East County News Service

April 21, 2026 (Ramona) -- A vegetation fire that is active in Ramona and has been threatening structures, has had its forward progress stopped as of 2:05 p.m., according to CAL FIRE.

Watch Duty App had reported that although the forward rate of the fire has been stopped, the fire was at five acres with all air resources released.

Just after 1:30 p.m. today, CAL FIRE initially reported that firefighters were at a scene of a vegetation fire at the 14950 block of Highland Valley Road in Ramona. The fire was initially reported at four acres with an an immediate structure threat.

East County Wildfire & Emergency Alerts

Photos by Patrick Ward.

March 29, 2026 (Santee) – Fire crews are battling the Town Center Fire burning in vegetation in the 100 block of  River Rock Court, across the river from Walmart and the Town Center shopping plaza. The fire is within 50 to 100 yards of commercial structures and has burned 3 aces as of 7:40 p.m., per Watch Duty.

Per Watch Duty App, the incident commander has requested a type 1 strike team of 5 engines, a strike 3 team of 5 engines, and a water dropping helicopter.

Ground crews are now engaged in structure protection on the south side of the river due to a threat to commercial structures there.

East County News Service

March 14, 2026 (San Diego’s East County) – An extreme heat watch has been issued by the National Weather Service for San Diego County over the next week. Temperatures will start to climb Sunday, with high temperatures 20 to 30 degrees above normal starting Tuesday. By mid-week, temperatures above 100 degrees are forecast, with potential to break record high temperatures.

There is a high risk for heat-related illnesses for people, pets and livestock. Stay well hydrated and avoid outdoor activities during the heat wave. Those without access to air conditioning can visit a county library, community center, or indoor mall.

By Gig Conaughton, County of San Diego Communications Office

February 17, 2026 (San Diego) - With more and potentially heavy rains still forecasted this week, the County and CAL FIRE are providing free bags and/or sand at numerous fire stations for people who live in the unincorporated areas.

East County News Service

January 26, 2026 (Spring Valley) — A three-alarm fire that broke out around 2:45 a.m. destroyed two businesses in a strip mall at 8300 Paradise Valley Road in Spring Valley, causing water and smoke damage to two others.

“A total of 18 businesses were saved due to the quick response from everyone involved,” San Miguel Fire District posted on Facebook.

By Miriam Raftery

January 5, 2026 (San Diego) — Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna, an expert on fire safety and author of East County Magazine’s “From the Chief’s Corner” column, died on December 31^st days after suffering a medical emergency. 

East County Wildfire and Emergency Alerts

Image via CHP on X

Dec. 30, 2025 (Pine Valley) -- A motorhome accident on the Pine Valley bridge has shut down one lane of I-8 east and knocked down 80 feet of guardrail, per the California Highway Patrol. Westbound lanes remain open.

Motorists traveling east are advised to take an alternative route by exiting I-8 onto State Route 79 north through Descanso, then turn east (right) onto Pine Valley Road.

Source:  SDG&E

December 24, 2025 (San Diego) - With the current rainstorm approaching our region, SDG&E is urging the public to exercise caution around downed power lines.

Plug space heaters directly into wall outlets

Source: Heartland Fire and Rescue

December 17, 2025 (San Diego’s East County) -- Even everyday electrical equipment like power strips can be a safety risk when not maintained or used properly. Follow these best practices to stay safe when using power strips, surge protectors and extension cords, not just during the holidays, but throughout the year.

Source: California Fire Foundation

November 29, 2025 (San Diego) - The holiday season is a time of joy, family gatherings, and cherished traditions. As families across California prepare for festive celebrations, it’s essential to prioritize safety—especially in a state prone to wildfires. Here are some key holiday safety tips from the California Fire Foundation:

Source:  CAL FIRE

November 5, 2025 (Sacramento) -  Office of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM) announced today that fire departments across the state are beginning the transition to the National Emergency Response Information System (NERIS), a secure, cloud-based platform built to modernize how emergency incidents are reported and analyzed.

By Gig Conaughton, County of San Diego Communications Office

October 29, 2025 (Cuyamaca) -- A deer mouse collected in routine monitoring Oct. 22 at the Los Vaqueros Group Horse Campground in Cuyamaca Rancho State Park has tested positive for the potentially deadly hantavirus.

Finding hantavirus in wild rodents is not uncommon in San Diego County. And people rarely come into direct contact with infected animals because wild rodents naturally avoid humans.

Even so, County officials are advising people to take precautions, especially when pulling out those holiday decorations from sheds, garages or attics in case there have been infected rodents living in those areas.

By Miriam Raftery

Image: Inmate firefighter; cc via Bing

October 14, 2025 (Sacramento) – They risk their lives to battle wildfires. Yet California’s inmate firefighters are currently paid just $1 to $10 for an entire day’s work, plus $1 an hour during active duty.  A bill signed by Governor Gavin Newsom will raise the rate to $7.25 an hour (the federal minimum wage) during active duty.

East County Wildfire & Emergency Alert Service

Photo, right: Rancho Fire viewed from Julian, by Nancy Kramer

October 9, 2025 (Ramona) – Evacuations have been lifted in the fast-moving #RanchoFire in Ramona, which has burned 105 acres and earlier threatened homes. The blaze, which started from a vehicle accident igniting brush, is 15% contained and forward spread is stopped.

The fire began near Highway 78 and Casner Road, east of Ramona this afternoon, per Cal Fire. Multiple air tankers, helicopters and ground crews battled the blaze.