Recent Poinsettia Fire updates from the City of Carlsbad:
UPDATE, 5/20/14, 7:50 PM
Please Stay Out of Burned Areas
The City of Carlsbad is asking the public to stay out of fire damaged areas. These areas can be dangerous, and walking on the burned open space could further damage the habitat areas and hamper the regrowth and restoration of these natural areas. The city has posted photos of the burned areas on its Facebook page for residents interested in seeing the damage.
Red Cross in Carlsbad Wednesday
Red Cross client caseworkers will be in Carlsbad Wednesday assist fire victims.
Wednesday, 5/21, 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Alga Norte Community Park
Meeting Room (in Aquatic Center)
6565 Alicante Road, Carlsbad
Please bring:
Valid identification
Verification of damage (if your property is not already on a damage assessment list, damage assessment will need to be verified by a Red Cross team)
The Red Cross also has a number for victims, 858-309-1338
http://www.redcross.org/news/press-release/ca/san-diego/ONE-WEEK-REPORT:-AMERICAN-RED-CROSS-CONTINUES-TO-SUPPORT-THOSE-AFFECTED-BY-SAN-DIEGO-FIRES
How to Help
Ready Carlsbad is accepting cash donations to assist residents and business in Carlsbad. Visit www.carlsbad.org for more information.
The Salvation Army in North County is accepting donations of money, food, hygiene items, diapers, new baby toys, clothing and similar items for fire victims. No used items accepted. The North County Salvation Army center is located in Oceanside at 3935 Lake Blvd., 92056.
Beware of Scams and Price Gouging
Please refer to the San Diego County District Attorney’s office notice for information about how to avoid common charity, insurance, debris removal, restoration and contractor scams.
The Carlsbad City Attorney reminds the public that after the Governor declares a state of emergency, it is illegal for businesses to increase prices of essential goods and services by more than ten percent unless they can prove it was due to an increase in their supplier’s price. The prohibition on price gouging after a disaster applies to consumer food and services, goods or services used for emergency cleanup, supplies, medical supplies, home heating oil, building materials, housing, transportation, freight and storage services, and gasoline or other motor fuels. In addition, it is a misdemeanor during 30 days following the state of emergency proclamation for a hotel or motel to increase regular rates. You can report price gouging to the District Attorney’s Consumer Protection Unit at 619-531-4070.
No update on damage assessment.
No update on cause investigation.
No update on body found during the fire.
For damage details and other previously released information, visit the city’s online newsroom: http://news.carlsbadca.gov/news/carlsbad-fire-information
UPDATE 5/16/14, 3 PM
The City of Carlsbad is in the process of deactivating its Emergency Operations Center. The Fire Department has established a department operations center to continue to manage the Poinsettia Fire, which is still at 85 percent contained. Fire personnel are patrolling affected areas to respond to hot spots and flare ups. Some City of Carlsbad fire resources are being deployed to other fires in the county as needed.
No additional Carlsbad-specific updates are planned at this time. For general fire information, please refer to the San Diego County emergency site, http://www.sdcountyemergency.com/
UPDATE 5/16/14, 7:30 AM
Poinsettia Fire is 85 percent contained. Fire crews continue to respond to hotspots in Carlsbad. City of Carlsbad Emergency Operations Center remains open to assist with response and recovery efforts. All roads are open and evacuations have been lifted. Resource information for fire victims has been posted to the city’s home page. Weather continues to be favorable, with 5 mph winds and higher humidity forecast through the weekend. Three Carlsbad strike teams are being redeployed to assist with efforts in San Marcos. Air quality continues to be a concern. Residents should avoid strenuous outdoor activities.
There are three points where Carlsbad Police Department is still controlling access to residents for safety reasons:
Black Rail Poinsettia
Black Rail Sapphire
Poinsettia Brigantine
The Carlsbad Police Department has established a Tip Hotline for the Poinsettia Fire. If you have any information regarding the origin of the fire or suspicious activity or persons who may be involved with the starting of the fires, please call 760-602-7599 or email PoinsettiaFire@carlsbadca.gov
Structure damage assessment remains at:
8 single family homes were destroyed or incurred substantial damage
3 single family homes sustained minor damage
1 multi-family 18-unit apartment building was destroyed
1 multi-family 18-unit apartment building incurred considerable damage
2 commercial buildings destroyed/substantially damaged
1 modular building was destroyed
All core city services are available today.
City Hall and the Faraday Center will be open for regular business today.
Dove Library will be closed today.
Cole Library is open today from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Library Learning Center is open today from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
All City of Carlsbad Parks & Recreation facilities will be closed today, with the exception of the Carlsbad Senior Center, located at 799 Pine Ave.
The Senior Center will be open normal hours 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; all regularly scheduled services will be available and the Senior Center will continue to serve as a “cool zone.”
All Parks & Recreation classes are cancelled today.
Follow the jump for all the previous updates. . . [click to continue…]