"Last evening, I had a long conversation with Dallas Jones who is head of the federal-state team in charge of logistics of the fire. They meet every 12 hours and make decisions.

As of last evening, 11,000 firefighters were involved, 1,600 homes had been burned, and approximately 16 deaths had occurred. And the big fires still have not been contained:

• The Grand Prix Fire in San Bernardino is 25 percent contained;
• The Old Fire is 5 percent contained, entering the bark beetle area , dramatically threatening the Big Bear and Arrowhead area; and
• The Cedar Fire threatening the San Diego area, zero contained
  

As of this morning, the winds remain down, costal breezes are flowing -- that's good news. Humidity's slightly up, and the San Diego fire has been slowed.

Fire crews and equipment are coming in from other states. The governor of New Mexico has offered equipment. Mr. Jones pointed out the need is for trained crews and water dropping air equipment. He mentioned to me 6 C-Stallion helicopters at Mirimar, which can carry buckets as being desirable, and we are taking action to see that they are provided.

The Simi Fire has been stopped at the Ventura Freeway--that's very good news because that fire had threatened to go over the ridge into Malibu.

I have asked my Northern California staff to go to Southern California and instructed my State Director to meet with Mayor of San Bernardino who yesterday indicated her concern that FEMA was not present in San Bernardino.

It is critical that the FEMA centers get opened as soon as possible. And I am working to see that that happens and that people are supplied with adequate information.

Anyone needing help can call my San Diego office at 619-231-9712 or our Los Angeles office at 310-914-7300."

###