A fire broke out at near the Visitor’s Center at Mission Trails Regional Park around 2:15pm yesterday. According to the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department’s Twitter feed, the fire crested Cowles Mountain and was on Kwaay Paay Peak. The fire was 70% contained as of Sunday evening and burned 90 acres. Crews will be mopping up through the night, and Mission Trails will be closed Monday while officials investigate the cause of the fire.
So its summer, and its getting hot. Heat related illness is no joke. Last weekend 3 hikers had to be rescued from the trail to 3 Sisters (which is only 4 miles round trip), and I’m sure you’ve probably heard that ‘Harry Potter’ actor David Legeno was recently found dead in Death Valley, apparently of heat related causes. Take it easy in the heat. Know the signs of heat related illness (here’s a good article from SectionHiker) and choose your hikes wisely – keep it short, stick to trails with some cover, and consider hikes along the coast where its cooler as opposed to the higher temperatures inland. Death Valley in July is probably not a good choice. Of course, carry and drink plenty of water and make sure you’re eating salty foods to prevent hyponatremia.
Despite the heat, you can still get out and enjoy the outdoors at this Friday’s Star Party at Sycamore Canyon/Goodan Ranch Preserve. Join the San Diego Astronomers Association and park staff at the Hwy 67 staging area for a night with the stars. Come experience the chance to view our galaxy using the same technology used by the professionals. Viewers will get a chance to see many amazing sights, depending on the time of year, which they wouldn’t normally see without the trained eye of the astronomers. Program will be held at the Highway 67 staging area accessed by the southbound lanes only. Bring sturdy shoes and a jacket. Clouds or rain will cancel the event. Check out the County Parks & Recreation Activity & Program Guide for more information, or visit our Events page to find other upcoming activities.
The San Diego River Park Foundation is still trying to raise money to purchase some of the remaining parcels of private land on El Cajon Mountain. You can help by donating or spreading the word.
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Have a good week and stay cool!
