UPDATE June 12: Powerhouse Fire Victim Workshop Draws a Crowd

Update June 10, 3 p.m., AM-1220 KHTS:

The Powerhouse fire, which has charred 30,274 acres since Thursday, May 30, was 98 percent contained by 6 a.m. Monday morning, according to Los Angeles County Fire Inspector Anthony Akins.

he fire is expected to be 100 percent contained by 6 p.m. and moved to a patrol status. This means that during the following days and weeks, fire officials will patrol the area to finish clean up and prevent the fire from re-igniting.

Akins said that 561 personnel are still on scene, but they are in the process of demobilization and it is anticipated that between 100 and 50 personnel will remain on scene by 6 p.m.

The cost of the fire is estimated at $22,400,000. Thirty homes and 28 outbuildings were destroyed and four other structures damaged.

Nine firefighters reported minor injuries. Akins said that they were typical injuries such as falls, cuts and bruises, dehydration and other heat-related problems.

A community recovery workshop is planned for Tuesday from 3 to 8 p.m. at the Hughes-Elizabeth Lakes Union Elementary School District on Lake Elizabeth Road in the Lake Hughes community.

Twenty-four agencies will be present at the workshop, which is intended to be a one-stop shop for residents, with information about insurance companies and water quality, among other things.

As cleanup progresses, Akins encourages residents to call 911 if they see smoke near the perimeter of the fire.

June 10: Tax Relief Available for Fire-Damaged Properties

The Los Angeles County Office of the Assessor is urging property owners affected by the Powerhouse fire to contact local Assessor offices for information and assistance about tax relief for property damage of $10,000 or more.  Structures may qualify for tax relief.

The Office of the Assessor has deployed resources and personnel to help property owners obtain tax relief information for their property that experienced damage or loss from the fire storm.  Under State law, home and business owners may qualify for a temporary reduction in assessed value. Reassessment could mean a lower tax bill for the period between the time the damage occurred and the repair or replacement of damaged structures.

Section 170 of the California Revenue and Taxation Code requires the Misfortune and Calamity application forms be submitted within one year of the date of damage. Photographs and any other documentation, such as repair estimates, should accompany the form.

The Office of the Assessor has contacted local and state fire officials to secure a listing of damaged properties.  Assessor personnel will provide “Misfortune and Calamity” forms and information at evacuation centers.  Appraisers will conduct field visits to damaged areas once fire officials provide clearance.

The massive wildfire near Lancaster, known as the Powerhouse fire, is estimated to be about 60% contained after burning more than 32,000 acres since starting last week, according to the U.S. Forest Service.

Inquiries can be directed to the Assessor’s Sylmar District Offices at (818) 833-6000.

Misfortune/calamity forms are available on the Assessor’s Internet website at http://assessor.lacounty.gov/extranet/lac/control/binaryGet.aspx?uploadid=53

L.A. County PIO, June 10: Weed Abatement Helped Save Probation Camps

As firefighters valiantly fought the Powerhouse Fire, their successful efforts to save Camp Munz and Camp Mendenhall in Lake Hughes were aided by the diligent work of the Department of Agricultural Commissioner/Weights and Measures (ACWM) Weed Abatement Division. The camps were evacuated and areas all around the camps burned, but weed and brush clearance done before the fire erupted contributed greatly to saving the facilities.  Annually, ACWM provides weed abatement services to the Probation Department, who operates the camps, to clear brush and other dangerous vegetation from 200 feet around all structures.

The Weed Abatement Division oversees clearance of weeds, brush, and debris from vacant lands and certain nuisance properties in unincorporated areas and contract cities.  It also, on a contract basis, provides weed abatement and control services for properties controlled by State and local government agencies. Clearance of weeds, brush, and debris, while protecting the environment and reducing harborage for vermin and other pests, plays a significant role in reducing fire hazards and providing defensible space from which firefighters can more effectively combat wildfires.

Established in 1881, the County of Los Angeles Department of Agricultural Commissioner/Weights and Measures protects consumers and the environment through early detection and exclusion of dangerous, invasive insect and plant pests; enforcement of laws and regulations regarding safe pesticide use; operation of an environmental toxicology laboratory; clearance of weeds, brush, and debris from vacant land to reduce fire hazards; inspection and verification of accuracy of scales, meters, price scanners, and quantity labeling on packaged goods.

Sunday 9 a.m., USFS:

95 percent containment.

Planning to transfer to a Type III incident command team Monday at 6 p.m.

Saturday 7:15 a.m., CAL FIRE:

30,274 acres (47.3 square miles), 90 percent containment.

30 residences and 28 outbuildings destroyed; 3 residences and 1 outbuilding damaged.

Friday 8 p.m., LASD:

Location: Angeles National Forest, Lake Hughes, Elizabeth Lake and Green Valley

County: Los Angeles County

Start Date: May 30, 2013

Structures Destroyed: 30

Structures Threatened: 353

Acres: 30,274

Containment: 89%

Estimated Cost: 21,400,000

Current Situation:

Firefighters quickly extinguished a new fire start outside of the perimeter of the Powerhouse incident. This fire was held to one acre. Fire crews continue to work hard on the perimeter of the fire and many areas are now considered cold. Crews will continue to patrol 300 feet from the perimeter. Fire lines have been completed from Forsythe Canyon to Three Points. Variable winds shifted from the southwest in the morning, to the east in the afternoon. Early predictions suggest these gusts could test containment but firefighters were able to hold the lines.

Near the fire line, the temperature was 106 degrees with very low humidity. Despite the record temperature firefighters steadily made progress extinguishing hot spots, hauling out excess equipment, patrolling around structures and repairing fire suppression related impacts. Containment is at 89% and many firefighters are now returning to their home agencies.

Southern California Edison crews working over the past 4 days were able to restore power to all area residents today.

Fire Recovery Workshop at Hughes-Elizabeth Lakes Union Elementary

Tuesday, June 11th , 2013

16633 Elizabeth Lake Road

Lake Hughes, Ca 93532 3pm to 8pm

Area residents are encouraged to attend this workshop. Information will be provided regarding the scope of the fire damage. Services to aid homeowners and community members in recovery will also be provided.