Long Beach Los Cerritos Wetlands Fire

By Chris MacDonald, Photographer, News Columnist

More than 50 acres of the Los Cerritos Wetlands were recently burned at a fire near the Long Beach Marketplace Marsh. "This is the biggest brush fire I've seen in Long Beach in 20 years," said LB Deputy Fire Chief Rich Brandt. "It happened very quickly and may have been a man-made fire. Hours earlier, police arrested an arson suspect for a separate incident in the area."

"Super-hot weather, gusty winds, and perhaps an ill-intentioned human caused a great deal of trouble as local and county fire fighters fought to bring the blaze under control," said Elizabeth Lambe, Executive Director of the Los Cerritos Wetlands Land Trust. "While the fire damage was terrible, we're very thankful that, as far as we know now, none of the nearby structures or people were seriously harmed."



With the wind blowing embers that caught some palm trees and other things on fire, a precautionary evacuation took place at some surrounding businesses and part of the nearby SeaPort Marina Hotel. "A heartfelt thanks to all the firefighters, police and ordinary citizens who helped protected lives, property and our fragile local wetlands," Lambe said. "All of us who live in and care about South East Long Beach are grateful." Third District Long Beach Councilman Gary DeLong said things are back to normal and he is appreciative of the quick actions from LBFD.

Other fires: San Marcos evacuation orders remain through Friday and commencement ceremonies were canceled. At Camp Pendleton a fire charred over 6,000 acres and prompted the evacuation of military housing and a naval weapons station. One Camp Pendleton Fire Department fire fighter suffered heat exhaustion on May 15 and received medical treatment. In Carlsbad, Legoland California theme park, a power generating station, and schools were evacuated on Wednesday but some evacuation orders were lifted on Thursday. Parks and Recreation buildings are closed on May 16 except for the Senior Center and City offices. The fire burned at least eight residences, one apartment building, and two businesses. A Rancho Bernardo fire that started on May 13 is nearly contained. SEE updates at http://cdfdata.fire.ca.gov/