La Jolla (Palomar Mountain) Fire Community Update
Monday Afternoon, October 4, 1999

Firefighters continued their efforts to consolidate the fire lines around the fire. This morning two firing operations were conducted on the northern and southeast flanks of the fire. Because of the morning marine layer, the smoke was held close to the mountain and drifted over the northwestern part of the mountain. Around 10:30 am the marine layer began to lift and the fire activity began to increase. Firefighters stopped their burn operations. Using fixed wing [and] helicopter aircraft for support, firefighters worked in completing fireline construction.

The northern portion of the fire in the Will Valley area was very active, and early on sent a lot of smoke over the northwestern part of the mountain. Control lines have been in place that would stop or slow down any movement by the fire to move to the west. Additionally, the on shore marine influence is again pushing the flames to the northeast away from the western part of the mountain.

The fire has burned more that 6,000 acres and is 30% contained. The western portion of the fire that primarily burned on September 30 shows no sign of active flame. Firefighters have been in the area for the last two days putting out hot spots and consolidating the fire line.

For more information you can call the Fire Information Office at the Puerta La Cruz Incident Command Base at 760 782-0581 or the Monte Vista Fire Information Center at 619-579-0581.