I failed to post this one the other night.....
It's a view of the fire from the Manhattan Beach pier.
Pier view
It's a view of the fire from the Manhattan Beach pier.
Pier view
August 2009 Archives
RANCHO PALOS VERDES (CNS) - Firefighters today contained a wildfire in
Rancho Palos Verdes that damaged six homes and prompted the evacuation of more
than 1,000 people.
The fire, which scorched about 230 acres and destroyed a gazebo and a
shed, was fully surrounded by defensible fire lines by about midnight, a Los
Angeles County Fire dispatcher said.
Nearly still winds aided firefighters late Friday.
Saturday morning's Daily Breeze story.
The story will be updated for Sunday morning.
Rancho Palos Verdes that damaged six homes and prompted the evacuation of more
than 1,000 people.
The fire, which scorched about 230 acres and destroyed a gazebo and a
shed, was fully surrounded by defensible fire lines by about midnight, a Los
Angeles County Fire dispatcher said.
Nearly still winds aided firefighters late Friday.
Saturday morning's Daily Breeze story.
The story will be updated for Sunday morning.
The Rancho Palos Verdes Fire is now 90 percent contained, firefighters said.
Firefighters say the blaze started at the top ends of Narcissa and Peppertree drives in the Portuguese Bend community and then spread into the nature preserve area.
Initial reports said it was at the bottom ends by Palos Verdes Drive South, but that was just a designation of where the fire units initially went.
Initial reports said it was at the bottom ends by Palos Verdes Drive South, but that was just a designation of where the fire units initially went.
Update 2:00 P.M. -Fire crews are still cleaning up and continue efforts to
protect other structures in the incident area. They will remain on the scene for
the rest of the day, as well as overnight to monitor the fire area.
All road closures and evacuations have been lifted; however, only residents with identification are being allowed back to their homes in the incident area.
California Water Company has asked Peninsula residents to conserve water today as there may be additional need for water if wind conditions change this afternoon.
Southern California Edison has reported that as many as 2,600 homes were without power during the blaze. SCE recently reported that power has been restored to all but about 30 at this time in the City.
It has been reported that as many as 400 firefighters, 75 units, including four water dropping helicopters have fought this fire.
Updates will be provided as more information becomes available. Thanks to the LA County Fire District for providing us with the link to additional information about the fire:
No residential structures were lost, but several structures and a few accessory structures were damaged. No injuries have been reported. Fire crews are still cleaning up and continue efforts to protect other structures in the incident area. They will remain on the scene for the rest of the day, as well as overnight to monitor the fire area.
The Staff of Rancho Palos Verdes
From RPV officials:
Southern California Edison has reported that as many as 2,600 homes were
without power during the blaze. SCE has also reported that power has been
restored to about 1,500 at this time, including the Seacove/Portuguese Bend
community area and along Western Avenue.
Update 12:00 P.M. - The fire crews continue to make significant
progress towards gaining control of the brush fire that continues to burn in an
area south of Crest Road and west of Portuguese Bend Road in Rolling Hills. It
was reported that the burn area was officially listed at 230 acres with 70
percent containment. The fire is known
as the PV Incident.
No residential structures were lost, but three
structures and a few accessory structures were damaged. No injuries have been reported. Fire crews are still cleaning up and continue
efforts to protect other structures in the incident area. They will remain on the scene for the rest of
the day.
All road closures and evacuations have been lifted;
however, only residents with identification are being allowed back to their
homes in the incident area.
California Water Company has asked
It has been reported that as many as 400
firefighters, 75 units, including four water dropping helicopters have fought
this fire.
Updates will be provided as more information becomes
available.
The Staff of
Mandatory evacuations have been lifted. Go home.
From Associated Press
Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has declared a state of
emergency in Los Angeles and Monterey counties due to wildfires that
have burned large areas and threatened homes.
The order Friday comes as firefighters battle two blazes in the Angeles National Forest above Los Angeles' northeastern suburbs and mop up the remnants of an overnight fire on the Palos
Verdes Peninsula that singed six houses. The fires have forced evacuation of numerous homes.
In Monterey County, a wildfire near Soledad has reached 5,000 acres, or nearly eight square miles. About 100 homes are under evacuation orders.
Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has declared a state of
emergency in Los Angeles and Monterey counties due to wildfires that
have burned large areas and threatened homes.
The order Friday comes as firefighters battle two blazes in the Angeles National Forest above Los Angeles' northeastern suburbs and mop up the remnants of an overnight fire on the Palos
Verdes Peninsula that singed six houses. The fires have forced evacuation of numerous homes.
In Monterey County, a wildfire near Soledad has reached 5,000 acres, or nearly eight square miles. About 100 homes are under evacuation orders.
Doug Morino dropped by Ernie Howlett Park, where 15 horses were taken.
Callie Bell, a trainer Portuguese Bend Riding Club, brought 10 of them.
"I'm still waiting to hear when it's safe to go back," she said.
Bell went to the club last night after the fire broke out.
"Some people chose to keep their horses there, but I thought it's better to be safe than sorry," she said. "In the end, it's just a trailer ride." (Norman, right, was one of the horses at the park awaiting his owner this morning.)
Bell describes the scene on Palos Verdes Drive South.
"It was like tailgate atmosphere," she said. "People were sitting in the back of their trucks with their cameras out parked on both sides of the road."
Some people were sitting in chairs on the side of the road.
(My comment: Sounds like the scene in Close Encounters of the Third Kind, where people are waiting for the spaceships to come along.)
Callie Bell, a trainer Portuguese Bend Riding Club, brought 10 of them.
"I'm still waiting to hear when it's safe to go back," she said.
Bell went to the club last night after the fire broke out."Some people chose to keep their horses there, but I thought it's better to be safe than sorry," she said. "In the end, it's just a trailer ride." (Norman, right, was one of the horses at the park awaiting his owner this morning.)
Bell describes the scene on Palos Verdes Drive South.
"It was like tailgate atmosphere," she said. "People were sitting in the back of their trucks with their cameras out parked on both sides of the road."
Some people were sitting in chairs on the side of the road.
(My comment: Sounds like the scene in Close Encounters of the Third Kind, where people are waiting for the spaceships to come along.)
Doug Morino reports from Terranea that 20 families spent the night at the resort, along with 14 dogs and a cat. They had all left by 9:20 a.m.
The resort lost Internet and TV services that remain down.
They used backup generators for power.
And a reporter got charged $5 for a soda.
The resort lost Internet and TV services that remain down.
They used backup generators for power.
And a reporter got charged $5 for a soda.
Update 9:44 A.M. - The fire crews continue to make
significant progress towards gaining control of the brush fire that continues to
burn in an area south of
Southbound Crenshaw is currently closed between
Mandatory evacuations are still in effect in Rolling
Hills. Some residents of the City in the Del Cerro area have voluntarily
evacuated.
Sheltering of animals evacuated is still available at
It has been reported that as many as 400
firefighters, 75 units, including four water dropping helicopters have fought
this fire.
Updates will be provided as more information becomes
available.
The Staff of
What we're doing:
Douglas Morino and Melissa Pamer are out roaming the Peninsula, talking to residents and covering the fire. Andrea Woodhouse is out there as well.
Online editor Joe Bensoua is posting updates on the Web.
Photographers are all over the place trying to get as close as they can to document what's happened.
Assistant city editor Josh Grossberg, who was at the fire scene with his reporter hat on last night, is heading into the office with doughnuts!
Denise Nix, who was on vacation yesterday but jumped into action last night, hopefully has gotten out of town for the weekend.
And I'm posting updates on this blog from my colleagues as they call them in, and stealing updates from the wires and television reports.
Donna Littlejohn is working on the animal angle and what's happening with the horses.
Douglas Morino and Melissa Pamer are out roaming the Peninsula, talking to residents and covering the fire. Andrea Woodhouse is out there as well.
Online editor Joe Bensoua is posting updates on the Web.
Photographers are all over the place trying to get as close as they can to document what's happened.
Assistant city editor Josh Grossberg, who was at the fire scene with his reporter hat on last night, is heading into the office with doughnuts!
Denise Nix, who was on vacation yesterday but jumped into action last night, hopefully has gotten out of town for the weekend.
And I'm posting updates on this blog from my colleagues as they call them in, and stealing updates from the wires and television reports.
Donna Littlejohn is working on the animal angle and what's happening with the horses.
More from Doug Morino and the evacuated residents:
Marketta Barnett of Rancho Palos Verdes said she was sleeping at 9 p.m. Thursday when the sheriffs came by with a bullhorn telling the neighborhood to evacuate.
"I noticed all the fire trucks. We live on the corner so our house was lit up with sirens," Barnett said. "We waited as long as we could because we didn't know how long it would be before we could return."
Barnett spent the night on Crest Road with other evacuees: "We could see the smoke and the sky was orange."
Crest Road was full of people, many angry because they wanted to go home.
"It was all pretty scary," Barnett said. "Now I know I need to get my earthquake kit together."
Another woman: Dottie Lancaster-Hashizumi, said she evacuated at 9 p.m. from her home of 38 years on Cove View Drive.
She had never seen so many firefighters and deputies.
Lancaster-Hashizumi spent the night on Crest Road in her car. She needed to get home for her insulin
"Luckily a sheriff took me home at 7 to get my medicine," she said, adding the blaze did not seem as bad as the one in 2005.
"My neighbors and I have never been evacuated this long, although I know some of my neighbors didn't evacuate at all," she said.
She thanked the police.
"These people are wonderful for all they do."
Marketta Barnett of Rancho Palos Verdes said she was sleeping at 9 p.m. Thursday when the sheriffs came by with a bullhorn telling the neighborhood to evacuate.
"I noticed all the fire trucks. We live on the corner so our house was lit up with sirens," Barnett said. "We waited as long as we could because we didn't know how long it would be before we could return."
Barnett spent the night on Crest Road with other evacuees: "We could see the smoke and the sky was orange."
Crest Road was full of people, many angry because they wanted to go home.
"It was all pretty scary," Barnett said. "Now I know I need to get my earthquake kit together."
Another woman: Dottie Lancaster-Hashizumi, said she evacuated at 9 p.m. from her home of 38 years on Cove View Drive.
She had never seen so many firefighters and deputies.
Lancaster-Hashizumi spent the night on Crest Road in her car. She needed to get home for her insulin
"Luckily a sheriff took me home at 7 to get my medicine," she said, adding the blaze did not seem as bad as the one in 2005.
"My neighbors and I have never been evacuated this long, although I know some of my neighbors didn't evacuate at all," she said.
She thanked the police.
"These people are wonderful for all they do."
Fire Chief John Tripp just gave an optimistic view of the fire and said it is much higher than 35 percent contained. They don't have a number yet, but said there is an area along Crest Road on the north of the fire that remains a concern.
"We are not out of the woods yet, he said, adding there is still a threat.
Helicopters all night were dropping 300 gallons or more of water. It was key.
Six homes had some damage, but it was considered minor as fire got close to backs of homes.
A gazebo was destroyed.
Containment area is being assessed.
About 100 acres burned.
Sheriff's Sgt, Brenda Parker said deputies are maintaining security around neighborhoods.
RPV Mayor Larry Clark thanked firefighters and deputies on behalf of the 42,000 residents of his city.
"To have the kind of response we had last night with water dropping helicopters all night long really presetrved our community," he said.
"We are not out of the woods yet, he said, adding there is still a threat.
Helicopters all night were dropping 300 gallons or more of water. It was key.
Six homes had some damage, but it was considered minor as fire got close to backs of homes.
A gazebo was destroyed.
Containment area is being assessed.
About 100 acres burned.
Sheriff's Sgt, Brenda Parker said deputies are maintaining security around neighborhoods.
RPV Mayor Larry Clark thanked firefighters and deputies on behalf of the 42,000 residents of his city.
"To have the kind of response we had last night with water dropping helicopters all night long really presetrved our community," he said.
I am so grateful for the Los Angeles County firemen who serve the Palos
Verdes Peninsula. We live on a hill above Peninsula Center. Every
year, the fire department is diligent about letting us know how
important it is to clear the brush around our property.
They make inspection tours to ensure that everyone is in compliance. The city of
Rancho Palos Verdes also clears the dried vegetation below my property.
The community works together to avert property loss in case of a fire.
I'm thankful to live in such a community.
Dawna Nugent
Verdes Peninsula. We live on a hill above Peninsula Center. Every
year, the fire department is diligent about letting us know how
important it is to clear the brush around our property.
They make inspection tours to ensure that everyone is in compliance. The city of
Rancho Palos Verdes also clears the dried vegetation below my property.
The community works together to avert property loss in case of a fire.
I'm thankful to live in such a community.
Dawna Nugent
Reporter Douglas Morino was at the Peninsula High evacuation center at 6:30 this morning. He found about a dozen residents there, along with about 12 American Red Cross workers.
There are 28 cots, and about half appeared to have been used.
Zach Ryan, a 17-year-old Rancho Palos Verdes resident, told him that his girlfriend called him last night to tell her flames were near her home.
"I looked up and saw the sky filled with fire," Ryan said.
Ryan said he watched TV through the night for updates.
"It seems so unreal," he said. "It looked like footage from Vietnam with napalm everywhere."
He has not heard from his girlfriend and will be going to look for her at the Terranea evacuation center.
RPV resident Mark Goldberg, who lives on Ocean Drive, also spent the night in the Peninsula evacuation center.
"It's no fun being here, but everyone has been so nice and the Red Cross so helpful," he said.
He was leaving to go look for his house and to see if it was still standing.
There are 28 cots, and about half appeared to have been used.
Zach Ryan, a 17-year-old Rancho Palos Verdes resident, told him that his girlfriend called him last night to tell her flames were near her home.
"I looked up and saw the sky filled with fire," Ryan said.
Ryan said he watched TV through the night for updates.
"It seems so unreal," he said. "It looked like footage from Vietnam with napalm everywhere."
He has not heard from his girlfriend and will be going to look for her at the Terranea evacuation center.
RPV resident Mark Goldberg, who lives on Ocean Drive, also spent the night in the Peninsula evacuation center.
"It's no fun being here, but everyone has been so nice and the Red Cross so helpful," he said.
He was leaving to go look for his house and to see if it was still standing.
Email me at larry.altman@dailybreeze.com
Firefighters bringing in that helicopter that dumps 2,000 gallons of water.
People still evacuated.
100 crews working.
Firefighters to speak at 8 a.m.
People still evacuated.
100 crews working.
Firefighters to speak at 8 a.m.
The fire crews continue to make significant progress towards gaining control of the brush fire that continues to burn in an area south of Crest Road and west of Portuguese Bend Road in Rolling Hills. The fire is known as the PV Incident.
Mandatory evacuations are still in effect in Rolling Hills. Some residents of the City in the Del Cerro area have voluntarily evacuated. Peninsula High School (not PV High) is being used for shelter of evacuees. Terranea Resort is also welcoming evacuees. Access to the City of Rolling Hills is restricted to emergency vehicles only.
Sheltering of animals evacuated is still available at Ernie Howlett Park which is accessible from Hawthorne Road between Silver Spur and PVD North. Horse trailers are available at the City's Del Cerro Park at the end of Crenshaw to provide transportation of horses that need evacuation. Crenshaw is closed at Crest Road. Please refrain from using Palos Verdes Drive South to enable free access by fire crews. Power continues to be out in the Portuguese Bend Community.
It has been reported that as many as 400 firefighters, 75 units, including four water dropping helicopters have fought this fire overnight.
From City News Service
Firefighters worked overnight at the fire is 35 percent contained.
Firefighters were from the county, Los Angeles
City, Long Beach, Compton, Torrance, Redondo, Downey, Compton and Vernon fire
departments.
Five water-dropping helicopters operated attacked the blaze overnight.
"We've been able to knock the intensity of the head of the fire,
slowing its rate of spread, and giving most of the concentration to the flanks
throughout the night,'' spokesman Fred Stowers said.
Stowers said there were an unknown number of structures damaged by
flames before firefighters reached the scene Thursday night, but he stressed
early today that ``no structures have been destroyed.''
Firefighters worked overnight at the fire is 35 percent contained.
Firefighters were from the county, Los Angeles
City, Long Beach, Compton, Torrance, Redondo, Downey, Compton and Vernon fire
departments.
Five water-dropping helicopters operated attacked the blaze overnight.
"We've been able to knock the intensity of the head of the fire,
slowing its rate of spread, and giving most of the concentration to the flanks
throughout the night,'' spokesman Fred Stowers said.
Stowers said there were an unknown number of structures damaged by
flames before firefighters reached the scene Thursday night, but he stressed
early today that ``no structures have been destroyed.''
We'll have the latest from firefghters soon.
The sun is coming up and the damage caused is becoming visible.
The sun is coming up and the damage caused is becoming visible.
Update
12:40AM - The brush fire continues to burn in an area south of Crest Road
and west of Portuguese Bend Road in Rolling Hills that includes the Cinching
Road and Wrangler Road area.
Mandatory
evacuations are taking place in Rolling Hills. Voluntary evacuations are
taking place in the Del Cerro neighborhood of the City at the end of
Crenshaw.
Access
to the City of Rolling Hills is restricted to emergency vehicles only.
Animal evacuations are in process with shelter available at
The
fire continues to be reported live by KCAL 9. The fire has consumed about
75 acres. Approximately 400 fire fighters are on the scene along with 4
water dropping helicopters.
Residents
near the area are advised to watch live KCAL 9 coverage of the fire and await
additional instructions. Please avoid use of
Lots of people are Tweeting. Twittering?
Twitter
Ok, gotta get some sleep. (Can you tell when I nodded off?)
More complete coverage in the morning.......
Ok, gotta get some sleep. (Can you tell when I nodded off?)
More complete coverage in the morning.......
From Gene Maddaus:
The worst fire in Palos Verdes history was on June 12, 1973. From a story by Dennis Lim on the 30-year anniversary in 2003:
That fire was started by two boys playing with fireworks.
The worst fire in Palos Verdes history was on June 12, 1973. From a story by Dennis Lim on the 30-year anniversary in 2003:
Memories of the great brush fire of 1973 still burn in the minds of anybody who was around when the disaster swept across the Palos Verdes Peninsula.
The blaze caused millions of dollars worth of damage, consumed nearly 900 acres, damaged 23 homes and destroyed 10 in this normally tranquil area.
That fire was started by two boys playing with fireworks.
From Donna Littlejohn:
Gretchen Anderson of Rancho Palos Verdes had just gone to bed at about 9 p.m. when family members called. Her son and daughter-in-law, Mark and Paula Thomas, and their 17-year-old daughter, Morgan, were heading her way after spotting the flames not far from their Rolling Hills home.
Gretchen Anderson of Rancho Palos Verdes had just gone to bed at about 9 p.m. when family members called. Her son and daughter-in-law, Mark and Paula Thomas, and their 17-year-old daughter, Morgan, were heading her way after spotting the flames not far from their Rolling Hills home.
Instead, they wound up going to the home of Gretchen Ruth, Mark's
sister. She lives in Rolling Hills also, but not near the fire. Shortly
after 11 p.m., however, Ruth received an automated call from police to
evacuate from that area as well.
"It's a little bit scary," Gretchen Ruth said. " We're just trying to gather some stuff up."
The family was packing pictures, computers and files, but Ruth said they considered the evacuation order more of a precaution.
Earlier, the Thomases decided to leave when they spotted flames heading their way.
"The fire was coming up (through a ravine) and they're right above
that, so they got what they could and got out," his mother said.
With the evacuation order for Ruth's home, it appeared that Anderson might get her overnight company after all.
"We took my brother in, so now we'll just move on," Ruth said just before midnight as they were packing to leave.
Update
11:35PM - The brush fire continues to burn in an area south of Crest Road
and west of Portuguese Bend Road in Rolling Hills that includes the Cinching
Road and Wrangler Road area. The fire continues to be reported live by
KCAL 9.
Crenshaw
is closed at
Fire Capt. Mike Brown:
2,000 to 3000 people evacuated
75 acres burned
No reports of injuries
400 firefighters on scene.
4 new strike teams arrive
4 helicopters working
Total number of burned structures unclear.
"Most of the people have done a great job here of self-evacuating."
The concern with this fire is it's burning in inaccessible, rough terrain...
Brush is dense, dry
Fire has potential to run north, northeast. "Our focus is to keep the fire within the canyons."
Nine streets evacuated.
If you don't live in the area, stay out, he said.
2,000 to 3000 people evacuated
75 acres burned
No reports of injuries
400 firefighters on scene.
4 new strike teams arrive
4 helicopters working
Total number of burned structures unclear.
"Most of the people have done a great job here of self-evacuating."
The concern with this fire is it's burning in inaccessible, rough terrain...
Brush is dense, dry
Fire has potential to run north, northeast. "Our focus is to keep the fire within the canyons."
Nine streets evacuated.
If you don't live in the area, stay out, he said.
More:
There has been damage to homes, but no homes destroyed. (Not sure what those collapsing structures were that we saw on TV. Sure looked like destroyed homes.)
70 engine companies there, including 15 in staging to go to wherever needed...
"Forward advancement of fire has stopped in Rolling Hills."
Firefighters will work through night. Flames on other sides of blaze could threaten other neighborhoods.
There has been damage to homes, but no homes destroyed. (Not sure what those collapsing structures were that we saw on TV. Sure looked like destroyed homes.)
70 engine companies there, including 15 in staging to go to wherever needed...
"Forward advancement of fire has stopped in Rolling Hills."
Firefighters will work through night. Flames on other sides of blaze could threaten other neighborhoods.
Per KNBC:
Portuguese Bend Road, Crest Road, Pinto Road, Quail Ridge Road and Amber Sky Drive
Portuguese Bend Road, Crest Road, Pinto Road, Quail Ridge Road and Amber Sky Drive
Donna Littlejohn reports:
David and Kak McKinnie of Rolling Hills began packing up pets, scrapbooks and clothing at about 10:15 p.m. They were ready to evacuate their home, about three-quarters of a mile from the blaze, by 11 p.m.
"We're packed," said Kak McKinnie, a resident on the Peninsula since 1983. "We couldn't pack all the scrapbooks so we packed four."
Her husband said the fire seemed to be less intense than it was nearly an hour before. They had not been ordered to evacuate, he said, but decided it was time to clear out. A number of horse trailers were seen moving horses from the area on the crest of the ridge, Kak McKinnie said.
They were taking two cars with their belongings, the couple weren't sure where they were going.
"I have no idea," Kak McKinnie said.
But they hoped to be back soon.'"I think I'll take the firemen a steak dinner tomorrow night," David McKenzie said.
The LA Times is reporting that six homes have burned. Channel 9 is saying one, possibly two.
RPV Mayor Larry Clark says Terranea resort is open for evacuees.
Evacuation area: Crenshaw on the north end, Burma Road on the west, Portuguese Bend Road on the east, PV Drive on the east end, according to Deputy Jeff Gordon, L.A. County Sheriff's Department, speaking on KTLA-5.
Also, the helicopter reporter on KCAL says the flames are not that close to homes...(I'll let you decide what "close" is.....His comment, however, indicated that there was some distance between the main area of homes and the flames.
By the way, because the power is out, it is very dark up there......
Rolling Hills City Manager Tony Dahlerbruch said the city had activated its emergency operations center - in City Hall, which was being deluged with calls.
Also, the helicopter reporter on KCAL says the flames are not that close to homes...(I'll let you decide what "close" is.....His comment, however, indicated that there was some distance between the main area of homes and the flames.
By the way, because the power is out, it is very dark up there......
Rolling Hills City Manager Tony Dahlerbruch said the city had activated its emergency operations center - in City Hall, which was being deluged with calls.
"We're waiting to hear from the Fire Department as an to assessment of the damage and what resources they have," Dahlerbruch said, adding that he didn't have any details on how many homes had burned
It's now 75 acres.....And it's unclear whether there's more than one structure burned. I swear I saw two while watching KCAL video, but it might only be one.
They have 225 firefighters working and five helicopters making drops.
Mandatory evacuations were ordered at Portuguese Bend, Crest Road and
Amber Sky Drive.
Power outages are widespread.
They have 225 firefighters working and five helicopters making drops.
Mandatory evacuations were ordered at Portuguese Bend, Crest Road and
Amber Sky Drive.
Power outages are widespread.
Peninsula High School set up as evacuation center.
Ernie Howlett Park for horses.
Ernie Howlett Park for horses.
Television is showing homes on fire. Reporter trying to get there says traffic is at a standstill.
Just talked to former Daily Breeze reporter Kate McLaughlin, who now teaches at El Camino College. She's at the Portuguese Bend Club and can't see the flames from there.
However, helicopters are flying over and she can hear sirens.
That's on the north side of the Trump Golf Course.
However, helicopters are flying over and she can hear sirens.
That's on the north side of the Trump Golf Course.
From Rancho Palos Verdes staff:
A significant brush fire is occurring in the hills above the Portuguese Bend community and below the ridgeline of the Rolling Hills. Approximately 25-30 acres have burned and fire units (including fire dropping helicopters) and sheriff units are on the scene. No road closures or evacuations are currently in effect. KCAL 9 is covering the fire live. We will update as additional information is available.
A significant brush fire is occurring in the hills above the Portuguese Bend community and below the ridgeline of the Rolling Hills. Approximately 25-30 acres have burned and fire units (including fire dropping helicopters) and sheriff units are on the scene. No road closures or evacuations are currently in effect. KCAL 9 is covering the fire live. We will update as additional information is available.
City News ServiceTelevision is showing one house on fire.
A brush fire quickly charred at least 8 acres today near a golf course in Rancho Palos Verdes, threatening structures in Rancho Palos Verdes, a county fire official said.
The fire was reported just before 8 p.m. around Ocean Trails Drive and
Palos Verdes Drive, near the Trump National Golf Club, said Captain Mike Brown
of the Los Angeles County Fire Department.
"This fire has quickly grown to about eight to 10 acres and structures
are threatened,'' Brown said.
It was not immediately known whether any evacuations would be ordered.
This seems to be in the area of the fires the other day.
A hazardous materials team is working today to dispose of a potentially explosive acid discovered at a Harbor Gateway business.
The Picric Acid, used in explosives or munitions, was possibly stored for more than 25 years at the business in the 14800 block of Figueroa Street, Los Angeles city Fire Department spokesman Cecil Manresa said.
The name of the business was not immediately available, and there was no word on any evacuations.
Manresa described the amount of picric acid as less than 3 ounces.
According to Britannica.com, picric acid was used in the 1700s and 1800s as a yellow dye.
The French used it in the 1800s as a bursting charge for shells. Its use declined after World War I.
It also has been used as an ingredient in anesthetic or burn ointments.
The Picric Acid, used in explosives or munitions, was possibly stored for more than 25 years at the business in the 14800 block of Figueroa Street, Los Angeles city Fire Department spokesman Cecil Manresa said.
The name of the business was not immediately available, and there was no word on any evacuations.
Manresa described the amount of picric acid as less than 3 ounces.
According to Britannica.com, picric acid was used in the 1700s and 1800s as a yellow dye.
The French used it in the 1800s as a bursting charge for shells. Its use declined after World War I.
It also has been used as an ingredient in anesthetic or burn ointments.
]By Josh Grossberg
Staff Writer
A man was fatally shot by a Sheriff's deputy in the Scottsdale Estates section of Carson this afternoon, authorities said.
Few details were available, but a Sheriff's spokesman said the shooting came after a struggle over a deputy's gun at 3:32 p.m. The man's name was not released.
Residents, however, said the man was shot in the back while he was running.
The victim was not armed, but may have been involved with a struggle with deputies, said Sheriff's Sgt. Richard Pena.
"From what I understand there was a fight over the deputy's gun, said Sheriff's Sgt. Richard Pena.
Pena did not know why the deputy what prompted the shooting.
"It could just have been a contact that went bad," he said.
But others tell a different story.
A man who did not want to be identified said he was with the victim when he was shot.
"We were kicking back in an alley," he said. "As soon as the (deputies) pulled up, he just ran. When he turned around to run, he slipped on water in the alley and fell. The cops shot him eight times in the back. They're saying he was struggling, which is a lie. It's not true. He was on the floor when they shot him."
The witness said the victim lived nearby and was a mechanic. He was around 30 years old, he said. He did not know why the victim ran, but thinks he may have had outstanding warrants.
"As of right now, that's all I know," he said. "The cops are saying they were struggling with him. They know it's wrong what they did."
The once upscale Scottsdale Estates has long been a haven for drugs and gang crime.
A 12-year-old was next door when the shooting occurred.
"I thought it was firecrackers," said Zaire Sullivan.
Sullivan said he looked through the window and saw several deputies arrive.
"An old lady came out with her hands up," he said. "They kept yelling for someone to come out. About 15 minutes later, another lady came out with her hands up."
Zaire's dad, Woody Rowell, was not allowed to return to his home.
"The area is taped off," he said. "I asked when I could pick up my son. They told me to call him and tell him to stay in the house."
Staff Writer
A man was fatally shot by a Sheriff's deputy in the Scottsdale Estates section of Carson this afternoon, authorities said.
Few details were available, but a Sheriff's spokesman said the shooting came after a struggle over a deputy's gun at 3:32 p.m. The man's name was not released.
Residents, however, said the man was shot in the back while he was running.
The victim was not armed, but may have been involved with a struggle with deputies, said Sheriff's Sgt. Richard Pena.
"From what I understand there was a fight over the deputy's gun, said Sheriff's Sgt. Richard Pena.
Pena did not know why the deputy what prompted the shooting.
"It could just have been a contact that went bad," he said.
But others tell a different story.
A man who did not want to be identified said he was with the victim when he was shot.
"We were kicking back in an alley," he said. "As soon as the (deputies) pulled up, he just ran. When he turned around to run, he slipped on water in the alley and fell. The cops shot him eight times in the back. They're saying he was struggling, which is a lie. It's not true. He was on the floor when they shot him."
The witness said the victim lived nearby and was a mechanic. He was around 30 years old, he said. He did not know why the victim ran, but thinks he may have had outstanding warrants.
"As of right now, that's all I know," he said. "The cops are saying they were struggling with him. They know it's wrong what they did."
The once upscale Scottsdale Estates has long been a haven for drugs and gang crime.
A 12-year-old was next door when the shooting occurred.
"I thought it was firecrackers," said Zaire Sullivan.
Sullivan said he looked through the window and saw several deputies arrive.
"An old lady came out with her hands up," he said. "They kept yelling for someone to come out. About 15 minutes later, another lady came out with her hands up."
Zaire's dad, Woody Rowell, was not allowed to return to his home.
"The area is taped off," he said. "I asked when I could pick up my son. They told me to call him and tell him to stay in the house."
God Bless the firefighters and safety officers for helping keep people and property safe!