So, today, Wednesday, June 23, 2010, I reached the highway, and around 2:30 pm, I see two USFS trucks heading south with lights flashing. Okay, they passed Plaskett, so it is not near my house. I head north for a meeting with the Big Sur Ladies (more tomorrow). A few miles south of Esalen, I see another USFS headed south. Okay. I’ve got my laptop with me, and heading for Fernwood, I’ll get online then, and find out what is happening.
I log in. There is a vehicle fire, 2 miles north of the County LIne. Okay. No reason to turn around and head home. Around 3:30, I find out it has turned into a vegetation fire at Salmon Creek. Okay, still no reason to turn around and go home. By 4:00 pm, the fire is reported under control. Okay, now I can relax and enjoy my afternoon and evening with the Ladies of the Sur. Whew.
From now until first rains, all my plans are subject to cancellation due to fire conditions. That is the life I lead during fire season.
Two years ago I was offered an official press pass. I did not think it was necessary. This year, I am going to obtain one. I don’t want to have a hassle if I need to cover a fire in my area. I do my damnedest to stay out of the way, and will continue to do so, but sometimes, citizen reporters, like bigsurkate, are the ones most available and accessible to local breaking news, particularly fires.
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Hey , Kate ,,, get yourself a yellow hard hat , and yellow reflective vest ,,,, then you can go anywhere, anytime ,,,, Paula found that out , too !
That press pass is solid gold.
YES! You need and deserve a press pass. Your reporting is factual and un-biased (mostly) and an incredible resource for people. If you need "references" or validation to obtain the pass, I am sure we, your avid readers and the people who depend on your reporting, can provide that.