Chalk Fire, Night 6: The Glow of Prewitt

8:00 pm I have heard from Betty, who is coming home tomorrow, and I got an email from Katee, all is good, so far, Mary Wargo just came through with a food run and will go as far as allowed, AND, Geri just wrote the following and asked me to post it:

A great big thanks to the BSVFB from the Baird Family. Thanks to JC Corley’s stubbornness, we were assigned engine 7834.
These guys ROCK!!!!!!!!!!! Everyone was so helpful and awesome. We still have a home because you guys stuck by us. I am certain in my heart, that had you left as so many “officials” wanted you to do, we would have burned. Instead we got air support. (Thanks Boone)
A Special thanks to Tom Greis, John Knight and Randy of the BSVFB. They stayed the entire time, and to Kerri Frangioso, Mary Wargo and also Keith Harlan for all his help, entertainment and support.
I know that I am forgetting people. Please do not be offended, I have eternal gratitude to all of you who helped spare Rocky, Shelagh, Kelson and myself the grief of losing all our dreams yet again.

And Kenny Jordan from he Sierra Hotshots- you are always welcome in our home!

Everyone in this community really pulled together on this and as a result, to this moment we all have our homes. Some of us have no water systems, some have foam in their systems, some have trashed yards but man we all still have our homes.

Geri Kavanagh-Baird

Geri is right. Our BSVFB has gone above and beyond what we could even hope for. Structure protection has been phenomenal. Six days and nights of madness, and we have not lost a single home!! Without the dedication and hard work of our volunteers, working along side the professional firefighting crews, the many wonderful dozer operators, and the phenomenal air support we have received, we would have been lost. Hey Geri, if you want to know the names of the pilots who laid retardant down by you, give me the Tanker number, and I can give you a name and number!!

and this is what is happening as I type up on Prewitt Ridge. Mary watched with me for a few minutes:

8:30 pm -Latest report indicates we are up to 9170 acres. 32 residences threatened. Containment at 20%. Current conditions – “The fire continues to be most active on the southeast flank. On the west flank, the fire is approaching Highway 1 between Pacific Valley and Limeklin. Cooler temperature and higher humidity will help fire fighters to hold the line at Highway 1. Crews will continue to provide structure protection on Prewitt Ridge and in the Pacific Valley and Limeklin areas. On the north east flank, the fire continues to progress slowly with a moderate rate of spread in the Ventana Wilderness. Extra caution is advised while driving on Highway 1 in the area of the fire, due to debris and the deployment of emergency equipment and crews.” Tomorrow, the fire crews intend to put their efforts on the southern and western flanks of the fire.

Here is a blow up of the same image. It could b possible flames to the right of the vehicles, just on the other side of the ridge, but it could also be headlight glow from a vehicle just over the ridge:

BTW, Santa Claus, if you are listening, I want a tripod for Christmas. Mine is a piece of crap. (LOL)

So, that is tonight’s report. Now, I will turn off the computer (but not the phone), climb in bed, and watch the first t.v. I have seen in almost a week. Get some sleep, and take care of yourselves, and above all, be safe!! We still have another day to face tomorrow.

bigsurkate