Fuego in San Diego: Very Little Information in Spanish

by NAM (reposted)

Wed, Oct 24, 2007 7:49AM

Originally From New America Media

Wednesday, October 24, 2007 : SAN DIEGO – As fires continue to rage in San Diego County, Hispanic residents have had trouble getting emergency information in Spanish. The worst wave of forest fires in the history of San Diego County left a total of 250,000 evacuated, 195,000 homes destroyed and 100,000 acres consumed by the blaze.

“And this will get worse,” said Sheriff Bill Kolender.

Gusts of wind reaching 65 miles per hour, large amounts of dry foliage and high temperatures have created the conditions for a massive forest fire that is now burning out of control.

Regional weather reports predict that the conditions will continue until Wednesday, extending the state of emergency another 48 hours.

Firefighters hope temperatures continue to drop and that humidity levels, currently at less than 10 percent, stay low.

As of today, Tuesday, temperatures at the coast reached almost 90 degrees and it was above 90 degrees inland.

As of the close of this edition, the U.S. Forest Service in San Diego reported two deaths and 17 severely injured people, including four firefighters.

Authorities saw the necessity to implement mandatory evacuations in various counties including Ramona, Potrero, Dulzura, Poway, Scripps Ranch, Penasquiots Ranch and Bernardo Ranch, among others.

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For more information: http://news.newamericamedia.org/news/view_...

§Filipino Media Rallies to Help Fire Victims

by NAM (reposted)

Wed, Oct 24, 2007 7:51AM

Originally From New America Media

Wednesday, October 24, 2007 : LOS ANGELES -- Filipino media are encouraging community organizations to contribute in any way they can to help those affected by the fire. The Philippine Consulate General in Los Angeles has opened an emergency line for Filipino nationals affected by the ongoing fire that has struck seven counties in Southem Califomia, reports the Manila-U.S.

Times. Filipino nationals affected by the "fire storm" may call 213-268-9990. A consular team headed by Vice Consul Jim Tito San Agustin is meeting with San Diego officials to coordinate evacuation. Filipino organizations are encouraged to contribute in any way they can to help those affected by the fire. "Because of this tragedy," writes the Manila-U.S. Times, "it is time once again that we put our acts together... physically, morally and financially -- to obviate further sufferings of our kababayans from their present precarious situation."

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