Silicon Investor (SI) -- The First Internet Community

STOCKTALK

We've detected that you're using an ad content blocking browser plug-in or feature. Ads provide a critical source of revenue to the continued operation of Silicon Investor. We ask that you disable ad blocking while on Silicon Investor in the best interests of our community. If you are not using an ad blocker but are still receiving this message, make sure your browser's tracking protection is set to the 'standard' level.

Politics : Canadian Political Free-for-All -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: SofaSpud who wrote (3149)	10/31/2003 2:53:44 PM
From: Eashoa' M'sheekha	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 37260

B.C. firefighters headed for California Big Bear Lake, Calif. — Fog and drizzle came Thursday to the rescue of firefighters labouring to save resort towns in Southern California from the raging wildfires that have killed at least 20 people. "It is helping, but it is a long way from putting any fires out," said Ray Snodgrass, chief deputy director of the California Forestry Department. "It's the respite we were hoping for." The forecast, however, also called for gusting winds that could drive the flames into more homes. Firefighters dug in to protect hundreds of homes still threatened in San Bernardino and San Diego counties. Governor Gray Davis, meanwhile, has taken B.C. Premier Gordon Campbell up on his offer of help, Mr. Campbell said Thursday. The province has compiled a list of nearly 200 firefighters and specialists, 65 fire pumps, and up to 10 air tankers and two so-called bird dog airplanes that could be sent to California. Mr. Campbell said he got a call from Mr. Davis. "I told him that British Columbians had gone through this incredible event ourselves in our province and anything we could do to help, we would and our prayers went out to all of the people in California who are going through this horrible, horrible time." The call followed the province's written offer of help earlier this week. The wildfires have blazed for more than a week across Southern California, destroying more than 2,600 homes and blackening around 2,950 square kilometres. On Thursday, seven major fires were still burning in four counties. On Wednesday, wind-driven flames burned about 350 homes in Cedar Glen in the San Bernardinos. On Thursday morning, the fire had advanced to within 20 kilometres of the mountain resort town of Big Bear as crews spread fire-resistant gel on houses and cleared debris around them. They were helped by a heavy fog that rolled in overnight. The forecast called for highs in the mid-10s Celsius, down from 38 over the weekend. Homeowners in Big Bear and other evacuated areas faced yet another concern Thursday — looting. Sheriff's deputies arrested four people, two of them in the act, said Sgt. Brooke Wagner of the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department. Kim Robinson, 46, who lives near San Bernardino, said she saw strangers at some of the evacuated homes. "Homeless people came and tried to make homes in some of the empty places," she said. "I guess they thought they'd stay." In San Diego County, where the state's largest fire killed a firefighter on Wednesday, many of his comrades wore black bands on their badges. Steve Rucker, 38, died while battling a blaze that has burned more than 1,100 square kilometres and some 1,500 homes. He was the first firefighter to die in this outbreak of fires. About 100 fire engines encircled the historic mining town of Julian in the mountains of eastern San Diego County. Saving the town of 3,500, a popular weekend getaway renowned for its vineyards and apple orchards, was the county's top priority. Light rain, fog and drizzle were reported in Julian, but winds of 40 to 65 km/h were expected throughout the day. As the winds picked up, floating embers sparked spot fires near town and forced some crews to retreat. A blaze of more than 400 square kilometres on the line between Ventura and Los Angeles counties was winding down, with cooler weather and high humidity helping firefighters knock down the flames that had come within a few metres of homes. "I think we're going to nail this one today," said Los Angeles County fire Battalion Chief Scott Poster. In all, nearly 12,000 firefighters and support personnel were fighting what Mr. Davis said may be the worst and costliest disaster California has ever faced. KC--they should/could have asked us before!