San Diego Native American casino threatened by wildfires

SAN DIEGO, California -- As reported by Sign on San Diego: "Flames burned through and near San Diego County's Indian reservations, burning down historic buildings and homes, and threatening a casino Tuesday.

"The Poomacha fire began in the middle of the night in a house on the La Jolla Indian reservation and quickly spread west, blackening more than 7,000 acres there and at the nearby Rincon and San Pasqual reservations

"...About 59 homes and trailers burned at the Rincon reservation and 20 at La Jolla, said Jim Fletcher, superintendent for the Bureau of Indian Affairs in Southern California.

"...Members of both the Rincon and La Jolla tribes sought refuge at the Harrah's Rincon casino on the reservation, some staying in a large hall used for concerts as the fire raged outside.

"...The casino shut down gambling before dawn and workers began tending to about 350 people stranded there, spokeswoman Sheryl Sebastian said.

"It will remain closed Wednesday, as will other casinos inside evacuation zones, including Pauma, Barona, Valley View and Santa Ysabel.

"Other casinos remained open, though fewer gamblers frequented the slot machines, card tables and bingo parlors..."