MONDAY’S meeting w/ the USFS has been changed from a BAER report to a Fire update and fire management issues meeting. Please pass the word all thru the South Coast. I won’t be sending a mass mailing, so please email everyone on your list who might be interested. 4:30 pm at the Community Center at PUSD.

I will be heading back down the coast this afternoon, but what I have gathered so far, is that the fire has gained a few hundred acres; the containment is down to 93%; personnel and equipment on the fire has increased, and like I suspected, the hand line the Monterey Hot Shots put in was over run by the fire, and the burn out operation could not happen.

Connie McCoy, fellow photographer, was there last night, and she sent me the following photographs:

This was taken from Jade Cove around 5 pm looking north at the fire.

This is Stone Ridge from the Harlan Ranch.

This was taken from Limekiln Bridge.

Thank you so much, Connie for sharing these with us!

Did I mention I am REALLY tired of fire, this fire in particular? Three weeks, now.

Apparently written last night:
Posted by Margie Whitnah
From the Hermitage:
“The fire is just at the top of the ridge next to ours and if the fire retardant etc works, then we will be safe. If it doesn’t work, we are in big trouble. Most monks are evacuated and I must leave in the morning. There is a small window of opportunity that we may be back here mid week. I would love to hear from you if you wish, say a prayer for us, for our firefighters, and for our safety and saving of our hermitage. … I may be gone from here tomorrow morning. All dates or arangements I have made for the next week must be abandoned due to the uncertainty of the fire situation. We are being evacuated to the same place as before, St. Clair’s Retreat Center in Soquel/Santa Cruz.”

Posted on inciweb at approximately noon: “The Chalk Fire was active last evening in an area between Twin Peak and Cone Peak, even though approximately inch of rain fell along the coast. Light rain continued this morning in some areas of the fire. Firing operations which were planned for today, are now being re-evaluated. The fire has continued to creep towards the outer edge of Lime Kiln State Park in a mixture of grass and some heavier fuels. Pre-existing dozer lines above the New Camaldoli Hermitage are being re-opened and the area is being prepared for a possible firing operation if it should be needed.”

It rained?? Not here in town. Nada.

12:00 pm

Los Padres National Forest

CHALK FIRE

Monterey County Sheriff’s Department has issued an EVACUATION WARNING
in effect for the Limekiln north and the New Camaldoli Hermitage. This
warning is given for affected areas where there is imminent threat to
life and property. Persons who receive this notice should evacuate in
accordance with the direction of the deputies on scene.

And

An EVACUATION WATCH has been issued by the Monterey County Sheriff’s
Department for Lucia north to Lopez Point. This order is for areas
where a threat to life and property exists. Persons issued this notice
are not required to evacuate but should be prepared to evacuate should
an Evacuation Warning be issued.

Significant resources (handcrews, engines and dozers) are engaged in
structure preparations.

The fire was very active last night and spread north towards Twin Peak
into the west fork of Limekiln Creek testing contingency lines. .

Air tankers and helicopters making retardants and water drops to reduce
fire intensity and slow the fire’s spread and crews are working direct
where possible. Fire fighter and public safety remains the highest
priority.

This was taken from the Limekiln Bridge, about 1/2 hour before the evacuation orders were issued. It is quite different being on the ground, rather than up on my perch, where I have a much better over all view.

These guys and gals were parked on the turn out right across from Twitchell Flats at around 11:30 am.

NOTE from Kate: Well, I was trying to figure out what all those speeding MCSO cars I saw going south around noon, south of Esalen were doing. Now I know! Red lights, sirens, the whole thing. What I suspect is that the fire crossed that last ditch line the Monterey Hotshots spent several days earlier this week putting in, as a contingency. Either that, or it has approached the line and they are worried about it not holding.

As my friend firefighterblog
has reminded me, Big Sur has been consumed by fire this season. Frankly, I did not remember that we had a small fire on April 17, 2008 in the Dolan Ridge area that closed Highway One, for a time. Then, of course, on June 8, 2008, the Indians Fire started. While it was burning, the Gallery/Basin fire started on June 21, 2008. It was not contained until July 27, 2008. Ah … and then a welcomed respite for two months to the day, until the Chalk Fire started. Tomorrow will be three weeks. I thought it was over before the Jade Festival, but Mother Nature was simply taking a break so we could put on our show. The day after the Jade Festival, it started acting up again, and yesterday, it came unhinged, as the photos I posted yesterday and last night demonstrate.

Here is today’s view:

And with that, I will sign off. I have a girl’s night out with a LIMO, no less! I am escaping the fire, at least temporarily.

Okay, having lunch in town, totally wireless, and Kimball informs me that they brought back Jim Smith, the Type II IC. Not surprising, considering what I have been reading and seeing. Also, Kimball has posted some new thermals, as of 1 pm this afternoon. See them at: Coast Communications

The drive to town was like driving through a war zone. First the Chalk Fire, which really is not impacting the highway too badly; then the rehab, reconstruction, desperate attempts to save the highway from gravity this winter. Lots of stoppages from Lucia north to Andrew Molera. Add 1/2 hour to your town run time, if coming from the south coast.

Remember, firing out operations for the next few days in an attempt to get a handle on this unpredictable dame!

Here are some photos I just took at 9 pm. I was hoping I could not see this, but alas, sleep will not come easily to me tonight, once again.

This first shot shows two different burn areas. It is one photograph, showing two different burn areas. The one on the right is up toward the top of Cone Peak on the west side. The second area, I am not sure about, but I would venture a guess that it is below Vincente Flats, somewhere, up above Limekiln. I have no idea whether this is a burn out operation, and will not be able to confirm until tomorrow.

This is a zoom of the fire on the west side of the top of Cone Peak. The exposure is 10 sec. so the flame really is bright.

This is an image of the lower fire with minimal zoom.

And here are a couple of the show I took at 11 pm tonight:

The one above is of the “glow” on the lower fire. You can also see the flames at the top of the ridge. Compare this one with the one Connie McCoy took, below, at the same time, looking UP canyon. The one below, is the fire at the top of Cone Peak.

I must say, with practice, I am learning how to operate that piece of sh** tripod, and I think my night photographs are improving. 😉

And here is a night shot by my friend and fellow photographer, Connie McCoy. Interestingly enough, last night, she was on the Limekiln Bridge taking photos UP canyon, while I was on my deck taking them DOWN canyon. Her shot shows the flames on the ridge, as does mine above.

THANKS, Connie!!

And this is what one wildlandfire ff said around 10 pm tonight: “Some talk of an IMT being ordered if conditions don’t moderate over the next day, or if contingency lines don’t hold. The original concern was brought forward by the LPF FFMO on Tuesday as fire conditions were changing significantly on the incident. Concerns were based upon reports from the Type 3 IC and his “team” and forwarded upwards to “the Line Officers” for decision. Several ground resources from SoCal fires reassigned to the Chalk Fire today, including an aerial armada including ten airtankers, multiple helitankers, helicopters, and aerial supervision. While the line officers waited, the fire made the ultimate decision, necessitating immediate fire management action.”

This report issued by the USFS at 11 pm on 10/16/08: “Tomorrow a firing operation may be initiated to strengthen hand line and retardant line that was established along the top of the fire from Cone Peak to Twin Peak and southwest from Twin Peak towards Highway 1. The firing operation will be completed in two phases. Because of the rugged terrain and to minimize risk to fire fighters, the first phase may be completed by helitorch. The second phase will be by crews hand firing from Twin Peak towards Highway 1. The firing operation may take several days to complete. There is no immediate threat to Limekiln, Lucia, Lopez Point or the Hermitage, however, residents should stay alert to the fire’s activity in their area. If evacuation steps are needed, the Monterey County Sheriff’s Department will issue the notice.”

One last thing before I turn into a pumpkin…Paula Martinez, ret USFS PIO announced a BAER meeting regarding the Chalk Fire for Monday, October 20th, at 4:30 pm at the Community Center at PUSD. See the announcements page for the flyer.

This morning, considerable smoke and plume in the Hare Canyon area. Here is the visual. I will try to obtain further information, as well as check on the Cove fire from yesterday, as soon as I am able, and will post here. We have winds going on down here.

≈

A couple photos of the Cove Fire yesterday, show it started in an area that had been back burned during the Basin Fire, which is a good thing. Also, the CHP is not reporting any road problems in that area. Here is a link to the Cove Fire photos:
Cove Fire Photos

From my vantage point, there appear to be two separate plumes. One, higher up on the Hare Canyon side, and one lower, possibly in the Mill Creek drainage. It is hard to tell on the second one. Here is a photo I just took. There also is at least one “spotter” or fire engline on top of Prewitt Ridge. Paula Martinez, ret. PIO is on her way over from King City to the PV Station. I expect a phone call when she arrives, and will post what she has to say.

And only a few minutes later, looks like a blow-up. Still occurring, so more photos might be forthcoming.

From my vantage point, this is spooky as hell. I just took another shot, that clearly shows two separate blow-ups, and possibly a third in between the other two. Winds are playing a significant factor here. Okay, it is much more clear to my naked eye about the two separate blow-ups, and possible third, but the photo follows.

10:35 am – I just spoke to Paula Martinez, ret. USFS PIO. She informs me that the fire is up at the top of Hare Canyon, making its way up toward Cone Peak. There are both helicopters and air tankers working. Also, while the tankers are here, they will be laying retardant down the contingency line from Cone Peak to Twitchell Flats. She is still on Ft. H-L making her way to the coast, and can see what appears to be two plumes, also, but feels they are not quite as distinct as I make them out to be. Could be. I can hear the tankers, although I have yet to really get a good look at them. The fire being higher up is good for tanker retardant drops.

Here is a map of the hotspot, courtesy of Kimball, aka coast communications, listed at the right in “blog roll.”

It only shows one hotspot, but it looked like two, to me. The second one may have not shown up, or flared after the satellite pass, or my eyes are not what they used to be, or all three!!

And here is a closer look at where it is in relationship to Cone Peak Rd. Technical difficulties on the blog upload end. Will post as soon as I can. Okay, not cooperating. Let’s just say it is quite close to Cone Peak Rd. on the west side. The good news seems to be that the winds are dying down. Lots of smoke, but no threat at this time.

Wlidlandfire reporting: “They are firing out and using the tankers to support their operation. Not out of control as far as we are hearing….” Also, a little over an hour ago: “New order for 6 Type 1 A/T’s. Hmmm…” A/T’s typically stand for air tankers.

1:30 pm – Here is the latest photo taken only moments ago. Lots of tankers working it today.

Chalk Peak has now disapeared behind the smoke. Same angle and point of view as others earlier.

2:30 pm – AND here is an hour later. My, oh my. what a sight.

4:00 pm – just got a call from Paula Martinez, ret. USFS, PIO. She is back in KC, having toured the area. She informs me that all the activity is going uphill in the Cone Peak area, away from the Hermitage. The fire has reached the Cone Peak contingency line, but ff feel relatively confident they can hold it there, as the line seems to be holding at this time. Tankers will continue to fly the rest of the day, and will probably be back tomorrow. I shared my thoughts that this fire will probably NOT be declared contained tomorrow, as originally anticipated, and she agreed that is likely. We won’t know until the 209 comes out tonight around 6 pm, after which inciweb should be updated. Camera battery recharging, and I am going to do the same. Will be back around 6 pm with more photos and info, if available. As of 1/2 hour ago, 2 more tankers in route.

Inciweb is reporting: an increase in acreage to 11.760; a decrease in containment to 94%; an increase in growth potential to “medium”; and pushed back the containment date to Monday, October 20, 2008.

I am hoping this is the last photograph I post this evening, and that I do NOT see any spectacular flames which I feel compelled to photograph. Also, one last note for the evening: See Skee’s comment re: USFS calling out two of the Cachagua Fire dozers this afternoon. *sigh*

Here are a thermal and google maps, provided to me by Kimball earlier this afternoon. Thanks, Jim!!

Click on the maps to see them larger. There are six new hot spots showing on the google map.

Many of you have noticed the smoke from the Chalk Fire, and some of us saw the flames last night. I spoke with Paula Martinez, ret. PIO, who informed me that the fire did in fact become active last night, and they are working on “knocking it down.” While it is still within the containment lines, it appears to have crossed Hare Canyon, but the good news (from Kimball scanner traffic) is that it only crossed in one spot, right across from a rock outcropping, so spotters are feeling optimistic. There are plans to open up the contingency lines from Twin Peaks to Twitchell Flat, and re-lay the hose lines down to Limekiln, if necessary. Helicopters will be flying it as soon as the smoke allows. Paula also told me that there are “pockets of green” in the Dempsey Flats area that are being monitored. Fire crews are standing by, if needed. Fresh troops are on their way, if needed, also.

I specifically asked if there were any evacuation warnings contemplated, and she said, “No.”

Inciweb will be updated once a day, in the evening, with the stats and summaries.

Now, I have a work-related fire to extinguish, so I am off to Cambria. I will check back in this evening.

Tonight’s smoking sunset from Plaskett Ridge Rd.

Inciweb will be reporting shortly after 6 pm each evening. Tonight’s summary is:

“A hot spot occured across Hare Creek last night as a result of rolling rocks and debris from the fire. The spot fire is reflected in the 100-acre increase in the fire’s acreage. Water dropping helicopters were delayed this morning due to smoke but were able to fly again when the smoke lifted this afternoon. Today crews worked to reopen and improve contingency lines established earlier on the Chalk Fire from Highway 1 to Twin Peak and from Highway 1 to Limekiln.

Evacuations: None.

Highway, Road and Area Closures: Highway-1 is open. Nacimiento-Fergusson Road remains closed, as well as South Coast Ridge Road from Nacimiento-Fergusson Rd to Willow Creek Road.

Weather: Predicted weather: Wind Speed 3-6 mph, Temperature 75 degrees, Wind Direction NE, Relative Humidity 12-19 percent.

Agencies: The incident is currently being managed by a U.S. Forest Service, Type-3, Incident Command Team.

Note: The Goleta Fire Information Center (805-961-5770) will provide a recorded message regarding general information about the fire and Inciweb will continue to be updated daily at 6:00pm, or sooner if there are significant changes in the fire’s behavior.”

Sand Dollar at smokey sunset.

10/13/08 PM – There is a flare-up, possibly up above Limekiln. From here, it looks to be north of N-F Rd. Kimball indicates it is higher than his elevation (2000′) and estimates it at 2700′. From my perspective at 3200′, I would put it a little lower than that, maybe 2500′, but what do I know. USFS and the CHP at Nacemiento are both aware of the flare-up, and state that it is within the containment lines. I can see flames with my unaided eye. I will check it out more thoroughly tomorrow, and report back anything I learn, but tonight is a night of peace and quiet, I hope.

Garnered from the scanner, Kimball writes: “Possibly 2 flareups, best guess.
1-Charlie (C16) is looking into Mill Creek at some fire visible from N-F some what of a drive below the summit (10 minutes) and a patrol is headed down in that area (Noc) to size it up. 45 Minute travel time…
2-Active fire about 50 acres no threat to anything at this time. (Might be the on north of N-F coming up from Hare or Limekiln.)”

Monterey hotshots report this as being in the Hare drainage. Sweet photos and reporting on the Chalk Fire from our own local hotshots. Great job, Tony!!
See their post here: Monterey Hotshots

10/14/08 – AM UPDATE: Lots of smoke. Helicopters to fight the flare-up have been delayed due to the smoke, and no wind to dissipate.

JADE FESTIVAL PHOTOS delayed, while we keep an eye on the flare-up. Life getting in the way of plans, as usual. 🙂