Witch Fire Near Ramona: The Witch Fire near Ramona, California, was a devastating wildfire that erupted in October 2007. It was one of the largest and most destructive fires in the state's history. The fire was named after the Witch Creek area where it originated. The Witch Fire started on October 21, 2007, due to strong Santa Ana winds and dry conditions. The fire quickly spread and burned approximately 198,000 acres of land, destroying over 1,000 homes and causing the evacuation of thousands of residents. Firefighters from across the state and neighboring states worked tirelessly to contain the fire, but the strong winds and difficult terrain made their efforts challenging.
Firefighters from across the state and neighboring states worked tirelessly to contain the fire, but the strong winds and difficult terrain made their efforts challenging. The fire burned for nearly two weeks before it was fully contained. The Witch Fire caused significant damage to the communities of Ramona, Rancho Bernardo, and Poway.
Witch fire prompts evacuation of Ramona
RAMONA – Fire officials evacuated the entire community of Ramona late last night as the Witch fire consumed at least 8,000 acres and sent flames more than 100 feet into the air.
Roads out of the town were jammed as people sought safety after authorities contacted 10,000 households by phone at 9:15 p.m. Ramona’s population is 36,000.
An evacuation order came later for San Pasqual Valley between Ramona and Escondido. There had been earlier evacuations from north and south of Ramona, including San Diego Country Estates and along Old Julian Highway.
AdvertisementFire investigators suspect downed power lines ignited the fire – named after the Witch Creek area where it started west of Santa Ysabel – shortly after 12:30 p.m. yesterday. Pushed by wind gusts of up to 60 mph, the fire roared westward throughout the day.
Nightfall brought fears that Santa Ana winds would continue to feed the fire, pushing it toward other populated areas.
The fire hit the Ramona Oaks mobile home park and Santa Teresa Estates off state Route 78. Several structures were damaged but details were unavailable.
As of late last night, one injury had been reported.
A Ramona man was in critical condition at Escondido’s Palomar Medical Center with smoke inhalation and chest pains, spokesman Andy Hoang said.
More than 100 evacuees huddled inside Poway High School last night before they were evacuated to Mira Mesa High School. Authorities also had opened a shelter at Escondido High School.
Earlier at Poway High, Elaine and William Mielke said they didn’t need any prompting to know they had to leave their home. The couple were forced to evacuate during the 2003 wildfires, too.
They felt the heavy winds yesterday, smelled smoke and fled their home in San Diego Country Estates just after 3 p.m.
“From my living room, you could see all this black sky,” said Elaine Mielke, who brought her favorite afghan to keep her warm. “It looked like sand – like a sandstorm coming over.”
Her husband said: “Once bitten, twice shy. I never thought I’d see the day.”
If the fire threatens the San Diego Wild Animal Park in the San Pasqual Valley, zoo officials said they have teams standing by to evacuate some of the thousands of exotic animals.
Some animals and especially primates have been put into their climate-controlled shelters, a park spokeswoman said. Others that are trained to get into transport cages can be taken to the on-site hospital that has facilities for emergencies to house animals, she said.
California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection Capt. Randy Scales said wind-driven fires pretty much do what they want, making it difficult to stay ahead of them and protect structures and residents.
“The (Witch) fire is very active and moving quickly,” Scales said.
Two air tankers and 60 engines with 350 firefighters were battling the fire, and state officials requested that an additional 1,000 firefighters be assigned to the blaze.
A second fire, near Potrero, split the region’s firefighting resources yesterday. Scales said reinforcements – including fire trucks and equipment – are expected today from agencies in Northern California.
“We’re hoping they’ll get here soon. We’ll do what we can with what we’ve got for now,” he said.
At various points throughout the day, fire officials and politicians compared the Witch fire to the deadly Cedar fire that began Oct. 25, 2003. It burned 422 square miles, destroyed 2,400 homes and killed 15 people.
“It was just like the Cedar fire right off the bat,” said Cal Fire Battalion Chief Kelly Zombro.
County Supervisor Dianne Jacob said it could end up being worse.
Roads out of the town were jammed as people sought safety after authorities contacted 10,000 households by phone at 9:15 p.m. Ramona’s population is 36,000.
Many residents lost their homes, belongings, and cherished memories. The fire also had a devastating impact on the environment, destroying wildlife habitats and causing air pollution. In the aftermath of the fire, communities came together to support those affected and rebuild their lives. The resilience and determination of the residents, along with the support of volunteers and organizations, played a vital role in the recovery process. The Witch Fire served as a stark reminder of the dangers of wildfires and the importance of fire prevention and preparedness. It highlighted the need for improved fire suppression techniques, early warning systems, and community education. Although the Witch Fire was a tragic event, it also showcased the strength and unity of the affected communities. It demonstrated the power of human compassion and the ability to come together in times of crisis. Overall, the Witch Fire near Ramona was a devastating wildfire that caused significant damage and disruption to the lives of many. It highlighted the importance of fire prevention and the strength of community in times of adversity..
Reviews for "The Witch Fire as a Catalyst for Change: Ramona's Renewed Commitment to Fire Safety"
1. Jennifer - 1 star - I was really disappointed with "Witch Fire near Ramona". The storyline was incredibly predictable, and I found the characters to be one-dimensional and uninteresting. The writing style was also lackluster, with little description or detail to paint a vivid picture in my mind. Overall, I felt like I was reading a mediocre first draft rather than a polished novel. I would not recommend this book to anyone looking for a captivating and well-written read.
2. Alex - 2 stars - "Witch Fire near Ramona" had potential, but it fell short for me. The pacing was uneven, with moments of intense action followed by long stretches of boredom. Additionally, the dialogue felt forced and unrealistic, making it difficult to connect with the characters. The plot also lacked depth and originality, sticking to tired tropes and clichés. While there were some moments of excitement, they were not enough to salvage the overall disappointing reading experience.
3. Laura - 2 stars - I had high hopes for "Witch Fire near Ramona", but I was ultimately let down. The plot felt convoluted and confusing, with numerous subplots that were never fully explored or resolved. The characters lacked development, and I struggled to connect with their motivations and actions. The writing style was clunky and repetitive, making it a chore to read through the entire book. Overall, I found "Witch Fire near Ramona" to be a disappointment and would not recommend it to others.