The Fight for Julian
by Johnny McDonald

The historic mining town of Julian, noted for its quaint shops and apple pies, is still standing proudly. But not

without a tough fight...thanks to a determined army of firefighters.

So it was when exhausted
volunteers from all parts of the state dug in to hold the line and keep the raging fire from storied wooden door fronts. Already lost was the camping village of Cuyamaca where huge flames engulfed the region.

In this battle for Julian they would lose one of their own, Steven Rucker, an 11-year Novato veteran firefighter, in the Wynola blaze. He leaves a wife and two children.

Another Novato fireman, Doug McDonald, was burned over 18
percent of his body.

Structures would be lost in
nearby Whispering Pines, Pine Hills, Santa Ysabel,Kentwood and Harrison Park.

Strong, swirling winds changed course constantly and held the upper hand.

The Cuyamaca region succumbed to an eastward-rushing Cedar fire. The largest fire in California history was completely out of control.

Residents hurriedly packed what they could and were guided down Banner Grade for shelter in Borrego Springs. It was decision time: what to take, what to leave behind. Lives became more important than
valued possessions.

Julian, founded in 1870 by Drury Bailey, a former confederate soldier from Georgia, has a
population of 3,072.

Evacuation orders spread over hundreds of square miles from Julian to Descanso. Only California Highway Patrol and Sheriff deputies’ vehicles were on the streets.

There were over 5,000 fire-
fighters to engage searing heat and extremely low humidity in the back country. They gave up on trying to extinguish the flames and concentrated on limiting damage.

The fire left its mark on many areas of Julian. Top, Pine Hills; downtown Julian; a house near Jess Martin Park; helicopter flying over town; and fallen mailboxes in Whispering Pines. Photos by Darrel Kinney

Backfires were set in an attempt to drive or steer flames back into areas already scorched. Thousands of acres of dead and dying trees added fuel to the combustion.

Air Support from eight tankers and four helicopters began to provide relief.

Now that it’s over and shock has evolved to reality, it is time to think of the future. Rebuilding will be a monumental task. Regrouping and seeking help will be chief objectives.

The first steps have already been taken. Children in the area are returning to schools. The sounds
in the playgrounds are assurances that life goes on.