Tuesday, Missy got her staples out and vet says she is doing well. She has some fluid build up, which is not unusual, but will keep an eye on it. Might take a while to go away, but otherwise she is good. I am to keep her heavy exercise to a minimum, which is not a problem as she has slowed down considerably in her old age. Next, Lady’s regular annual. Mine is next week.

Time to celebrate our first responders and break out those check books and credit cards and make a donation! Even if you can’t attend, you can donate here: https://www.bigsurfire.org/donate

Our local MCOE and CHP often cannot respond and count on the mutual assistance of our volunteers. (Happened Monday at Bixby Bridge with a fire next to a vehicle on the side of the road and no one could respond for three hours except our Mid-Coast Fire Brigade! Donate here for the Palo Colorado Crew: https://www.midcoastfirebrigade.org/)

Obviously, this makes our fire danger even that much more critical; No dragging chains; No hot exhaust on dry grass; No lit cigarettes outside of enclosed areas; No campfires; No fireworks;; And lastly, No STUPIDITY — be fire conscious.

From Kim Marie Pozar, a photo from the 1930’s she thinks.

FIRE WEATHER WATCH*
… for Fire Weather Zone 516 Southern Salinas Valley/Arroyo Seco and Lake San Antonio, Fire Weather Zone 517 Santa Lucia Mountains and Los Padres National Forest, and Fire Weather Zone 518 Mountains of San Benito County And Interior Monterey County including Pinnacles National Park.

*In effect from 9AM Friday Morning through Sunday night 11:59pm.

*Gusty winds and low humidity for the Santa Lucia Mountains, San Benito County, and Southern Salinas Valley.

*Northwest 10 to 15 mph with gusts up to 30 mph.

*Relative Humidity as low as 5 percent.

*Temperatures up to 114°

*Critical fire weather conditions. Increased chance for fire starts in dry, open grasses. Outdoor burning and especially fireworks are not recommended.

A Fire Weather Watch means that critical fire weather conditions are forecast to occur. Listen for later forecasts and possible Red Flag Warnings.

SOLVANG, Calif. – Los Padres National Forest officials are reminding Fourth of July visitors that the possession or use of fireworks—including the “safe and sane” variety—is always prohibited in the Forest. This year-round prohibition will be strictly enforced throughout the holiday week.

A violation of the law could result in a $5,000 fine and/or six months in jail. In addition, anyone causing a wildfire is potentially liable for the full cost of suppressing the fire. 

The Forest asks that all visitors take the appropriate precautions to prevent accidental wildfires:

·         Under current fire restrictions, campfires are only permitted in developed campgrounds and must always be attended by a responsible person.

·         Persons with a valid California Campfire Permit can use portable stoves and lanterns using gas, jellied petroleum or pressurized liquid fuel outside of designated Campfire Use Sites. California Campfire Permits are available for free download from the Ready For Wildfire website. You must clear all flammable material for 10 feet in all directions from your camp stove, have a shovel and water available nearby, and ensure that a responsible person always attends the stove when it is in use.

• Smoking is prohibited except within an enclosed vehicle, building, or developed campground. 

·         Internal or external combustion engines require properly installed, functional spark arresters. This requirement is in effect year-round.

·         Avoid parking vehicles on grass, as hot engines can ignite dry vegetation.

·         Contact the Ranger Station nearest your destination for the latest conditions.

Under a current Forest Order, campfires are prohibited outside of developed campgrounds and can result in a fine of $5,000 and/or six months in jail. Due to the alarming rise in illegal campfires associated with dispersed camping across national forests in California, visitors are encouraged to report any signs of dispersed campfires to the nearest Forest Service Officer or Ranger Station. To report a fire or other emergency, call 911.

For additional information, please visit the Forest website at www.fs.usda.gov/lpnf.