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JULY 8, 1996
Hot Santa Ana conditions coupled with dry mountain Chapparell create extremely hazardous fire conditions and on June 29th we found our area faced with numerous brush fires burning out of control.
The first request for assistance was filed by the American Red Cross to provide backup radio communications for personnel evacuations from the Temecula area; a short time later an arson fire began in the area between Anza and Temecula, and this was followed a short time later by a fire threatening the communities of Idyllwild and Pine Cove. When it looked as if all the fires were contained an additional arson fire flared up in Anza. These fires consumed tens of thousands of acres as well as destroying or damaging many structures during the period they were being fought by both ground personnel as well as aircraft and helicopters.
RACES operators from Idyllwild/Pine Cove, Temecula and Anza provided communication assistance to Federal, State and County fire and police agencies as well as the American Red Cross. Total manpower exceeded 2500 manhours and continuous coverage was provided until were released from the last fire on the morning of July 2nd.
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