Tonight, at the Henry Miller Memorial Library at 8 pm, the author of the just released book about the five monks who stayed at Tassajara to save the retreat from the Basin Fire, “Fire Monks” will be present for a reading and autographs of the book which was just released yesterday. Also present will be David Zimmerman for a slide presentation of some of the photos taken of this amazing and heart-warming event. He, as the director of the center, and four others stayed behind, without any professional firefighting back-up and saved the center from the devastating effects of this savage fire. I have had a link here for 3 years, to the right of those photos (but haven’t checked it in quite a while to see if it is still valid) – there are amazing, as were the challenges these five faced.

Just a word of warning for those affected by the Basin Fire: It is very moving account and I found myself reliving some of my own experiences of both the Basin and Chalk Fires.

Warning for the rest of you: It is a page-turner. Don’t pick it up unless you have the afternoon free. I read my copy last night and this morning. Wouldn’t have gone to sleep at all, but I was pretty tired and had a busy day today!

Here is a link to the book: Fire Monks

bigsurkate

Appointed appellate counsel for indigent defendants (retired.) I have lived in Big Sur since 1984, first on the north coast, and on the South Coast since 1989.

View Comments

  • Thanks for the info on the presentation and about the book. Your link to their photos still works.

  • Hi Kate! Thanks for your kind words about the book. David and I had a fantastic time at the Henry Miller Library event and want to thank the kindred-spirit Big Sur community for your warmth. --Colleen Morton Busch

Share
Published by
bigsurkate

Recent Posts

Plaskett Fire, Day 9, 9/3 Morning Update

29,120 acres and 1% contained The Plaskett Fire remains far more volatile than the Timber…

10 hours ago

From Andrew our amazing Post Master:

Good evening :) With the good news of the road opening tomorrow - most of…

22 hours ago

Plaskett Fire, Day 8, 9/2, Afternoon Update

2026 Plaskett Fire Incident Update Los Padres National Forest Wednesday, September 2, 2026 Fire Information:805-257-9891…

1 day ago

Evacuation Orders/Warning downgrades for Timber Fire, 9/2

Effective Wednesday, September 2, at 7:00 PM, the Monterey County Sheriff's Office plans to downgrade several…

1 day ago

Keith Vandervere Analysis, Timber (Day 26) & Plaskett (Day 27), 9/2

Wednesday (09/02/2026) Update: The perimeter of the Timber Fire has continued to cool over the…

1 day ago

Infrared Maps of the Plaskett Fire, 9/1 @ 11:00 pm & Timber Fire, 9/2 @ 1:45 am

Plaskett, CA Wildfire Overview - 02 September 2026 c. 0600 UTC Weather Conditions - The…

1 day ago

This website uses cookies.