CNN Breaking news - 3 CA wildfire LODDs

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The U.S. Forest Service says three firefighters have been killed and two critically injured battling a wildfire near Palm Springs, California, The Associated Press reports.

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CABAZON, California (AP) -- The U.S. Forest Service said three firefighters have been killed and two critically injured battling a wildfire near Palm Springs.

The firefighters were killed while trying to protect a home from the flames that broke out in the community of Cabazon. A Forest Service spokesman said they were trapped inside their truck.

The wildfire drove 200 people from their homes Thursday morning as it raced through the desert hills northwest of Palm Springs.

The blaze had burned more than 1,000 acres by midmorning, and 25 mph winds were quickly spreading the flames, said Becky Luther, a spokeswoman for the Riverside County Fire Department.

At least one building burned. (Watch flames rage across hillsides -- 1:58)

The fire was burning in a valley with a few scattered ranch homes, but the hamlets of Poppet Ranch and Twin Pines were evacuated along with a juvenile center, Twin Pines Boys Ranch. About 200 people left homes when mandatory evacuations were ordered, fire Capt. Julie Hutchinson said.

"The biggest concern is if it gets over the hills," Luther said. "That's where all of the homes are."

Officials worried the fire could reach an area of the San Bernardino National Forest where a bark beetle infestation had killed trees that could easily fuel a blaze. In the valley where it was burning Thursday morning, the ground cover is mostly grass and chaparral that burns hot and quick, allowing the fire to spread quickly but with little staying power, Luther said.

An emergency evacuation center was set up at Banning Community Center, near Cabazon, where the fire was raging.

Timo Hargu, 61, said he rushed from his hilltop home with his two dogs after he looked out a window and saw fire burning toward him in a valley.

"The whole thing was ablaze with flame," he said. "It was the most spectacular view. A terrible view, but spectacular."

Cabazon is about 90 miles east of Los Angeles and 17 miles northwest of Palm Springs in Riverside County.

[CALFFBOU]

Damn- I know a lot of peps down there. Any names?

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I'm looking. Not much seems to have hit the web yet.

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that would be an engine crew on a type 3, I'm thinking

[mark440]

Rest easy Brother/Sister firefighters!

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I can't even find anything on what agency, FS or other.

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All personnel have been pulled off the fire

[firemedic037]

Our prayer are with their families...
God bless.

[DennisTheMenace]

Rest in Peace Brothers, my prayers are with your families.

[pkfd7505]

My condolences and prayers to the family and friends, rest in peace Brother/Sisters.

[NonSurfinCaFF]

Its US Forest Service, San Bernardino NF Engine 57 according to the story on the front page of FH.

http://cms.firehouse.com/content/art...Id=39&id=51734


I was hoping we were done for 2006, our temps get layed off Saturday.

RIP

[feedtheflame]

Latest update reports up to 400 people trapped in recreational vehicle park near Cabazon. Only access road, Highway 243, cut off by fire. Prayers go out to everyone on the fireline today.


From ABCNEWS

CABAZON, Calif. Oct 26, 2006 (AP)— A wind-driven wildfire near Palm Springs engulfed a fire engine Thursday, killing three firefighters, and up to 400 people were trapped in a recreational vehicle park when flames blocked the only road out, officials said.

"Everybody is hunkered down here. They're fighting the fire around us. It's across the street from us," said Charles Van Brunt, a ranger at the station at the entrance to Silent Valley Club.

Two other firefighters in the fire engine were critically injured, said Pat Boss, a U.S. Forest Service spokesman.

The firefighters were trying to protect a house as hot Santa Ana winds drove flames through the desert hills northwest of Palm Springs and forced hundreds of people from their homes.

"The engine was in the area, and with the wind conditions like they were, the fire just overtakes and burns the entire engine," Boss said.

He said the Forest Service pulled all its personnel off the fire after the deaths so they could "gather their thoughts, say their prayers."

The fire quickly blackened more than six square miles and destroyed at least three homes. The weather service had issued a "red flag" warning for extreme fire danger because of high winds 25 mph or more and dry conditions.

As many as 400 people were trapped in the RV park when Highway 243 was blocked, authorities said. TV footage showed some vehicles racing through flames and smoke just before firefighters closed the road.

The cause of the wildfire was not immediately clear. It started early Thursday, burning in a valley with a few scattered ranch homes. The hamlets of Poppet Ranch and Twin Pines were evacuated along with a juvenile detention center, Twin Pines Boys Ranch.

Evacuations were ordered, and by early morning, about 200 people had left their homes, fire Capt. Julie Hutchinson said.

Officials worried the flames could reach an area of the San Bernardino National Forest where a bark beetle infestation had killed trees that could easily fuel a blaze.

In the valley where the fire was burning, the ground cover is mostly grass and chaparral that burns hot and quickly.

"The biggest concern is if it gets over the hills," said Becky Luther, a spokeswoman for the Riverside County Fire Department. "That's where all of the homes are."

Timo Hargu, 61, said he rushed from his hilltop home with his two dogs after he looked out a window and saw fire burning toward him in a valley.

"The whole thing was ablaze with flame," he said. "It was the most spectacular view. A terrible view, but spectacular."

Cabazon is about 90 miles east of Los Angeles.

[E229Lt]

CNN reporting a 4th FF has died

[RspctFrmCalgary]

OK where the hell is Cabazon? I need to find a map fast ... my parents are on their way down to their "cement pad" in Indio. In their motorhome. Completely out of touch by email and probably phone too, and I'm stuck at work for 2 more hours. grrrrrr

I pray they haven't made it that far south yet. Last I heard they were still in BC (Oosoyoos) and heading for Junction City, but that was a week or so ago. So it isn't likely they are in the midst of all this, but until I find out where they are, I'll worry about it.


Four Firefighters Killed Battling Calif. Wildfire


I'll wait to post my condolences later.

[superchef]

I am at a loss for words right now. I can't type. I'll have to come back later.

may those who were lost rest in peace.

[FyredUp]

My prayers go out to the families and friends of those lost in this fire.

FyredUp

[cdemarse]

RIP Brothers

[lvwrench]

Prayers and condolences to all.

[BFDLT32]

Rest in peace. You will not be forgotten.

Lets not forget the injured member. May there be a speedy recovery from the injuries sustained.

It has now been reported that this was an arson fire. Another tragic and senseless loss for the fire service.