(KGTV) - The Jennings Fire erupted in Lakeside Tuesday afternoon, shutting down roads and prompting mandatory evacuations in the surrounding area.
Immediate info (Updated)
- Jennings Fire reached 400 acres as of 4:30 p.m. Forward rate of spread stopped, as of 5 p.m.
- The 15000 block of View Side Lane in Alpine, on the south side of I-8, has been issued a mandatory evacuation. UPDATE (7/12): Evacuation order lifted
- Evacuation advisories (not mandatory) issued for Puetz Valley, Upper Harbinson, and Hunter Pass areas. UPDATE (7/12): Advisory called off
- Reverse 911 calls are pending for evacuation advisories.
- Westbound Interstate 8 reopened as of 5 p.m. Left lane of eastbound I-8 reopened at 7 p.m. UPDATE (7/12): All lanes reopened
Where to go
Evacuation centers have been set up at:
- Joan MacQueen Middle School (2001 Tavern Rd., Alpine.) [East evac center]
Cal Fire has set up their incident command post at Los Coches Creek Middle School (9669 Dunbar Ln., El Cajon.)
*UPDATE: All evacuation centers have been closed as of Wednesday morning
Contacting loved ones
If you are not able to make immediate contact, The American Red Cross recommends persistence. Sometimes communication gets lost in the chaos of evacuations. Text, call, check social posts, and try again.
Also check with evacuation centers to locate loved ones.
Power outages
As of 3 p.m., eight SDG&E customers were without power in the Blossom Valley/Bostonia area of Alpine. SDG&E said power was shut off for safety reasons. The company estimates power to be restored by 8 p.m.
Stay updated with SDG&E's power outage map.
Where to take your pets
...With you.
Local animal shelters remind residents to take pets with you in the event of an emergency. Be aware: some evacuation centers may require a crate for your pet. If you aren't going to an evacuation center, find a safe heaven for you and your pet.
The San Diego Humane Society says if anyone needs assistance, call their dispatch center at 619-243-3466. San Diego County Animal Services also has officers at the scene and anyone who needs assistance can call 619-236-2341.
Also wherever you go, remember to bring other important items such as:
- Leash.
- Disposable bags for pet waste.
- ID Tags.
- At least three days worth of food; Bottled water.
- Bowls for water and food.
- Treats.
- Pet medications and copy of prescriptions.
- Updated photo in case your pet escapes during evacuation.
- Blanket or pet bed and a toy.
- Relevant phone numbers, including veterinarian and local animal shelter.
More animal safety information from Cal Fire.
Fire insurance
During evacuations, make sure to bring all your relevant insurance information along with you. Any paperwork you have on policies and coverage and relevant phone numbers for your insurance provider should be brought with you.
The American Red Cross has an excellent checklist for checking your home after a fire.
How to help
The American Red Cross can help on this front as well. The local San Diego/Imperial Valley chapter can be contacted at San Diego / Imperial Counties Chapter 858-309-1200.
You can always donate money to the Red Cross online here.
