The Vallecito Lightning Complex of fires in eastern San Diego County, California is causing evacuations of two communities, San Felipe and Ranchita. Five fires started by lightning have burned a total of 15,525 acres. Two of the fires were contained at 3 acres, and one burned 519 acres before it was contained. But two others, the Wilson and Stewart fires, have burned 8,000 and 7,000 acres, respectively, and are likely to merge. The two large fires are 40-50 percent contained.
On Wednesday highways between Borrego Springs, Julian, and Ranchita were closed. There have been no reports of structures that have burned.
Eight helicopters, CH-53 Super Stallions and CH-46 Sea Knights, from Camp Pendleton and Miramar Marine Corps Air Station are assisting with the fire, transporting firefighters and making water drops.
Over 1,400 personnel are fighting the fire, along with 77 engines, 48 hand crews, and 28 water tenders.
There have been several IR flights over this fire, and more are expected. See the imagery at- http://www.fireimaging.com.
Robert, I viewed the map on the site, but without any roads or cities visible, the map has only limited value to the casual web site visitor. Is there a way to change the background map to make it more user friendly?