ranch will be informed that they are subject to evacuation.

Please alert Upper Hastings Ranch.

This makes me a little uncomfortable.  With Sierra Madre news and information, I knew my sources and was sure that what I was posting was coming from the City.  While I have no reason to doubt the veracity of the sender, and as I said, it appears to be legitimate, I don't want to, even with the best of intentions, spread misinformation.  I will attempt to verify this information, but until I do, please recognize that I'm flying, not blind, but certainly with impaired vision.  Thanks.

Fire Update 7:49pm

This just in from the City of Sierra Madre:

Sierra Madre residents east of Baldwin (including the canyon) will most likely be able to go home after 8:00 this evening with proof of residency.

Pasadena People:

Here's the most recent info I have as of 5:30pm.

From the Star News website:

Pasadena officials announced at 3 p.m. that the evacuation zone for the 490-acre blaze has been expanded past Michillinda Avenue to include Park Vista Drive and Skycrest in the Crown City.  It was unclear how many homes are involved in the new evacuations, though Pasadena Fire Department spokeswoman Lisa Derderian said the two streets will likely not be the last affected by the fire in Pasadena.  "There might be more evacuations near the top of Hastings Ranch before the night is over," she said.

Another good source:  www.thefcblog.com

Official site:  Incident Command website, fire progression map. 

Phone: (626) 821-6700

I've had four hours sleep since Friday night.  I think I'm going to back off for now.

Some photo links

I've got a lot of shots I've yet to upload of my own, and others have sent me their pics.  Since it's more time consuming then just putting a link up as I did above, I'm going to have to get to it, so I'll try to do it soon.

Fire update 3:42pm

Just got off the phone with Angeles Forest folks.  Everything east of Camillo is now open.  The rest of the closures/evacuation areas remain off limits.  Right now they say the fire is northwest above Bailey Canyon/Hastings Canyon.  They are dropping retardant ¾ miles east of Henneger Flats, but not as high as Henneger Flats, below it.  Air tanker plastered it.  Am investigating a complaint about a closure at Vista and Grand View, which makes no sense to me as that is east of Santa Anita, and the only closures I heard about stopped at Santa Anita.

Fire update 2pm

Heard a report some people didn't want to leave their homes because they heard a couple homes had been burgled.  Just spoke to Corporal Doyle at SMPD re: burglary. She said there was one report of burglary, not two, and it was on Saturday. She said it was on Sierra Madre Blvd., not up in the evac area. My understanding of the situation (from another source, not Corporal Doyle) is that it was on or near Canon at the Blvd. But it was not in the evac area, and it was on Saturday.  So don't be afraid to evacuate.  Look around, I think you might see a law enforcement agent or two.

Fire update 1:20

Just spoke with the Santa Anita Fire information line of the Angeles National Forest folks.  New evacuation area:  From Santa Anita to Mtn. Trail, north of Grand View.  From Mtn. Trail west to Oak Crest, north of Carter. At Grove, the evacuation area moves South to Fairview. Everything above Fairview from Michillinda to Grove.  From Fairview to Grand View is closed to traffic, but open to residents only, from Michillinda east to Mt. Trail.

Fire update 11:50

Audio of the conversation Melissa Pamer, Mark Harmsen, Congressman Dreier and I had at about 10:30am this morning.

Fire update 11:13am

Received this Press Release from the Southern California Interagency Incident Management Team 3 at 9:49am, but was out of the office, just became aware of it.

Fire update 11am

I was standing in front of the Rec. Center (Command Post) talking with Melissa Pamer of SGVN when Congressman David Dreier and his aide Mark Harmsen were leaving the building to head over to speak to the assembled press in the park.  Mr. Harmsen stopped the Congressman and introduced the Congressman and I, and Ms. Pamer and I had a chance to speak with him for several minutes.  I'll be uploading audio of that conversation, but briefly, Congressman Dreier was leaving shortly for D.C. where in a couple days he had a pre-scheduled meeting to discuss the aftermath of the recent San Diego fires.  He decided to take this opportunity to stop by and thank the members of the command team and see if they had any input from this fire that might be helpful in his upcoming meeting.  He stated that while this fire has not reached the threshold to trigger FEMA and/or other types of federal aid, he and his office stand at the ready to do whatever they can to help, and if the threshold does get reached, he will work immediately to see that the federal government steps in.  I'll upload the file shortly.  After speaking with us, Congressman Drier went and spoke with radio and television media, and I have some video of that, as well.  Will get things uploaded as time and conditions allow.  In photo at left, Congressman Dreier prepares to speak to the press with Sierra Madre PIO Elisa Weaver.

Fire update 8:52

Just heard unofficially from a good source that Congressman David Dreier will be touring the area at 10am.

Red Cross update 8:40am

Spoke to Candace McDonald at the Red Cross Shelter a few minutes ago.  They have a food and rest area set up at the Senior Center, and a shelter at Congregational Church.  Candace tells me eighteen people stayed overnight last night, down from the 30 - 40 that had stayed the night before.  She said as near as she's been able to figure, most of the displaced people in the area have family nearby, or are staying at local hotels.  If you're looking for someone, and want to check to see if they are at Red Cross, the number is 355-0256.

Fire update 7:25am

Here's a Windows Media Audio file of the press conference.  It's 3:37 long, about 25 seconds in the audio improves as I moved the voice recorder closer to him.

Fire update 7:17am

A couple points I missed in my 6:55am update - power was shut off in the canyon, but that was due to firefighter safety.  Weather forecast includes some slow winds.  The command post is going to shift to Santa Fe Dam.

Fire update 7:10am

City Manager and Emergency Operations Director Elaine Aguilar talking about the fact no structures were lost overnight - "The fire came right up to the rear properties, and the firefighters did a phenomenal job protecting the structures.  I was really impressed, it was amazing."

Fire update 6:55am

REPEAT - NO STRUCTURAL DAMAGE OVERNIGHT!!!  Absolutely amazing.  I'm expecting a press release by e-mail, will post it when it comes in.  Meantime, here's what was said at the press conference, in a nutshell.  Firefighters made stands at a few homes overnight, but no homes were lost.  The main area of concern for structures as of the conference was up around the north end of Auburn Ave.  Air crews will be starting up again at any time.  Three new strike crews arrived overnight.  Weather conditions today will be hot, in the nineties, but humidity will be a little lower. Four hundred residences have been evacuated, about 1000 people displaced.  Still just the three injuries, a bee sting, a bad knee from terrain, and a fatigue related injury.  The newswoman from Channel 2 was doing live remotes throughout the press conference, right next to my camera.  I'm going to try and put the audio from my voice recorder with the video from my camera, and hopefully get that posted a little later.

Fire update 6:53am

NO STRUCTURAL DAMAGE OVERNIGHT!!!

Fire update 5:22am

This picture was shot from the southwest corner of Lima and Highland at about 5:20am.  You can see by the palm trees in the front that the flames have come down the hill quite low.  While both the City's PIO and the Angeles Forest public line are saying that there are "no reports' of structure damage, I think that's because they aren't reporting anything new till the press conference, when we're probably going to be hearing new info in that regard.  I have an unconfirmed report of a city employee who lives in the canyon whose home was in danger, but firefighters fought the blaze back.  Let's hope there's more of that news.  From what I've observed during the night, I'll be very surprised if there are no new damage reports.  If there is no damage, what a testament to the firefighters.  Either way, these folks, who have come from all over California to help us, have done one helluva job, as has the SMFD, the SMPD, and the City staff, which transitioned into the Emergency Response team and from what I observed did so both efficiently and somewhat effortlessly.  Pretty amazing.  Thanks to all.  And to those who think our staff is overpaid (you know who you are), I can only ask if you want some seasoning to go with your crow. 

Fire update 4:56am

I'm posting this at 4:56am but it's video I shot at about 4am of the fire cresting the ridge at the top of Baldwin Ave.

Fire update 4:40am

Just got off the phone with City PIO James Carlson.  Nothing new officially.  He noted that all 3 networks were setting up to do their early morning broadcast from the park.  It doesn't sound like there's going to be anything official prior to the approx. 6:15am press conference, which I'll be attending, and posting shortly thereafter.  I will post the press release as soon as I get back, and the video will probably take a couple hours again, as it did the Sunday at 6pm press conference.  He was unsure at this time if the conference will be done by fire service agents or Elisa Weaver. 

Fire update 4:10am

I just left Baldwin Ave., just north of Grand View, where I've been for the last hour or so, I'll post video shortly.  The fire has come over the top of the last ridge before housing, though I think there might be one small hill between that ridge and the two on a lot craftsman property just to the left of the dead end at Carter.  I wouldn't be feeling real comfortable if I lived there.  I just spoke with the Santa Anita fire info line, and they told me they really haven't had any updates through the night from the fire lines.  We can all see that it has come down very low.  I heard a report that it had gotten down to the dam in the canyon.  Info line still reporting no structures damaged, but then 20 seconds later he admitted they have had no updates, so it's anybody's guess.

Ridge at the top of Baldwin, 4:00am

Ridge at the top of Baldwin, 4:02am

Fire update 2:33am

The Santa Anita Fire information line is 626-821-6700.  Just spoke to them, they said still no report of damage to structures other than the shed on Lotus Lane, seems hard to believe.  Evacuation area remains the same.  Upper and Lower Canyons, everything north of Carter from Lima east, everything north of Grand View from Mt. Trail east to Santa Anita.

Fire update 2:10am, 4/28/08

The fire has really flared up again, and there is increased enforcement of the evacuation areas.  Law enforcement is using their p.a. system to wake people and encourage them to evacuate, but according to James Carlson, PIO for the City, the evacuation area remains the same.  James did not have any information regarding additional structure damage, and said he probably will not have that info until the press conference at 6:15ish this morning.  I plan to be at the conference and will update after the conference.  I will also update as I receive any news.  Incident Command website, fire progression map. 

Shot at S.W. corner of Auburn and Highland by the school, 1:32am

Shot from across the street from Episcopal Church of the Ascension, 1:38am

Shot from S.W. corner of Baldwin and Grand View, 1:41am

Shot from N. W. corner of Baldwin and Grand View, 1:43am, lots of ash visible on lens

Shot from across the street from Bud Switzer's house (pumpkin man) on Alegria, between Baldwin and Mt. Trail, 1:53am

Shot from across the street from Bud Switzer's house (pumpkin man) on Alegria, between Baldwin and Mt. Trail, 1:55am

Fire update 10:27pm

I'm posting this at 10:27pm, but it's the 6pm press conference. 

Fire update 7:02pm - Am currently uploading the 135mb video file of the press conference to Google Video, and heading out to dinner.  Hopefully when I get back, it will be mostly uploaded.  It's hit and miss.  As soon as it's uploaded and processed, I'll make a link to it.

>Received the following re: Adams Pack Station.  Thanks to Diane and Jeff for keeping me (and thus, you) informed. 

Channel 4 news just had an update story on the fire and they showed footage of one of the donkeys at the Pack Station being loaded into transport. The reporter said that all the animals from the pack station had been relocated safely to Santa Anita Racetrack. I assume the Pack Station itself is fine as they did not mention any destroyed buildings except the one storage shed (in SMad) that burned earlier.  Don't know the location of the human inhabitants (Sue, Greg, at al), but I am sure they are safe down here somewhere.

Fire update 6:30pm - I am working on converting and uploading the video of the 6pm press conference at the park, it will be up (hopefully) within a couple hours.

Southern California Interagency Incident Management Team 3 to Assume Command

At 6:00 p.m. (1800 hours) PST the Southern California Interagency Incident Management Team 3 will assume command of the Santa Anita Fire in Sierra Madre, California. The on-scene media contact will be Marc Peebles, PIO SCIIMT3, 626-821-6700. The media center will be located at the USDA Forest Service, Angeles National Forest at 701 N. Santa Anita Avenue in Arcadia, California. The Santa Anita Fire information line is 626-821-6700. Online information available at INCIWeb.org.

The Santa Anita Fire is reported to be 30% contained, with most of the containment in the area surrounding Sierra Madre residences. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

Background – updated information in bold

The Santa Anita Fire began on Saturday, April 26th at approximately 3:00 p.m. and has currently burned under 400 acres of wildland urban interface. The only structure damaged at this time is a small out building off of Lotus Lane.

Two firefighters have been injured, one was stung by a bee Saturday afternoon; the other strained his knee working in the steep terrain Sunday morning.

The fire is 30% contained and is looking at 5-7 days for full containment.

Approximately 1000 people have been evacuated from Oak Crest Drive across Carter Avenue to East Mira Monte Avenue, continuing down Mountain Trail Avenue, across Grandview Avenue to Santa Anita Avenue.

The American Red Cross has opened a shelter at the Hart Park House, 222 W. Sierra Madre Blvd. The number for the American Red Cross is 626-799-0841 x270.

The Sierra Madre City Council held an emergency meeting at 12:10 a.m. on Sunday, April 27th to declare the City in a state of emergency.

Air support began again Sunday morning at approximately 6:30 am. We anticipate having 2 helicopters, 3 air tankers, and over 400 firefighters on the ground. There are over 500 logistics and operations people assisting with relief efforts.

The difficulty of this fire is the terrain which is steep and difficult to access. Additionally, some of these areas have not burned in over 40 years. So far, the weather has been on our side, and although there will still be intense heat today, we expect little wind and rising humidity.

A wedding party for Ken and Julie Grady consisting of 45 people and 4 pets were asked to shelter in place at Sturtevant Camp; the party was safely evacuated Sunday morning. The party had driven up Saturday night to camp and celebrate the nuptials. Sierra Madre Search and Rescue lead the evacuation operation coordinating with LA County Sheriffs. It took five helicopter trips to take the party back to their cars at the Chantry Flats Ranger Station where Los Angeles County Sheriffs escorted everyone back down the mountain safely. There were no reported injuries during this operation.

All Sierra Madre schools, public and private, will be closed on Monday, April 28, 2008. These schools include: Alverno High School, The Gooden School, Bethany Christian School, Saint Rita Elementary, both campus of Sierra Madre School, and Sierra Madre Community Nursery School.

Evacuations are to remain in place through Monday, April 28, 2008 at 6:00 a.m. Incident commanders will continually evaluate the safety of residents’ return. Incident commanders are sensitive that evacuations are a stressful and inconvenient event; we thank the public for the patience and understanding as firefighters work to contain the fire as public safety is our top priority.

We are asking residents and visitors to stay off the streets, keep areas clear for fire department access and to stay attentive. Immediate updates can be found on cityofsierramadre.com and SMTV3, channel 3 on Time Warner.

Fire update - 5pm

Overnight Accomodations

Although the City of Sierra Madre and the American Red Cross have provided ample places for evacuees to stay tonight, we understand that many residents are choosing to stay in local hotels and motels. The following hotels had rooms available as of 2:30 PM, Sunday, April 27, 2008:

Courtyard by Marriott*
700 West Huntington Drive, Monrovia
626-357-5211

Santa Anita Inn*
130 West Huntington Drive, Arcadia
626-446-5211

Motel 6
225 Colorado Place, Arcadia
626-446-2660

*Please state that you are a Sierra Madre fire evacuee to receive discounted room rates.

Fire update revision - 3:19pm

Schools Closed, Evacuations Remain in Place

All Sierra Madre schools (PUBLIC AND PRIVATE) have been cancelled for Monday, April 27, 2008.

Evacuations are to remain in place through Monday, April 27, 2008 at 6:00 a.m. provided that the fire conditions remain steady. All residents are still strongly urged to leave their homes if they are in the mandatory evacuation area.

Fire update - 2:52pm

Schools Closed, Evacuations Remain in Place

All Sierra Madre schools have been cancelled for Monday, April 27, 2008.

Evacuations are to remain in place through Monday, April 27, 2008 at 6:00 a.m. provided that the fire conditions remain steady. All residents are still strongly urged to leave their homes if they are in the mandatory evacuation area.

Fire update - 2:40pm

Wedding Party Rescued

A wedding party of approximately 50 people was separated 3 ½ miles from the Chantry Flats Ranger Station. The party had driven up Saturday night to camp and celebrate the nuptials. Upon receiving word that the party was still in the mountains, Sierra Madre Search and Rescue lead the evacuation operation coordinating with LA County Sheriffs. It took five helicopter trips to take the party back to their cars at the Ranger Station where Los Angeles County Sheriffs escorted everyone back down the mountain safely. There were no reported injuries during this operation. 

Background – new information in bold

The Santa Anita Fire that began on Saturday, April 26th has currently burned under 400 acres of wildland urban interface. The only structure damaged at this time is a small out building off of Lotus Lane.

Two firefighters have been injured, one was stung by a bee yesterday afternoon; the other strained his knee working in the steep terrain.

The fire is 5% contained and we are looking at 4-5 days for full containment.

Approximately 1000 people have been evacuated from Oak Crest Drive across Carter Avenue to East Mira Monte Avenue, continuing down Mountain Trail Avenue, across Grandview Avenue to Santa Anita Avenue.

The American Red Cross has opened a shelter at the Hart Park House, 222 W. Sierra Madre Blvd. The number for the American Red Cross is 626-799-0841 x270.

The Sierra Madre City Council held an emergency meeting at 12:10 a.m. on Sunday, April 27th to declare the City in a state of emergency.

Air support began again Sunday morning at approximately 6:30 am. We anticipate having 2 helicopters, 3 air tankers, and over 400 firefighters on the ground. There are over 500 logistics and operations people

The difficulty of this fire is the terrain which is steep and difficult to access. Additionally, some of these areas have not burned in over 40 years. So far, the weather has been on our side, and although there will still be intense heat today, we expect little wind and rising humidity.

We are asking residents and visitors to stay off the streets, keep areas clear for fire department access and to stay attentive. Immediate updates can be found on cityofsierramadre.com and SMTV3, channel 3 on Time Warner.

Fire update - 2:27pm

Have just received word that the Adams Pack Station at Chantry Flats is currently being evacuated.

Fire update - 12:15pm

I just got off the phone with PIO Elisa Weaver who informs me that the wedding party discussed in the press release below has been located and they are safe.

Fire update 12:13pm

The Santa Anita Fire began on Saturday, April 26th at approximately 3:00 pm (1500 hours) on Santa Anita Canyon Road. It has currently burned under 400 acres of wild land urban interface. The only structure damaged at this time is a small out building off of Lotus Lane.

Two firefighters have been injured, one was stung by a bee yesterday afternoon; the other strained his knee working in the steep terrain.

The fire is 5% contained and we are looking at 4-5 days for full containment.

Approximately 1000 people have been evacuated from Oak Crest Drive across Carter Avenue to East Mira Monte Avenue, continuing down Mountain Trail Avenue, across Grandview Avenue to Santa Anita Avenue.

The American Red Cross has opened shelters at the Hart Park House, 222 W. Sierra Madre Blvd. and the Congregational Church 170 W. Sierra Madre Blvd in Sierra Madre.

Air support began again this morning at approximately 6:30 am. We anticipate having 2 helicopters, 3 air tankers, and more than 400 firefighters on the ground. There are more than 500 logistics and operations people

We have new reports of a wedding party of approximately 50 people 3 ½ miles from the Chantry Flats Ranger Station. Fire officials are looking at ground evacuation; otherwise they will be flown out. This wedding party will be out of the Chantry area by noon today. Sierra Madre Search and Rescue will be the lead on this operation coordinating with LA County Sheriffs.

Fire update 7:52am - Press release received at 7:30am

The Santa Anita Fire began on Saturday, April 26th at approximately 3:00 p, (1500 hours) on Santa Anita Canyon Road. It has currently burned more than 350 acres of wild land urban interface. The only structure damaged at this time is a small out building off of Lotus Lane.  

The fire is 5% contained and we are looking at 2-3 days for full containment.

Approximately 200 homes have been evacuated and we anticipate new evacuations north of Carter west to Lima Street.

The American Red Cross has opened shelters at the Hart Park House, 222 W. Sierra Madre Blvd. and the Congregational Church at 170 W. Sierra Madre Blvd in Sierra Madre.

The Sierra Madre City Council held an emergency meeting at 12:10 a.m. this morning to declare the City in a state of emergency.

Air support began again this morning at approximately 6:30 am. We anticipate having 2 helicopters, 3 air tankers, and more than 400 firefighters on the ground.

The difficulty of this fire is the terrain which is steep and difficult to access. Additionally, some of these areas have not burned in more than 40 years. So far, the weather has been on our side, and although there will be intense heat today, we expect fairly low humidity.

We are asking residents and visitors to stay off the streets, keep areas clear for fire department access and to stay attentive. Immediate updates can be found on www.cityofsierramadre.com and SMTV3, channel 3 on Time Warner. END PRESS RELEASE

Red Cross spokesperson Linda Mayer tells us that the Red Cross has about 50 people on site, that about 50 people registered with the Red Cross and they anticipate that number rising.  Approximately 30 - 40 people spent the night in the shelter.  The Red Cross fed dinner and breakfast to about 250 firefighters last night and this morning.  If you are looking for someone, contact the Red Cross at 355-0256, ext. 228.

Fire update 12:28am, 4/27/08

In emergency session just a few minutes ago, the Council approved an emergency resolution declaring a local emergency, which opens the door to additional assistance from outside agencies, and authorizes the City to take necessary steps to protect the residents and the City government.  Video will be uploaded shortly.  Agenda

Fire update - 11:28pm

The City of Sierra Madre Fire Department is issuing mandatory evacuations for the following locations:

All homes above Carter from Oak Crest Drive to Mountain Trail and all homes above Grandview from Mountain Trail at Santa Anita.

The American Red Cross has opened shelters at the Hart Senior Park House, 222 W. Sierra Madre Blvd. and the Congregational Church, 170 W. Sierra Madre Blvd in Sierra Madre.

The Sierra Madre City Council will have an emergency meeting at 12:10 a.m. on Sunday, April 27, 2008 to declare the City in a state of emergency. The meeting will be held at City Hall, 232 W. Sierra Madre Blvd.

The Santa Anita Fire began at approximately 3:00 pm (1500 hours) on Santa Anita Canyon Road. It has burned over 100 acres of wild land. No structures have been damaged at this time.

Fire update - 9:37pm, 4/26/08 -  Basically, there were about 400 people hiking at Chantry, they are all accounted for.  Nobody has been evacuated, but some people have been notified they ought to start thinking about it.  The fire is moving west.  An evacuation post has been set up at the Senior Center at the Hart Park House in Memorial Park, 222 W. Sierra Madre Blvd., but it is not being used by anyone at this point.  Check back, we'll be updating throughout the night.  If you have access to Channel 3, check there, also check the city website, www.cityofsierramadre.com

9:37pm report from Public Information Officer Elisa Weaver.

From AM/PM at Santa Anita and Foothill, 3:15pm

From Memorial Park, 4:03pm

From City Hall, 4:52pm

Police Chief Diaz, Mayor Zimmerman, City Manager Elaine Aguilar, Council Member John Buchanan, Chris Cimino from Public Works, Council Member Joe Mosca, 4:54pm

From Taylor's Parking Lot, 8:11pm

From Santa Anita and Elkins, 9:28

From Auburn and Montecito, 11:15pm

From 400 Montecito (just east of Canon), 11:31pm

From Canon and Laurel, 1:55am

LA County fire  helicopter taking off over Heasley Field, 7:34am

Red Cross volunteers at Congregation Church shelter, 7:45am

Parade of law enforcement support entering town 7:46am

Heasley Field, 7:39am, photo by Connie Brown

Photo by Tim Otto

Photo by Tim Otto

 

Photo by Tim Otto

Photo by Tim Otto

Photo by Tim Otto

Photo by Tim Otto

 

 

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