Month: May 2021

Wildfires near Pozo and/or No of Lake San Antonio

8:30 pm UPDATE: 800 acres, forward motion stopped. 50% contained and doing a firing operation tonight.

6:30 pm UPDATE: 500 Acres with a potential for 2000 this burn period. Orders for tomorrow: Day shift resources order of 6 Charlie strike teams, 4 dozers( probably the same ones from today with new operators) 2 strike teams of crews, 4 divisions

4:30 pm — Aircraft are flying it now. One report is 50 acres.

05/30/2021 13:19LPF-1234BEEWildfireQUEEN BEE SL.CRW1LPF DIV1LPF E315LPF4X4 E335LPF E338LPF4X4 PAT18LPF Q WT23LPFSUPT 1 Effective 5/30/2021 1438.1.535 17.196, -120 27.10230S R14E Sec 23.

There is another one called Sergeants north of Lake San Antonio, also a BEU fire:

05/30/2021 13:41LPF-1235NewWildfireacross from Mkneil truck tail.....35 17.376, -120 26.46030S R14E Sec 23.

There two fires may be merging. Here is probably the location:

Forest Closure Order Modified for MRD of the LPNF

Sorry I am late with this, but today I need to stock up on groceries for the weekend.

FOREST ORDER NO. 05-07-51-21-05
LOS PADRES NATIONAL FOREST
MONTEREY RANGER DISTRICT
DOLAN FIRE EMERGENCY ROAD, TRAIL, AND CAMPGROUND CLOSURE
Pursuant to 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(a) and (b), and to provide for public safety, the following acts are prohibited in the Monterey Ranger District within the Los Padres National Forest. This Order is effective from May 29, 2021, through July 28, 2021.

  1. Being on the following National Forest System Roads, as shown on the attached map:
    a. Forest Road 22S01 (Nacimiento-Fergusson Road) from its intersection with State Highway 1 in Section 26, Township 22 South, Range 4 East, Mount Diablo Base and Meridian (MDBM) for approximately 10.3 miles to the western entrance of Nacimiento Campground in the SE 1⁄4 of Section 15, Township 22 South, Range 5 East.
    b. Forest Road 20S05.4 (South Coast Ridge Road) from its intersection with Forest Road 22S01 (Nacimiento-Fergusson Road) in the NW 1⁄4 of Section 20, Township 22 South, Range 5 East for approximately 4.1 miles to its intersection with Forest Road 22S04 (Prewitt Ridge Road) in the SE 1⁄4 of Section 32, Township 22 South, Range 5 East.
    36 C.F.R. § 261.54(e).
  2. Operating a motor vehicle on the following National Forest System Roads, as shown on the attached map:
    a. Forest Road 20S05.3 (Central Coast Ridge Road / Cone Peak Road from its intersection with Forest Trail 3E10 (North Coast Ridge Trail) in the NW 1⁄4 of Section 1, Township 22 South, Range 4 East for approximately 6.4 miles to its intersection with Forest Road 22S01 (Nacimiento-Fergusson Road) in the NW 1⁄4 of Section 20, Township 22 South, Range 5 East, as shown on the attached map.
    b. Forest Road 19S09.3 (Arroyo Seco – Indians Road) from the gate in the SW 1⁄4 of Section 7, Township 21 South, Range 5 East near Memorial Park Campground for approximately 2.8 miles to the gate in the NW 1⁄4 of Section 1. Township 21 South, Range 4 East near Escondido Campground.
    c. Forest Road 19S09D (Escondido Campground Road) from its intersection with Forest Road 19S09.3 (Arroyo Seco – Indians Road) in the NW 1⁄4 of Section 1, Township 21 South, Range 4 East for approximately 0.2 mile to its ending terminus in the NE 1⁄4 of Section 2, Township 21 South, Range 4 East.
    36 C.F.R. § 261.54(a).
  3. Being on Forest Trail 4E17 (Kirk Creek Trail) from its intersection with State Highway 1 in Section 26, Township 22 South, Range 4 East for approximately 5.0 miles to its intersection with Forest Trail 4E13 (Stone Ridge Trail / Vicente Flat Trail) in the SW 1⁄4

of Section 12, Township 22 South, Range 4 East, as shown on the attached map. 36 C.F.R. § 261.55(a).

  1. Entering or using the following campgrounds:
    a. Chalk Peak Campground in the NW 1⁄4 of Section 33, Township 22 South, Range 5 East, as shown on the attached map.
    b. Escondido Campground in the NE 1⁄4 of Section 2, Township 21 South, Range 4 East, as shown on the attached map.
    36 CFR 261.58(b).
    Pursuant to 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(e), the following persons are exempt from this Order:
  2. Any Federal, State or Local Officer or member of an organized rescue or fire fighting force in the performance of an official duty.
  3. Persons with Forest Service Permit No. FS-7700-48 (Permit for Use of Roads, Trails, or Areas Restricted by Regulation or Order) specifically exempting them from this Order.
  4. Owners or lessees of private land within the boundaries of the National Forest, to the extent reasonably necessary to gain access to their land.
  5. Persons with a U.S. Forest Service contract, special use permit, or partnership agreement authorizing work on the closed roads, closed trails, or closed recreation sites, and their employees, sub-contractors, and agents, are exempt from the prohibitions listed above to the extent necessary to perform the authorized work.
  6. Persons hiking between Forest Trail 4E08 (Lost Valley Trail) and Forest Road 19S09.3 (Arroyo Seco – Indians Road) or vice-versa are permitted to travel on Forest Road 19S09D (Escondido Campground Road) through Escondido Campground but may not use the campground.
    These prohibitions are in addition to the general prohibitions in 36 C.F.R. Part 261, Subpart A.
    A violation of these prohibitions is punishable by a fine of not more than $5,000 for and individual or $10,000 for an organization or imprisonment for not more than six months or both. 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 18 U.S.C. §§ 3559, 3571 and 3581.
    Executed in Solvang, California this 28th day of May, 2021.
    ____________________ KEVIN B. ELLIOTT
    Forest Supervisor
    Los Padres National Forest

Zoom tonight to get your wildfire questions answered

Join Los Padres ForestWatch and special guest Dr. Chad Hanson, forest and fire ecologist with the John Muir Project of Earth Island Institute and author of the new book Smokescreen: Debunking Wildfire Myths to Save Our Forests and Our Climate (available for purchase at our online store), for an evening to discuss wildfire in California.
Tune in to hear Dr. Hanson—who has also authored dozens of peer-reviewed scientific articles over the past 15 years—talk about many of the biggest misconceptions surrounding forest fires in the West. This is a great chance to not only learn about the importance of different types of fire in California’s varied forest ecosystems but also have your burning questions answered by a scientist at the forefront of wildfire research.
This webinar is free and open to the public. Registration is required to receive a link to the live webinar.Smokescreen: Your Burning Wildfire Questions AnsweredThursday, May 277PMClick to Register ‌  ‌  ‌  ‌
Los Padres ForestWatch | 805.617.4610, PO Box 831, Santa Barbara, CA 93102 | Constant Contact Data NoticeSent by info@lpfw.org powered byTry email marketing for free today!

Bill to Reduce Wildfire Risk, Increase Prparedness

To continue on with this week’s “theme” as we head into Memorial Day weekend, I offer this from Congressman Panetta’s office:

Congressman Panetta, Senator Feinstein Introduce Bill to Reduce Wildfire Risk, Increase Preparedness

SALINAS, CA — Today, Congressman Jimmy Panetta (D-Carmel Valley) and Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) introduced the bicameral Wildfire Emergency Act to reduce catastrophic wildfires in the American West.  Congressman Panetta is joined by California Representatives John Garamendi, Salud Carbajal, Josh Harder, Jim Costa, Lou Correa and Mike Thompson in introducing the House version of the legislation.

In addition to Senator Feinstein, the Senate bill is cosponsored by Senator Alex Padilla (D-CA) and Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR).

“As wildfire seasons turn into wildfire years, we must take proactive measures now to protect our communities,” said Congressman Panetta.  “Our bicameral legislation will authorize much-needed funding to restore forests, support the creation of Prescribed Fire Centers, and spur workforce development programs that will train our next generation of forestry and fire management specialists.  I’m proud to introduce this legislation with Senator Feinstein to protect precious federal lands, like the Los Padres, from the continued threat of wildfires.”

“Western wildfires are becoming more frequent, more destructive and more deadly.  This is happening because higher temperatures caused by climate change are leading to increased drought, more insect and disease damage and changing weather patterns. We must do more to reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfire and prepare for the fires we know are ahead of us,” said Senator Feinstein.  “This bill uses a three-pronged approach: large-scale forest restoration projects, hardening critical infrastructure and increased training of key personnel.  This bill complements other priorities like stabilizing the federal wildland firefighting workforce and retrofitting air tankers.  We need a whole-of-government effort to battle catastrophic wildfire and address the growing challenge of climate change.  This bill moves us in that direction.”

“After decades of federal inaction and chronic underfunding, our bicameral legislation would finally provide the resources necessary to manage our National Forests proactively and sustainably.  Climate change has exposed the risks we’ve created through decades of inadequate forest management and failed fire suppression efforts.  This bill is a great step forward to making healthy, resilient National Forests to safeguard California and other western states from devastating wildfires.  I look forward to working with my colleagues from California’s Congressional delegation to pass our bill into law,” said Congressman John Garamendi.

“When every year is ‘the worst fire year on record,’ we have to do something real to address wildfires,” said Rep. Harder. “This bill will reduce the risk of massive blazes across our state, protect our infrastructure when fires do happen, and make sure we train the next generation of forestry professionals and fire managers.  It’s all hands on deck right now, and this is a huge step in the right direction.”

“Last year, wildfires burned 4.25 million acres of California – and we are potentially headed toward an even more destructive year with escalating drought conditions,” said Senator Padilla.  “The state of California is increasing its wildfire prevention and mitigation budget, but with over half of forests in the state on federal land, the federal government needs to increase its mitigation efforts.  That’s why I’m partnering with Senator Feinstein to bring more resources to save lives and protect communities.  By improving forest management, shoring up critical energy infrastructure and training more forest managers, we can limit the devastation caused by extreme wildfires.”

“The wildfires ripping across the West are not your grandfather’s wildfires.  They are burning bigger, hotter and made more dangerous by the climate crisis,” said Senator Wyden. “More needs to be done to protect communities in Oregon and across the West. With another wildfire season near, it’s time for the federal government to take big, bold action to keep communities safe from catastrophic wildfires.”

The Wildfire Emergency Act has three primary provisions:

  1. Forest restoration projects

The bill authorizes $250 million to fund a new U.S. Forest Service program to conduct large-scale forest restoration projects.  Currently, forest restoration projects are often narrowly focused, a few hundred to a few thousand acres.  By funding up to 20 projects that are at least 100,000 acres each, the Forest Service will be able to conduct landscape-scale projects, providing the ability to analyze and implement restoration activities on a far larger scale than in the past.

These forest restoration projects, designed to reduce the potential for wildfires, include removing dead and dying trees, using controlled burns to reduce fuel for larger fires, clearing out invasive and non-native species and creating habitat better suited for wildlife and native species.  The federal cost-share of each project is not to exceed 60 percent, which will require partnerships with state, local, water district and private funding sources.  The projects must be consistent with all environmental laws; protect large, older trees; reflect the best science on restoring forests; and take climate change into account when planning actions.

  1. Critical infrastructure and energy flexibility

One successful method of preventing large wildfires is temporarily cutting power during times of very high wind.  Unfortunately, the effects are often extremely disruptive.  The bill authorizes $100 million for a new grant program to protect critical infrastructure and allow for greater energy flexibility.

The grant program will help retrofit key structures like hospitals and police, fire and utility stations so they can function better without power.  Funds can also be used to expand the use of distributed energy systems, including microgrids, which will reduce the area that power shutoffs affect.

The bill also expands the Energy Department’s weatherization program so that homes can be retrofitted to make them more resilient to wildfire through the use of fire-resistant building materials and other methods.  Additionally, the bill will expedite the permitting process for installation of wildfire detection equipment, expand the use of satellite data to assist wildfire response and allow FEMA hazard mitigation funding to be used for the installation of fire-resistant wires and the undergrounding of wires.

  1. Research, training and disadvantaged communities

The bill establishes one or more Prescribed Fire Centers to coordinate research and training of foresters and forest managers in western states in the latest methods and innovations in controlled burns, a key strategy in reducing the likelihood of catastrophic fires and improving the health of forests.

A new workforce development program will be authorized to assist in developing a career-training pipeline for forestry and fire management workers and establish a training center to teach foresters and fire managers in the latest methods and innovations in practices to reduce the likelihood of catastrophic fires and improve the health of forests.

An additional $50 million is authorized to help disadvantaged communities plan and collaborate on forest restoration, wildland-urban interface and tribal projects as well as projects increasing equitable access to environmental education and volunteer opportunities.

The Emergency Wildfire Act is supported by the California Natural Resources Agency, California Farm Bureau, Association of California Water Agencies, Nature Conservancy, Sierra Club, Defenders of Wildlife, Wilderness Society, Rural County Representatives of California, Sierra Forest Legacy, American Forests, Central Sierra Environmental Resource Center, Yosemite Stanislaus Solutions, Idaho Conservation League, Placer County Water Agency, Rural Voices for Conservation Coalition, Forest Stewards Guild, Watershed Research and Training Center, Salmon Valley Stewardship, Sustainable Northwest, Western Environmental Law Center, Blue Forest Conservation, Quantified Ventures, Sempra Energy, Edison International and PG&E Corporation.

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Firewise Bootcamp

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Dear Friends and Local Business Community Members:

In August 2020, the Carmel Fire forced the very first evacuation of Cachagua, Carmel Valley Village and much of the Valley. The fire destroyed 73 structures, including the homes of three Cachagua volunteer firefighters.

In an effort to address this growing threat, local volunteers have formed the Robles del Rio Firewise Group (RFG), an officially recognized community of ‘Firewise, USA’. RFG is an organization that seeks to reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfire, provides educational programs and leads fire-fuel mitigation activities. To date, RFG has led fuel reduction events in its meadows, on neighborhood trails, private property and has been awarded grants totaling $45,000 by PG&E to perform road-side clearing to improve accessibility for emergency vehicles and public evacuations.     

Now RFG is partnering with Monterey County Regional Fire District (MCRFD) to host a “Defensible Space Bootcamp” on Saturday, June 12, to educate the community on strategies to protect their homes from wildfire. This in-person event will feature presentations, a demonstration, and an online auction. We are also having a Prize Drawing: A complete retrofit of all air vents (attic, soffit, and foundation) on a home of up to 3,000 sq. ft. Retail value: $5,000 – Prize drawing tickets are a part of the registration package – no purchase necessary). 

●      Robles Firewise Group’s fire-fuel mitigation & public education efforts

●      MCRFD Benevolence Fund, which financially assists residents in crisis

●      Cachagua Volunteer Fire Dept. to help purchase needed equipment

Our deadline for commitment of in-kind donations is Friday, June 4th. Deadline for delivery or pick up of donations is June 7th.

With gratitude and hope, 

Stacey Wood          

Board President

Robles Firewise Group

REGISTER TO ATTEND THE EVENT by going to our website: 

http://www.Roblesfirewise.com

Fire Restrictions in LPNF go into effect today

Los Padres National Forest officials raise fire restrictions

SOLVANG, Calif.— In response to the increasing potential for a wildland fire start, Los Padres National Forest officials announced that fire restrictions will be raised throughout the Forest effective today, May 25. These restrictions will affect the use of campfires, stoves, smoking materials and internal combustion engines, and will remain in effect until the end of fire season in late autumn. 

Effective May 25, the following restrictions will be in effect:

·         No open fires, campfires or charcoal fires will be permitted outside of developed recreation sites or designated Campfire Use Sites, even with a valid California Campfire Permit. Lanterns and portable stoves using gas, jellied petroleum or pressurized liquid fuel will be permitted, but only with a valid California Campfire Permit, which are available free-of-charge on the Forest website. Forest visitors must clear all flammable material for five feet in all directions from their camp stove, have a shovel available, and ensure that a responsible person attends the stove at all times during use. 

·         Smoking is prohibited, except within an enclosed vehicle, building, or a designated Campfire Use Site, or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable material. 

·         Internal combustion engines may be operated only on roads or designated trails. This restriction is in effect year-round. Please make sure your engine is tuned, operating properly, and has an approved spark arrester. 

·         Fireworks – even the “safe and sane” variety – are not permitted at any time or in any location within the Forest.

·         Recreational target shooting remains prohibited within Los Padres National Forest except for the two areas under special use permit, i.e., Winchester Canyon Gun Club and the Ojai Valley Gun Club.

For a list of Developed Recreation Sites and Campfire Use Sites in Los Padres National Forest, or further information regarding Fire-Safe Camping, visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/main/lpnf/home or contact the U.S. Forest Service district office nearest you.

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USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender.

Ignoring the signs

Hopefully the guy will blog about his great adventure. He drove past several road closed signs and drove around multiple barriers only to end up 100’ away from Hwy 1…and stuck. I am told the tow truck refused him.

Sunday night:

Then here he is Monday morning, as seen by a local on the way to work.

And then here he is in the afternoon trying to dig his way out. (Note him crouching by the passenger tire)

Some Beemer drivers just have all the fun!

Update. He finally got pulled out by AAA late in the day, after he made a spectacle of himself. He laid on his horn for 20 minutes until the host at Kirk Creek went over and found him honking and yelling “help” out his window, per the campground host. Host took him over to use their phone to call AAA and gave him oranges and water. He has some serious karma to work out.