Catalina Island Fire

[Miss Neecerie]

A fast-moving fire swept across Santa Catalina Island this evening, charring hundreds of acres and forcing mandatory evacuations on the tourist island 26 miles off the mainland.

By 6:30 p.m. more than 500 acres had been consumed by the fire that began in the center of the island and was pushed south and east by fierce winds. The destruction was expected to grow.

"The fire is moving very quickly toward the town," said Leslie Shannon, who went to St. Catherine of Alexandria Church in Avalon after she was ordered out of her condominium. "Every person who can fight the fire is out there fighting it right now."

About 160 firefighters were on the scene or en route, said Los Angeles County fire Capt. Ron Haralson in a telephone interview. One firefighter injury was reported.

Parts of the island were under a mandatory evacuation but residents were seeking shelter at churches and along the beach. It was not known if the population would need to be evacuated to the mainland, he said.

Several hundred people moved along the water's edge, fearing that the entire island was to be evacuated. Some wore masks to protect their faces and lungs from smoke damage, their hastily grabbed belongings filling bulging backpacks and suitcases.

Avalon was deserted. Stores were closed. The city was consumed by fire in 1915, leading to the eventual sale of the enclave to the Wrigley family of Chicago.

Off to the right of whats covered in that picture....is the historic Casino, built in 1929.


Obviously with the flames that close......everything in the town is in danger. Its the most lovely quaint place....


Pardon me while I go cry now...









More Coverage below:

http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-catalina11may11,0,964662.story?coll=la-home-center

http://ktla.trb.com/news/ktla-catalinafire,0,6145230.story?coll=ktla-home-1

 

[happyfilmluvguy]

Too many fires this week.

 

[Feraud]

That is just terrible.

 

[Miss Neecerie]

That is just terrible.

Fire is now at and in the outskirts of the city.....

its a small place with things close togehter....so this bodes very poorly.....

 

[Feraud]

I am hoping for rain, a shift in the wind, whatever it takes to stem the fire.

 

[Miss Neecerie]

tsunami.....

 

[Lotus Leroux]

What a magical place and what a travesty should that ballroom catch fire.
A sad day indeed....

 

[Tomasso]

It was due to happen," said Avalon City Councilman Scott Nelson. It's "a hundred-year fire."
One volunteer fireman said, "It's the driest year in decades, and it's going to be a long night."

 

[Tomasso]

The fire is being discussed on Larry King right now.

 

[katiemakeup]

Oh no! Horrible!! I have not been to Catalina, but it sounds like a fire that big would take over the island pretty quick...

 

[Daisy Buchanan]

What a shame
I have yet to go to Catalina Island, but have wanted to for quite some time. I'm praying for a freak downpour of rain, a shift in the wind, something to save such great history from demise. This is so very sad

 

[Miss Neecerie]

Well this morning..

Its up to 4000 acres burnt.

But other then a few structures, so far the town of Avalon is still standing.

More marines, and navy and LA country fireman have been called in and arrived in hovercrafts big enough to carry full size fire engines on them.


So cross fingers for a less windy day there today while they do air drops and so forth.

 

[Mike in Seattle]

I'd read a news report earlier - one of the stars on Grey's Anatomy & wife had to evacuate their home near the Griffith Park fire, so they made reservations and got on the boat to Catalina, only to be turned away at the dock. They didn't know where they were going next...but I think if I knew, I'd head elsewhere. As someone said, "Well, it's obvious - he's the firestarter or something."

 

[happyfilmluvguy]

Catalina fire contained, residents are welcomed back

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/18601767/