[Update: Cal Fire at 6 p.m. Wednesday said the Gopher Fire was 85 percent contained on what became 35 acres of torched earth. As of 6 p.m. Tuesday, Cal Fire had said “With better mapping the IC (Incident Commander) reports the fire at 35 acres and 40 percent contained. Next update will be 6 a.m. tomorrow (Wednesday).” Cal Fire said 10 engine companies and six crews…
Nothing like fire to spark interest in the “mainstream media” — it’s the easiest and most colorful spectacle to trot across local TV — and social media. Throw in spectacular smoke, large numbers of responders and close proximity to freeways and morning rush hour traffic and voila’, the perfect 2016 media storm. (Updated at 4:30 p.m.) It’s an easy story and no doubt interesting although…
Four Escondido residents, a dog and two cats were displaced today as a 2-alarm fire ripped through their 2-story condo complex in the 2100 block of E. Valley Parkway, according to Escondido Fire battalion chief Mike Bertrand. Escondido firefights received the first alarm via 911 shortly after noon, Bertrand said. A roofing contractor doing repair work on the roof did the honors. “The initial report of…