Yesterday was a rollercoaster ride — and not entirely in a good way. The fire was below my house:
(Photo by JC Corley)
Several people who went or were already up at the end of Los Burros said my house was gone. I couldn’t believe that, but I probably went into some state of shock. I had a house built with fire resistant Hardie Plank siding, I had a metal roof, I had coated my deck with fire retardant in the stain and with the help of a wonderful young man (who was also a fire fighter) had done a lot of clearance over the years. Ralph had helped me get a 3000 gal water tank up to my place in the back of his pick up truck. Soren got it set up with a hydrant and got it full — dedicated just for fire fighting. Not even connected up to house. I even had the special $50 a pop Vulcan vents on the house for the holes under the rafters. I had put Hardie Plank under the eaves on the side most threatened. . I had done everything I could to prepare for this day. I refused to believe it was gone. So, I started texting and got a hold of the District Ranger who contacted the Division Chief, who confirmed my house was fine. And JC went and took pics this morning.
(Photo by JC)
But last night was a different story. This is Plaskett Ridge last night. My house is off frame on the left.
(Photo by Embree Mayer)
And from Keith Vandervere’s wonderful daily summary on facebook:
BTW my place is not pink. Either Fin was joshing with me, or the chief was joshing with him.
Oh my God…I was heartbroken reading your post (although happy beyond words to learn that your house was okay). Prayers from 2500 miles away for you, everyone impacted by both the Timber and Plaskett fires, and all fighting the fires.
Wow! All your good deeds came back to you in the form of a little pink house!
Just read your report, so glad your house is ok for now. With all the pre planning you have done couldn’t imagine how it could have been gone.
You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Richar
Oh Kate, I’m sorry your home has been in the line of fire but so relieved that it has been spared. Very nice of JC to take a pic for you. The lovely pink Keith referred to must be the fire retardant.
My prayers are with you. Keep safe!
thank goodness!! phew
Keeping positive thoughts that your house is okay.
Pink is in this season, apparently.
Wow, what a roller coaster just reading your post! Hope all the fire resistant work you did pays off. Stay safe l.
I am do sorry you are having to deal with such ups and downs. Horrible for the whole community of Big Sur. I wish strength for all of you.
Okay, that made me cry! I’m so impressed with how caring your community is. So grateful.
I am sorry for this stressful time. I hope you are surrounded by community. Sending lots of love. Incredible work you have done on ur house. Good job. Thanks always u r an icon for us all.
Holy smokes (pun intended)!!
Well done on your fire-hardening efforts, Kate, and thank you, amazing firefighters!
So curious about the fate of the homes and cabins well below on Plaskett Ridge Rd (above Jade Cove)
What about the other house in your immediate area?
Stay safe Kate
They probably dropped a load of fire retardant on your property, hence the pink.
Written like a thriller. I think you have a book, Kate.
Blessings to you and the others. Continued luck amidst really tough circumstances.
Kinnick’s house and JC house, a mile away are fine. Brendon’s unfinished cabin was not.
So far, they are all fine
I’m glad I’m not the only one who cried a little reading this. Even though I’m 120 miles away this week, all day & evening yesterday I was wishing I could bring you a casserole or pot of soup to wherever you’re safely staying. Sending every positive thought to you, Kate.
so very happy to hear this. Miracles (often thru hard work) do happen! Do relize from our Pfeiffer experience everything will be scorched earth for a long time… but a lot less curious tourists!
Whew! Fingers crossed and prayers sent to everyone impacted by these fires.
Kate, you are a God (Goddess) send for the entire community of Big Sur. Thank you for your amazing reporting for these fires as well as all the other events that have impacted Big Sur over the many years. I always go to your blog first to see what the latest updates are. Prayers being sent to all, Stay safe.
I’m glad you are safe and your house has been spared. I lived at Lucia during the Rat Creek fire and know that level of fear.
That is so kind. Lifted my spirits when I am just lying down for a well deserved nap. I have my back up guy, wonderful Lucas, monitoring the fire news and handling the Timbrt Fire posts for a few days. I will continue with the Plaskett. I know it too well.
Thianks Betsy. Glad your sister grabbed her historical research and got out.