News Release from Command Center
Wednesday morning, October 6, 1999
Firefighter Gregory Pacheco who died from massive head injuries incurred on the LaJolla (Palomar Mountain) fire line will be transported home to New Mexico today. A US Forest Service Honor Guard from the San Bernardino National Forest and approximately 50 fire apparatus vehicles will assemble at 10:30 at an auxiliary field of the airport in San Diego to bid their fallen comrade a final farewell. A similar reception will be given the 20 year old firefighter at his home unit. Pacheco was a three year firefighting veteran of the Penasco Fire crew out of the Carson National Forest near Taos, New Mexico. A memorial fund has been established for his family.
Donations can be sent to the:
Gregory Pacheco Fund
Carson National Forest
208 Cruz Alta Road
Taos, New Mexico, 87571
Fire operations continue on the 7500 acre fire which is now 90% contained. Full containment is expected Wednesday, October 6, 1999 at 6:00 pm. The fire was started September 30th by an escaped debris fire originating on the LaJolla Indian Reservation. Suppression costs are currently estimated at approximately $3,400,000.
Night operations made good progress in line construction as humidities rose as high as 100%. Backfiring tactics, however were postponed until weather conditions were more favorable.
One major injury resulting in the fatality, nine minor injuries and many instances of poison oak have occurred since the fire began September 30. Overnight, a 21 year old female firefighter experienced chest pains and difficulty breathing, and was removed from the line by a Coast Guard helicopter for medical treatment.
Fire crews consisting of 49 engines, 34 hand crews, 9 helicopters, 6 air tankers, and 8 dozers have been working on the La Jolla Fire. 909 people continue to fight the La Jolla Fire. Initial crew demobilization's began last night as night shift operations began to be sealed back. Incident Commander Mike Conrad anticipates massive demobilization of firefighters on Thursday so firefighters can rest prior to projected warming and drying into the weekend.
Fire crews will continue to complete and improve control lines around the fire. Direct line construction tactics will be concentrated in Division 'C' where active fire remains. The remainder of the fire will be in mop-up operations. Cooler temperatures and higher humidities today will be followed by gradual warming and drying the next two days. Damage on the fire has consisted of an A-frame cabin, one storage shed, one construction type trailer, and an uninhabited singlewide trailer, apparently used for storage have been confirmed as destroyed by the fire. Damage assessment personnel continue their efforts to find and identify any property that might have been damaged or destroyed by the fire.
Hwy 76 between Lake Henshaw and South Grade Road will remain closed to the public. S7, East Grade Road will only be open to Residents. South Grade Road is open.
CAUTION: Driving conditions continue to be extreemly hazardous because of the fire equipment on or near the road and tree falling operations on standing dead trees. Please continue to drive with caution along Hwy 76, S7 East Grade Road, and South Grade Road and Hwy 79. Obey posted speed limits. For additional information contact La Jolla Fire Information at 760 782-0581.
For additional information contact La Jolla Fire Information at 760 782-0581.