CA - Wind-Driven Thomas Fire Explodes to 31,000 Acres; 150 Structures Destroyed, 2017

[margarita25]

I'm included in this list, but we are okay here. We're in the South Bay area of Los Angeles.

Hoping and praying things settle down here soon.

One of the interviewees not only lost his home, which was in the family for 30 years, but his wife passed three weeks ago! Horrible.

Lastly, thanks Margarita for all of your updates!

We are OK still.

We lived in Ventura County for the past 17 years so we have a lot of friends and family who have sustained losses and some are still concerned up in Ojai area.

But we live in Woodland Hills now, so we are getting smoke from Sylmar area but no fires threatening us here.

We live very close to Pierce College, which is housing large animals. I was thrilled to hear they were filled up. So many animals were rescued and safely stashed there.

Hi crhedBngr and Katy! Thanks for updating us that you guys are okay!!

 

[margarita25]

Now, if I had a dollar for every time I've said this, here we are in another thread where our Late Great Foxfire is sorely missed. He was a former Fire Captain for goodness sakes...(FindHG, did he ever talk about this with you when you guys met! How cool is it that you and your DH got to spend 2 days with him in person!! )

Anyway, in the NorCal fires we had some pretty interesting discussions (Foxfire was dearly departed at this time but he would have been a great asset)...we talked about everything from foams and if the red dye is toxic to different firefighting approaches (digging trenches, etc....), new equipment being used, etc, etc..

I am sure all CA FD learned a lot from NorCal, and as a result will be only be stronger and faster now with their hard earned experience .

 

[FindHG]

We are OK still.

We lived in Ventura County for the past 17 years so we have a lot of friends and family who have sustained losses and some are still concerned up in Ojai area.

But we live in Woodland Hills now, so we are getting smoke from Sylmar area but no fires threatening us here.

We live very close to Pierce College, which is housing large animals. I was thrilled to hear they were filled up. So many animals were rescued and safely stashed there.

Katydid23 :heartbeat: Great that you're safe. I'm sorry for your friends' and family's losses. Thrilled to see you.

Now, if I had a dollar for every time I've said this, here we are in another thread where our Late Great Foxfire is sorely missed. He was a former Fire Captain for goodness sakes...(FindHG, did he ever talk about this with you when you guys met! How cool is it that you and your DH got to spend 2 days with him in person!! )

Anyway, in the NorCal fires we had some pretty interesting discussions (Foxfire was dearly departed at this time but he would have been a great asset)...we talked about everything from foams and if the red dye is toxic to different firefighting approaches (digging trenches, etc....), new equipment being used, etc, etc..

I am sure all CA FD learned a lot from NorCal, and as a result will be only be stronger and faster now with their hard earned experience .

Magz, I remember The Late Great Foxfire's absence during the Gatlinburg fire thread, last year. That fire was the last thing I had a chance to ask him about, I think. If you added a dollar for every time I've missed the benefit of gentleman Glenn's knowledge, experience, good sense, humor and heart too, you'd be super rich. He was awesome to meet, in a time stopped and conversation flowed sunrise to sunset way, so we all covered some ground, but not nearly enough.

~

Buried Treasures: Victims Find Keepsakes Beneath The Rubble
CBS Los Angelos
December 8, 2017 at 10:09 pm

Skirball Fire in Bel Air area 50 percent contained after some evacuations lifted
By ABC7 staff

Associated Press, via the Daily Mail
1:17, Dec 9th,
...
Capt. Kendal Bortisser of the California Department of Forestry and Fire Prevention. "As we know, when a tornado hits the Midwest, there's no stopping it. When a hurricane hits the East Coast, there's no stopping it. When Santa Ana winds come in, there's no stopping them."
...

 

[FindHG]

Arson Suspect Detained After Being Chased Down by Witnesses in Anaheim Hills Area
by Tracy Bloom and Kimberly Cheng
11:06 pm pst, Dec 8 17
this report ends with no other suspects seemed involved according to LE

"trying to set multiple vegetation fires in the Anaheim Hills area Friday was detained after two witnesses chased him down, police said."
...
was setting fires in an area near the Festival Center, Anaheim Fire and Rescue tweeted shortly before 6 p.m.
...
An off-duty lieutenant was having dinner with his family when he spotted someone setting a fire in the brush near Santa Ana Canyon Road and Festival Drive, according to police. He called 911.
...
Scott Nelson watched as authorities set up a perimeter to search for the arsonist.

He was told by a fire commander that authorities were looking for the perpetrator.

While crews were busy putting out the fire, Nelson spotted someone who looked suspicious.
...
“Even though I suffer from MS, you know, you gotta stop somebody like that,” Nelson told KTLA. “Then I passed a gentleman, said, ‘Hey, there’s an arsonist, I need help.'”
...



http://abc7.com/man-suspected-of-setting-fires-in-anaheim-hills-area-detained/2759649/

suspect dressed in all black, detained

...
"Investigators did not find fires in the area.

Officers were working to determine if there were other suspects involved."
...


https://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/local/Ventura-Hero-Stops-Arson-Suspect_Los-Angeles-462964803.html
~

Magz, this story plays out everything Foxfire said about the great power of keeping the public informed and involved.

~

http://losangeles.cbslocal.com/2017/12/08/front-lawn-fire-donation-center-ventura/

http://abc7.com/norcal-fire-victims-lose-second-home-in-ventura/2759859/

http://abc30.com/how-to-support-local-fire-relief-efforts/2759956/

 

[DakotaMayi]

Thank you TRICIA I want to respond to each and everyone of you, but am so sleep deprived right now....can only scroll and thank each post. While I originally wrote about losing not only my home, but also my next door neighbor.....it has turned out MANY more of my neighbors also lost their homes. In fact....I think there are only a handful left. No one is allowed to drive into the area yet. But my INCREDIBLE HUSBAND hiked up the hills and took photos with his phone!! (How can a person not love this magnificent guy? Although things are still smouldering....and probably not the safest thing to do.) He wanted me to be able to forward the photos to the insurance company so we could begin the claims process asap. A nice lady ( a living angel) gave us 2 new pillows and blankets.....saying she thought we should have something of our very own.
The photos helped the insurance adjusters understand the severity of our loss... a picture truly is worth a thousand words. We were immediately moved into the "major loss" category. I was also able to apply for a huge reduction in our property taxes under our state's disaster relief program, until our property is rebuilt....again, those pictures helped. (Please share this with anyone you know who has also suffered a loss.:heart
https://www.boe.ca.gov/proptaxes/faqs/disaster.htm
Housing is in short supply since huge apartment buildings were total losses. So, even though the news reports 140 structures gone: ONE APARTMENT "STRUCTURE" can house 150 residents!
http://www.presstelegram.com/2017/1...tenants-homeowners-return-to-see-destruction/
And now water safety issues
http://www.keyt.com/news/safety/boil-water-advisory-issued-for-parts-of-ventura-county/668148686
Oh and did I mention the air quality is pretty dang poor right now, too?
Please let me reiterate....Mr. Wonderful and I are going to be just fine!! I am more worried about the displaced people who can not find housing, do not have insurance, are low on financial resources or who have been injured. "I felt sorry for myself because I had no shoes, until I saw a man with no feet."?? Our situation is not ideal.... but we can not change what has happened. Ironically, I am optimistic today because I know what I have to do.. It was the "not knowing" that caused me so much stress. On reflection, I don't think there was a "failure in the system"....it was Mother Nature (powerful and unpredictable gal) reminding us that any system can be overwhelmed when thousands are in harms way. Love to you all.....taking all your squishy and loving hugs with me. Buh-bye for now. IQ

IQ, as I said before, I don't think we have crossed passed before on these threads but, you have quickly become one of my favorite people around here. Your positivity is amazing to read. I am glad you and your husband are safe and praying that all of the pieces start to come back together.

Also, I bolded and underlined a part there, I passed this onto my friend while on the phone with her and she reiterated that information to her in laws immediately and I can say that the "thank you thank you thank you!!!!!" that they screamed down the phone, needs to be passed onto you from them. They admitted that they are in a haze right now and don't know which foot to put forward first and any advice they get from anywhere is so so appreciated.

Even in these darker times, you have helped so many. Thank you, IQ, I'm glad we crossed paths.

In the meantime though, I'll be here praying that whatever needs to happen next for you, happens and swiftly.

Keeping an eye out for your next update.

 

[katydid23]

Arson Suspect Detained After Being Chased Down by Witnesses in Anaheim Hills Area
by Tracy Bloom and Kimberly Cheng
11:06 pm pst, Dec 8 17
this report ends with no other suspects seemed involved according to LE

"trying to set multiple vegetation fires in the Anaheim Hills area Friday was detained after two witnesses chased him down, police said."
...
was setting fires in an area near the Festival Center, Anaheim Fire and Rescue tweeted shortly before 6 p.m.
...
An off-duty lieutenant was having dinner with his family when he spotted someone setting a fire in the brush near Santa Ana Canyon Road and Festival Drive, according to police. He called 911.
...
Scott Nelson watched as authorities set up a perimeter to search for the arsonist.

He was told by a fire commander that authorities were looking for the perpetrator.

While crews were busy putting out the fire, Nelson spotted someone who looked suspicious.
...
“Even though I suffer from MS, you know, you gotta stop somebody like that,” Nelson told KTLA. “Then I passed a gentleman, said, ‘Hey, there’s an arsonist, I need help.'”
...



http://abc7.com/man-suspected-of-setting-fires-in-anaheim-hills-area-detained/2759649/

View attachment 127552 suspect dressed in all black, detained

...
"Investigators did not find fires in the area.

Officers were working to determine if there were other suspects involved."
...


https://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/local/Ventura-Hero-Stops-Arson-Suspect_Los-Angeles-462964803.html
~

Magz, this story plays out everything Foxfire said about the great power of keeping the public informed and involved.

~

http://losangeles.cbslocal.com/2017/12/08/front-lawn-fire-donation-center-ventura/

http://abc7.com/norcal-fire-victims-lose-second-home-in-ventura/2759859/

http://abc30.com/how-to-support-local-fire-relief-efforts/2759956/

Those arson stories are really frightening! That is exactly what my husband was saying in the first days, when all these fires popped up. He said he thought some of it was arson related.

They should make arson a much more heavily penalized crime.

 

[MelmothTheLost]

Those arson stories are really frightening! That is exactly what my husband was saying in the first days, when all these fires popped up. He said he thought some of it was arson related.

They should make arson a much more heavily penalized crime.

Looking at the disruption and chaos caused currently and a couple of months ago, I can't help thinking that if I were a foreign terrorist or saboteur this would be the way to go.

 

[margarita25]

First fire-related death confirmed in Southern California
www.cnn.com/2017/12/09/us/california-wildfires/index.html

"A woman whose body was found at a crash site along an evacuation route in Southern California became the first confirmed fire-related casualty in a series of raging wildfires that could gain strength this weekend.

Gov. Jerry Brown on Saturday was due to visit Ventura County, home to the largest of the six wildfires, the Thomas Fire. He'll survey damage, meet with affected residents, consult with government officials and emergency responders, and brief reporters, his office said."

Snip

"Fatality confirmed: Virginia Pesola, 70, of Santa Paula, was found dead in a car that authorities believe was involved in a crash Wednesday during evacuations near the Thomas Fire. The cause of death was "blunt force injuries with terminal smoke inhalation and thermal injuries," the Ventura County medical examiner office said."

 

[margarita25]

Destructive toll of Southern California fire siege comes into focus
http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-fire-storms-so-cal-20171209-story.html

"As hot, dry Santa Anas faded, officials warned that breezes from the ocean could pick up, changing the direction of the flames, placing fire crews at higher risk of getting caught without an escape route.

A red flag warning — a combination of extremely low relative humidity and wind speeds that indicates a serious threat if a fire were to occur — is in effect through Sunday evening, said Tom Fisher, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Oxnard."

 

[margarita25]

DRONES TAKE OFF IN THE BATTLE AGAINST THE LOS ANGELES FIRES
https://www.wired.com/story/drones-take-off-in-the-battle-against-the-los-angeles-fires/

"The most harrowing images are of the firefighters marching into this madness, clad in their heavy yellow protective gear, lugging hoses, doing their best to protect people and property from the unpredictable flames. When fires grow this large, resources are stretched thin. But the Los Angeles Fire Department has a new tool that could reduce the risk these men and women take on.

“For the first time ever, we’re going to use our drones,” LAFD Chief Ralph Terrazas said at a news conference on Thursday.

Shortly afterwards, a firefighter, in his shirtsleeves, launched one of two quadcopters into the air. From the ground, he flew it over the scar of the Skirball fire, which destroyed at least six mansions in the ritzy Bel Air area. Using on-board cameras, he surveyed the damaged property, and got an precise view of the path of the fire. A second drone carried an infrared camera to highlight remaining hotspots, which firefighters could then track down and finish off."

 

[margarita25]

California fires: Crews near Ventura have 'very successful day'
www.cnn.com/2017/12/08/us/california-wildfires

"Ventura, California (CNN)The thousands of men and women fighting Southern California's largest wildfire made progress Friday thanks to weather that allowed more aircraft to help in the battle.

"(It was a) very successful day on the fire line," said Mark Brown, an operations section chief for California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.

Still, the Thomas Fire grew on a day when it switched from being a wind-driven blaze to a fuel-driven fire.

The fire found plenty of "very heavy, old fuels," Tim Chavez of Cal Fire said. The fire increased to 143,000 acres, most of the advance coming on the north side of the blaze, where flames ravaged mountainsides in the Los Padres National Forest."

 

[margarita25]

"Bill Murphy, a public information officer with the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, said firefighters had a successful day fighting flames on the southern edge toward the coast as well parts of Ojai thanks to favorable wind patterns, weakened Santa Ana winds and improved fire lines established by crews.

By Friday evening, the Thomas fire was at 10% containment. As a result, Murphy said evacuations for most of the city of Ventura and Santa Paula were lifted. Firefighters continued to encounter difficulty on the east side of the blaze above Fillmore."

http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-fires-20171208-story.html

 

[margarita25]

"UCLA climate scientist Daniel Swain says nothing can be considered typical anymore.

"This year, we experienced our record warmest summer," he says, "and in some places record temperatures in the autumn as well."

There is also a high-pressure ridge stuck out over the Pacific Ocean that's deflecting storms.

Swain's research is showing that these high pressure systems are growing in frequency as a result of the warming Pacific — one reason California is getting hotter and drier, with drier brush and fuels and longer fire seasons.

"It's starting to appear that the likelihood of seeing these sorts of events is increasing," he says.

The open question now is how long this high pressure area sits — if it's more than just a few weeks, much of Southern California could fall back into extreme drought. Forecasters say there is also a good chance this ridge could settle in and cause a prolonged dry spell lasting several weeks from Vancouver, British Columbia, to Baja, Calif."

Why Fires Are Becoming California's New Reality
https://www.npr.org/2017/12/07/569096951/why-fires-are-becoming-californias-new-reality

 

[margarita25]

Progress gained in fighting California's Thomas Fire, but it's still barely contained
https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation-now/2017/12/08/southern-california-wildfires/934281001/

******

Lilac Fire engulfs homes, burns thousands of acres in San Diego
https://www.10news.com/news/lilac-fire-engulfs-homes-burns-thousands-of-acres-in-san-diego

"WHAT WE KNOW, 5:30 A.M. SATURDAY

Acres & containment: 4,100 acres, 15% contained. Firefighters expect full containment*by Dec. 21.

Injuries: At least six injuries reported -- Three citizens suffered non-life threatening burn injuries, while another was treated for smoke inhalation. Meanwhile, one firefighter suffered a dislocated shoulder but reset his arm and continued to work. Another firefighter was hospitalized for smoke inhalation.

Damages: 105 structures destroyed, 15 damaged. Officials say at least 1,500 structures are still being threatened.

Evacuation centers: Five centers open. About 20,000 people have been evacuated.

Power outages: About 4,500 people were still without power Saturday morning. For more information, click here for SDG&E's Outage Map.

Personnel: More than 800 firefighters from Cal Fire, Vista Fire, Oceanside Fire, North County Fire; 150 law enforcement officers assisting with evacuations and security.

Equipment: 103 fire engines, 4 helicopters, 8 water tenders; 6 dozers; 18 hand crews; 2 Navy helicopters and 2 Marine helicopters expected to assist on Saturday."

 

[margarita25]

Those arson stories are really frightening! That is exactly what my husband was saying in the first days, when all these fires popped up. He said he thought some of it was arson related.

They should make arson a much more heavily penalized crime.

I'm recalling when 2 campers were arrested here for not properly extinguishing their campfire and causing a fire. They were arrested for 4th degree arson:
http://www.9news.com/news/local/wil...sted-for-arson-in-cold-springs-fire/268906229

So, it seems that with like murder charges, there are degrees of arson charges for which one could be charged. Obviously intentionally setting the fire would be 1st degree arson I would think, lets see what the penalty is in California.

Eta: (not necessarily it seems):

"Degrees

In many states of the USA, arson is divided into degrees, depending sometimes on the value of the property but more commonly on its use and whether the crime was committed in the day or night.

First-degree arson– The act in which the arsonist sets fire to an occupied domain or building such as a school.

Second-degree arson– The act in which the arsonist sets fire to an unoccupied building such as an empty barn.

Third-degree arson– The act in which the arsonist sets fire to an abandoned building or an abandoned area of space such as a field.

Many statutes vary the degree of the crime according to the criminal intent of the accused."

********

"In California, a conviction for arson of property that is not your own is a felony punishable by up to three years in state prison. Aggravated arson, which carries the most severe punishment for arson, is punishable by 10 years to life in state prison.

Some states, such as California, prosecute the lesser offense of "reckless burning" when the fire is set recklessly as opposed to wilfully and maliciously. The study of the causes is the subject of fire investigation."

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arson

 

[DakotaMayi]

Thanks again for the updates Margarita.

I hope that every one is okay today, on a new day.

 

[margarita25]

Polluted air, health problems brought by Southern California fires are expected to linger
http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-fire-air-20171209-story.html

"Health officials said Friday that air quality in Santa Barbara and Goleta has been unhealthy for three days. Santa Barbara County health officials are distributing special masks and recommending that people relocate for at least a few hours a day to somewhere with cleaner air to give their lungs a break."
*more at link

 

[margarita25]

In Scorched California, a Year of ‘Epic Firefighting’ Is Testing Limits
https://www.nytimes.com/2017/12/08/us/california-fires-costs-calfire.html

******

Where There’s Smoke, There Are the Traffic Reporters of Los Angeles
https://www.nytimes.com/2017/12/08/us/la-fires-traffic-reporters.html

*******

"On Saturday, multiple wildfires continued to rage throughout Southern California, cloaking the area in nightmarish flame and towering plumes of smoke so thick they were visible from space."

First fatality confirmed as raging wildfires spread across Southern California
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news...s-southern-california/?utm_term=.1ebb433a4086

******

Southern California fires are destructive and unprecedented — and a sign of things to come
http://www.desertsun.com/story/news...unprecedented-and-sign-things-come/935639001/

 

[FindHG]

Thanks again for the updates Margarita.

I hope that every one is okay today, on a new day.

:heartbeat:s

I'm recalling when 2 campers were arrested here for not properly extinguishing their campfire and causing a fire. They were arrested for 4th degree arson:
http://www.9news.com/news/local/wil...sted-for-arson-in-cold-springs-fire/268906229

So, it seems that with like murder charges, there are degrees of arson charges for which one could be charged. Obviously intentionally setting the fire would be 1st degree arson I would think, lets see what the penalty is in California.

Eta: (not necessarily it seems):

"Degrees

In many states of the USA, arson is divided into degrees, depending sometimes on the value of the property but more commonly on its use and whether the crime was committed in the day or night.

First-degree arson– The act in which the arsonist sets fire to an occupied domain or building such as a school.

Second-degree arson– The act in which the arsonist sets fire to an unoccupied building such as an empty barn.

Third-degree arson– The act in which the arsonist sets fire to an abandoned building or an abandoned area of space such as a field.

Many statutes vary the degree of the crime according to the criminal intent of the accused."

********

"In California, a conviction for arson of property that is not your own is a felony punishable by up to three years in state prison. Aggravated arson, which carries the most severe punishment for arson, is punishable by 10 years to life in state prison.

Some states, such as California, prosecute the lesser offense of "reckless burning" when the fire is set recklessly as opposed to wilfully and maliciously. The study of the causes is the subject of fire investigation."

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arson

Merci Beaucoup, sis!

Beginning to understand the full meaning of exhaust/ing/ed. The fires are projected to last through next week.*

Catching up with this fantastic info, Magz ((((((hugs))))))))

And sad news about

"Virginia Pesola, 70, of Santa Paula, was found dead in a car that had been involved in a crash along an evacuation route in a burn area of the Thomas fire in Ventura County on Wednesday night. According to the county medical examiner, Pesola’s cause of death was blunt force trauma with terminal smoke inhalation and thermal injuries."
:rose:

First fatality confirmed from Southern California wildfires
Melissa Etehad, Louis Sahagun, Ruben Vives, Joseph Serna and Sonali Kohli Reporters, Ventura
L A Times
Dec 8th '17

"At a morning briefing Friday, crews battling the Thomas fire were reminded to be sensitive of residents who were returning to destroyed homes.

“Treat them like you would treat your community,” they were told.

Firefighters also were warned of the dangers of changing wind patterns and to be extra cautious of their surroundings. Erratic wind patterns Friday could change the direction of flames, placing fire crews at higher risk of getting caught without an escape route.

~

Where There’s Smoke, There Are the Traffic Reporters of Los Angeles
By Sarah Maslin Nir, NYT
Dec 8 17

I've been blown away by the livestreaming helo coverage, the contribution they make to public safety. Thank you for this, Magz.

Their profession, sidelined in the age of apps and built-in navigation, is boosted by the thing technology still does not have — human judgment.

Reporters have spent days navigating people home and keeping them out of harm’s way, with guidance beyond the turn-by-turn. Where a road might appear open on an electronic map, it might in reality be under a miasma of smoke too painful for breathing. A side street may seem passable, but just out of sight, a fire could be barreling down.

...
"The conditions have introduced tremendous reporting challenges. The buffeting winds of up to 60 miles per hour that have fed the fire have grounded some traffic aircraft. Only the hardiest helicopters (more expensive ones usually operated by television stations) can withstand the current air conditions, said Desmond Shaw, who reports for both radio and TV. It has been too dangerous to fly the Cessna "
...
Mr. Shaw said. “The shot is steady, but you’re not seeing the chopper getting knocked around because of the stability controls the camera has,”
...
Few of the city’s veteran traffic reporters said they had ever dealt with so many simultaneous fires.

“It’s indescribable,” said Scott Burt, an airborne traffic reporter for the radio station KNX 1070 News Radio. “I have seen this before, to a certain degree, but not probably this extreme.”

The work is taxing, but rewarding, he said. “That’s what I’m here for, to help people,” Mr. Burt added. “And who doesn’t at work like a good challenge?” bbm

 

[FindHG]

"a veteran firefighter from California’s Central Valley, shrugged off the question of whether he would make it home for Christmas.

“I missed Thanksgiving this year, too,” Mr. Uresti said. “It’s part of the job.”"

In Scorched California, a Year of ‘Epic Firefighting’ Is Testing Limits
By Thomas Fuller, NYT
Dec 8 '17


“A lot of epic firefighting is occurring but we have a lot of tired folks out there on the line,” said Chief Janet Upton, a deputy director of Cal Fire.
...
more than 212,000 Californians had been evacuated over the last week. He said wind conditions could create more problems through the weekend and into next week.
...
In the pre-dawn hours Friday, bleary-eyed men and women gathered in the parking lot of the Ventura County Fairgrounds to slip on their fluorescent yellow fire gear and start another 12-hour shift or a double shift, like Mr. Uresti.
...
There are 3,000 firefighters assembled in Ventura County alone; when they finish their shifts digging firebreaks and hosing down vulnerable terrain, many sleep in tents at the fairgrounds.
...
They use shovels, chain saws and heavy duty rakes called McLeods to cut through vegetation. One firefighter standing on a blustery hilltop Thursday night had a repetitive task worthy of Sisyphus: monitoring a patch of already scorched hillside and using a garden hose to put out small fires that reignited with each gust of wind.

The Ventura County Fire Department said on Twitter that crews were working “long hours in extremely steep, dry, rugged terrain full of drought-stressed fuels.”
...

Firefighters staging & aeriels Thursday night and Friday burned area

http://www.cbs8.com/story/37018851/lilac-fire-sparks-near-i-15-sr-76-connector-evacuations-in-place