Month: September 2011

Figueroa Fire

Date: September 4, 2011 Los Padres National Forest
6755 Hollister Ave. #150
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Goleta, CA 93117
CONTACT: Andrew Madsen (805) 961-5759 http://www.fs.usda.gov/lpnf
Joe Pasinato (805) 961-5745

Los Padres Fire Crews Work to Extinguish Figueroa Fire

GOLETA, CA…Los Padres firefighters responded to reports of a wildfire on the Santa Lucia Ranger District shortly after 1:00 pm on September 3. When the first crews arrived on scene, initial estimates put the fire at 100 acres burning just north of the Sisquoc River between Horse Canyon and Tunnel Canyon near the historic Tunnel Ranch property.

The fire, called the Figueroa Fire, is burning in mostly steep, narrow canyons at elevations ranging from 1,000 feet to 2,500 feet. The vegetation in this area is abundant due to significant winter rainfall, and consist primarily of grass and light sage with heavier growth at the lower elevations closer to the river. There is limited access for fire engines and other equipment due to the narrow, single-land dirt roads in that area.

The Santa Maria Air Tanker Base was immediately activated, and a total of four retardant-dropping air tankers made multiple turnarounds out of Santa Maria. Together with four water-dropping helicopters, the fire’s rate of spread was limited to just under 700 acres by day’s end.

Los Padres firefighters were assisted by Santa Barbara County Fire, Vandenberg Air Force Base, the Chumash Fire Department, and CalFire.

Crews are working today to complete control lines, improve existing fire lines, protect values at risk, and preplan contingency operations. Temperatures in the area of the fire are expected to reach highs in the mid-90s with RH levels between 10 and 15 percent. Winds of 3 to 6 miles per hour are anticipated.

California Inter-Agency Management Team 7 is managing suppression efforts under the leadership of Incident Commander Jim Smith. A total of 325 personnel are assigned to the fire, which is currently estimated at 30 percent containment. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

For more information, including daily updates, please visit http://www.inciweb.org/incident/2586/.
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Also, I’m watching a fire in the Tehachipi area called the canyon fire, caused by a small plane crash. It looks to have the potential to go extended, as it has destroyed one structure, and burned through the retardant lines.

Soda Fire in SLO Co

SUNDAY UPDATE: It looks as if this one (Soda Fire) is under control as some resources are being sent home this morning. I also have been following the Figueroa Fire in the LPNF, Santa Barbara area, and while a bit bigger than the Soda Fire, it too is heading toward containment. “6 AM report 692 acres 30% containment. temp today 95 with low humidity.” Fire Camp for the Figueroa Fire is at the Rodeo Grounds in Santa Maria.

7:00 pm – containment listed at 10% at 6 pm on the incident page. Our guys from PV Station were sent over on this one, also.

6:00 pm – fire at 500 acres with no containment. IC tried to order up T 74 and T 75 which just returned from down south to base at Paso, but resource declined. Probably turn around time. Two more strike teams ordered for engines and 2 more strike team hand crews.

Fire started about an hour ago (3 pm) out on 58 originally reported to be near Santa Margarita Lake, but changed to Soda Lake Rd. A reader who has been watching the fire places it near California Valley. It is already up to 200 acres. Lots of resources, tankers, two strike teams, air attack, dozers, and all. Started as a structure fire and spread to the grass. I am keeping an eye on it. Can’t see smoke from here, at this point, but might be able to see it from the top of my property.It is on both sides of highway 58, and within a mile of a 500KW transmission line, heading into the Temblor Mountain Range.

Jade Teaches Patience

With permission, I am reproducing a column written for SLO Coast Journal, an online magazine, as a guest column for my blog. It can be found online here: SLO Coast Journal

“Jade – Be a Gem, Practice Patience

by Michele Oksen

So many beautiful landscapes, seascapes, people, foods, and fun activities make our SLO Coast a great place to live or visit. And if you’re in the market for acquiring some kind of treasure from this area you’re in luck because we have them everywhere. Even something as seemingly ordinary as a stone from one of our beaches can be a cherished prize.

Big Sur Jade Festival

Take jade for example. Walk along the shoreline and you might just find some on your own, if you know what to look for. Or you could be certain your collection is jade if you just take a drive up Highway One and stroll around the 20th annual Big Sur Jade Festival. At this event—just 35 miles north of Hearst Castle at the Pacific Valley School—you will discover jade at its finest. Mark your calendars because this year the popular celebration is the weekend of October 7th through 9th. At the gathering you’ll also enjoy live music, works of art, crafts, and food.

Some of the high quality jade that has been harvested from the central coast of California has been as small as a pebble or, some say, as large as a boulder. As our local jade awaits rock hounds on the shore or submerged beneath the waves, it is repeatedly rubbed, pressured, and provoked by the daily actions of its environment. Back and forth, tossed and turned by the treacherous tides, durable jade becomes polished and refined. It’s not a process that you might call painless or easy. Evolving into a priceless treasure takes friction, endurance, and patience. And as you may know from experience, patience isn’t called a virtue for nothing.

Thankfully, much like jade, humans are endowed with the strength to endure the daily grind with dignity and grace. That being said, it may not be something that comes without practice. To achieve self-discipline you need to exercise and develop it. Willpower alone may not always be enough. The wisdom to know your limits and the willingness to avoid circumstances that annoy you, may aid in triumph over tirades.

When you’re tired, stressed, or angry, self-control is at its weakest. The more you indulge in impulsive, impatient behavior, the less stamina you have to sustain patience. The secret is to find something to do while you tolerate the wait. The confidence and commitment it takes to be rewarded with bright and shiny results also takes creativity and maturity.

If you are one of those folks—like yours truly—who is a bit lacking in the patience department, you might consider keeping a jade stone in your pocket or wearing jade jewelry that you can grip when the going gets rough. This can serve to remind you of the value of patience. Next time you’re challenged by a situation that feels abrasive you can always touch your jade.

While in the midst of yet another opportunity to learn patience thank your lucky stars because you understand that you are becoming the accomplished and charming person you are meant to be. When you perceive the world through eyes of acceptance you have learned to live harmoniously with the forces of life.

As with jade, patience is precious.”

Remember, this year we celebrate 20 years of holding the Big Sur Jade Festival. Mark your calendars and join us on October 7th, 8th, and 9th.