FIRES TO MERGE OVERNIGHT: EVACUATIONS IN RANCHITA AND SAN FELIPE AREAS AMID "EXTREME" FIRE CONDITION

[nadinbrzezinski]

26. Update, Marine Corp joins the fight

Aug. 15, 2012 (Miramar Naval Air Station) – Today, the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW) has been requested by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) to assist with the wildfires burning in eastern San Diego County."

3rd MAW will provide eight helicopters, a mix of CH-53 Super Stallions and CH-46 Sea Knights, for use with CAL FIRE under the Defense Support of Civil Authorities process. These assets will be used in conjunction with CAL FIRE aerial resources to shuttle firefighters to the firelines and for water dropping. Joint training is conducted annually by the two organizations to prepare for such firefighting emergencies. The last training was conducted in May 2012.

The CH-53 Super Stallions belong to Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadrons 462, 465 and 466, Marine Aircraft Group 16, and are stationed at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar. The CH-46 Sea Knights belong to Marine Medium Helicopter Training Squadron 164, Marine Aircraft Group 39, and are stationed at Marine Corps Air Station Camp Pendleton.

http://www.eastcountymagazine.org/node/10726

Yes, I came back earlier today from this mess. Waiting for the story to run, will post link.

Short and sweet, they made their stand near Ranchita and when I left, it was working.

And I am anywhere from exhausted and real exhausted.