MEDIA ADVISORY

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Oct. 21, 2013 Contact:

SAN DIEGO WAS BURNING: REMBERING THE CEDAR FIRE

Regional Readiness Vastly Improved 10 Years On
WHAT: San Diego County and City officials and two chiefs reflect on the biggest blaze in California history, which started 10 years ago Friday in San Diego Countys mountains. Speaking from Scripps Ranch, a community ravaged by the Cedar fire, the presenters will detail how the regions fire prevention and response capability has been vastly improved since 2003s firestorm. Friday, Oct. 25, 11 a.m. Field on Hoyt Park Drive in Scripps Ranch Business Park. (Take Carroll Canyon Road exit and follow as it becomes Scripps Ranch Blvd. Right on Hoyt Park Drive) Todd Gloria, Acting San Diego Mayor Greg Cox, Chairman, San Diego County Board of Supervisors Mark Kersey, San Diego City Council Dianne Jacob, San Diego County Board of Supervisors Javier Mainar, San Diego Fire Rescue Chief Thom Porter, CAL FIRE San Diego Unit Chief/County Fire Authority Chief The Cedar Fire destroyed more than 2,820 structures and burned 427 square miles an area larger than the city of San Diego. The fire killed 15 people, including one firefighter. Even San Diegans who lost nothing remember the sense of fear and loss the community felt amid dark, ashy skies and news of the massive blaze spreading from rural communities into the city. The fire prompted new understanding of San Diegos risk of massive regional wildfires and the need for a coordinated, modern emergency response. Ten years on, the regions readiness is much improved. San Diego City, County firefighting helicopters and fire apparatus. Scripps Ranch backdrop.

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COUNTY COMMUNICATIONS OFFICE 1600 PA CI FI C HIGHW AY , ROOM 208 SA N DIE GO, CA 92101