10:00 pm update:
I get a local SLO station (actually several) and they are giving breaking news update throughout the evening, and I expect a full-blown report on the 11 o’clock news. Last report was as below. 3 homes have burned, 300-400 evacuations in place, a large air resource request is in for tomorrow, beginning at 7 am. My girlfriends are coming in from other states for a reunion of Big Sur ladies tomorrow, so other than a quick check-in tomorrow am, I will be off duty until early evening, unless something actually breaks in Big Sur. For additional info on the Parkhill Fire, a great source is SLOStringer’s FB page. If you like him, you will get updates on FB. He has some great photos and video. He’s the “bigsurkate” of SLO Co. 😉
7:30 pm –
From wildlandfire:
“In-between 1,000-1,200 acres 0% containment, forward spread has slowed as weather changes. Evacs still in place. Has not crossed Park Hill. Hoping to get it tied in tonight.”
A report from someone in the area …
“Not sure what to say… this fire is serious. Approaching or over 1000 acres as of 6:00. I’m leaving the fire now and will post more information picture and videos soon. Mandatory evacuations are in place in the area and a lot of people are refusing tieing up precious resources. Help the FFs help you. Tons more equipment incoming. Should have more info up by 7:30PM then heading back out. Multiple structures have been lost, I watched 2 or 3 burn to the ground myself. Animals everywhere. Shelter at Margarita Elementary. Large animal rescue on scene.
I will not be replying to messages or comments for the next foreseeable future.”
7:30 pm, 1000 acres. Another photo from Twitter, this one taken in Oceano
photo taken from Twitter, taken in Templeton
7:00 pm – So far today, first a structure fire in Atascadero (California Manor), now controlled, then a vegetation fire in Parkhill, east of Santa Margarita, currently underway, and a structure fire in Paso Robles just broke out. Structure fully involved and quite a column being put up, visible from the airport. Keep an eye out.
The Parkhill fire is currently at 500 acres and 10% contained. It has 6 tankers and a heavy helio working it, as well as numerous ground crews. I’m just gathering all the details. It started this afternoon, but I was busy painting.
Oh, and as reported by the Herald, a car over the edge yesterday at Soberanes. 67 year-old woman was conscience when they got to her.
The original estimates for this fire was 1k acres. This is a testament to the fuel moisture levels statewide. It’s dry. Early to be this dry.
A former Big Sur resident and her daughter, a former PV student, lost their mobile home in the Park Hill fire. Robyn Babcock and daughter Sierra were featured on KSBY news last night. They lost everything except their dog and the few things that they managed to grab before they were forced to flee the flames to save their own lives. They hope to rebuild but had no fire insurance. I am hoping to find out what I can do to help them and will be willing to inform others. This is the second time that the two have lost a home due to fire. The first time was when they were living on Gorda mountain and had to evacuate to the school where we were conducting a Mass Care Disaster Shelter training with the Carmel Red Cross. The school accommodated the Gorda Mountain evacuees that night and provided post fire assistance. I imagine that this time the SLO chapter of the Red Cross will be involved in providing assistance to victims of the Park Hill fire.
Suzi.after you talk to her, write something up to post on bigsurkate to see if we can help.
bigsurkate
Hi Suzie;
In case you are not aware, the mobile home lost in the Parkhill fire did not belong to Robyn Babcock and her daughter Sierra. They were renting it and did not obtain renters insurance as most responsible renters do.
It is a true shame Robyn lost her belongings.
If you want to inform others to avoid such trauma and responsibly obtain assistance if and when they do, I suggest you inform them that if they are renting, they should get renter’s insurance.