Categories: 2013 Fire Season

What kind of idiot …

… Leaves an illegal campfire in the middle of the wilderness unattended? These surfer dudes and/or dudettes. Campfires have been prohibited for WEEKS!

On my way home Thursday night June 20, I found an unattended fire with flames about a foot high in an undeveloped campsite. Tents, chairs, ice chests, truck, surfboards, skateboards, campfire, but no people. I was fit to be tied. Pulled in, honked, got out, yelled, no one. I went into their ice chest, grabbed handfuls of ice and dumped it on the fire. Found a 16 oz water bottle, dumped that on the fire, found a baking sheet, used that as a makeshift shovel, and covered the fire with dirt. Flames out, but still smoking. Got to cell phone signal, called USFS PV Station. (Closed, but I have a home phone number) told them, and they promised to go up and make sure it was completely out. The campers had a big stack of firewood back behind a log, hidden from view. I grabbed piece after piece and threw it over the edge. Only got about a quarter of it. I felt like throwing it at their tent to be honest. Also felt like using the skateboards as shovels, rather than the baking sheet. I do not suffer fools gladly.

This is what I saw

This is a Volkswagon truck, which I had never heard of, at least that is what the tailgate said

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

  • Honestly kate, I think you should have completely dismantled their encampment, flattened their tires and left a note saying the authorities are on the way - make sure you have your checkbook ready and your hands out ready to be handcuffed...

  • Bring on the chlorine for the gene pool. Folks like these deserve to get tossed off the cliffs.

  • There are some really mindless people out there, and we not only have to be mindful of ourselves but for them as well. Thanks, Kate.

  • Sorry Kate, where are these idiots going to get their training ? I remember that college prof "Greenway" was his name, that was supposed to teach wilderness skills, do you remember what his group did on the Coast Ridge Rd , above Partington Rdge ?

    So where is the photo of Wayne and what is the news on his search ?

    • Oh, the photo is up, and Wayne was located, thankfully uninjured. Both posted as an update to the original post re him being missing.

      bigsurkate, on a mountain top in Big Sur

Share
Published by
bigsurkate

Recent Posts

Big Sur River Run

Subject: Important Update — Big Sur River Run and Park Closure Dear Big Sur River…

7 hours ago

Winter 2026-2027, El Niño, 9/29

From my favorite climate scientist, Dr. Daniel Swain, at weatherwest.com “There has been quite a…

1 day ago

Photo Sunday – Plaskett Aftermath, 9/27 (photos taken over the course of the last few days)

PLEASE; THE FOREST IS CLOSED. DO NOT ENTER. The land, the critters, and the people…

3 days ago

Special Big Sur Multi-Agency Advisory Council Meeting on Monday, 9/28

Big Sur Multi-Agency Advisory Council Meeting SPECIAL MEETING Monday, September 28, 2026 10:00 a.m. Big…

6 days ago

Fall Equinox

1 week ago

This website uses cookies.