Category: 2009 Fire Season

Bryson Fire, 8/27/09

4:00 pm update – just went and took a look. While quite a bit of smoke, no plumes, so looks like it is pretty much under control. Here is a wide angle:
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And here is the zoom of the smoke:
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1:30 pm update – the smoke is picking up quite a bit. Will probably go out back and take a look-see, and maybe photos.

11:30 am updates – no new reports, no new plumes, looks like this one is handled, unless the winds get it moving. If no further updates, then assume all is going well.

7:00 am update –
* 2,754 acres, 60% contained
* Current weather: 50 Degrees, 50% RH, winds light and variable
* Evacuations: 2 Ranches (4 – 8 people affected)
* Some concerns due to predicted Red Flag conditions. High temps, low RH and gusty NE winds are predicted from 1000-2200 today

I got an early morning shot, with the smoke just barely visible through the trees in my front yard. This was taken at just after 6:30 am. I will go up to the back to get a better shot at some point today.
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6:30 am – no plumes, yet, but I can see the smoke near the ground.

Last night around 11 pm, this was reported:

2015 acres
15% contained
2 outbuildings confirmed destroyed
Evacuations to Lockwood Community Center
Estimated containment: 1800 hours 8/27
Firing operations along Pleyto-Cemetery Road put in good control lines. Planned firing operations along Interlake Road to the north on 8/27.

If a plume develops, you can bet I will take a photograph or dozen, and post a few here.

Bryson Fire

7:00 pm – Yet another fire, over by Lake San Antonio. I have photos, which I will upload. According to my Lockwood source, it started across from the Post Office in Lockwood and just went. It is burning in the bottom of the lake bed on the north end of Lake San Antonio. Lots of resources on the way. Cal Fire says it’s setting up an evacuation site a the Lockwood school, also known as San Antonio Elementary. Red Cross will be on scene at 6:00 tonight to help out families forced to evacuate their homes. Last update puts the fire at 1500 acres.

The smoke is laying down pretty good. This is what it looked like around 6 pm from my place.
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Here is a similar shot:
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I have a good friend in Lockwood, who is keeping an eye on this for me. He will call if there is a flare-up tonight, otherwise, I will update in the morning. Work deadlines have been really rough the last couple of weeks, and I am just barely upright. In the morning, people.

Brush Fire near Toro Park

4:30 pm – nothing further, so looks like they got it.

3:30 pm -CHP reported about 5 minutes ago, a brush fire on 68 near Toro Park. Given all the houses across the street, and the importance of this corridor, I will predict they will be all over this puppy and have it well taken care of this afternoon. Not too hot today, winds calm. Perfect for early control. For those of you not familiar with the area, Highway 68 (corrected from 69, thanks, Ken) connects the Monterey Penninsula with the Salinas Valley. Ranch land still covers the southern side of the 2-lane (mostly) highway, with houses on the north side. Toro Park is on the south side.

And I was just writing a blog entry about how peaceful this Sunday afternoon had been. Well, it still is, here.

Weekend Weather & yay-hoo updates

9:30 pm, and all is quiet here on Top o’ the World. Before sunset, I went and checked the back gate. No campers. No illegal fires. I went and checked the front gate. Same. Now, I go outside and check Prewitt Ridge — lots of lights, but no campfires. All quiet here on the western front. *sigh* Thank you, Goddess, Buddha, and all the other powers that be.

As you all know, there is a 20% chance of thunder showers through Sunday. Frankly, I’d rather deal with Mother Nature than with stupidity, but chances of fire are every where, until the first real rains of the season. It is just part of the life of living in the wilderness.

This morning’s NOAA discussion includes: “ISOLATED TO
SCATTERED THUNDERSTORMS WITH SHOWERS EXPECTED LATE MORNING IN
SOUTHEAST PORTION OF FORECAST AREA DOWN AROUND SOUTHERN MONTEREY
AND SAN BENITO COUNTIES WITH SLOW PROGRESSION TO DIABLO RANGE
ADJACENT TO SAN JOSE BY LATE AFTERNOON AND LINGERING INTO THE
EVENING HOURS.”

Okay, so it is late morning, and nothing yet. Of course, this specifically says, “southeast” so hopefully won’t affect the coast, particularly the lightning.

Last night’s Rave party was calm, as far as I could see and hear. No trouble. I can look out with my binoculars and see a HUGE number of vehicles, all along the top of the ridge, back toward the east of the ridge, down below on the south side, in the actual camp area, and at least one vehicle, way below the camp, south east from it, where I’ve never seen vehicles before.

I did not go out to check on the Cayucas yay-hoos (think accent here, not misspelling) last night, as I had my hands full with Prewitt.

I woke to the sounds of gunfires and dogs barking in response, this morning. Lots of shots means either a couple of bad shots, or a bunch of hunters. I’m betting on the latter. At some point today I will probably patrol some of the area, but it is a work day for me.

Kate goes ballistic – campfire @ front gate & Rave Party at Prewitt

Got a couple stories to tell, one with photos. It is a story about life in this wilderness I call home, and it is not easy. It is a story of campfires when the temperatures are in the 90’s next to highly ignitable vegetation at a time when the news has carried stories of wildfires up and down the state. Two stories — one day. The day starts with one, detours, and ends where it began.

I got a call this afternoon from Geri.”Hey, Kate. There’s a Rave Party at Prewitt Camp this weekend. Can you see Prewitt Camp?”

“Oh, yeah, Geri. It’s straight across from me. I’ll keep an eye on it tonight for campfires. I can see them for miles up here.”

“Cool. Thanks.”

I went to Cambria to send something for work, and was enjoying the coolness of the coast. I stopped to see Lynne at the campground. It was full, she was stressed, and I knew Plaskett and other spots around here would be stressed. I got my camera out.

All up the road there were trucks. Seemed to me mostly hunters, but I took photos of all the license numbers, just in case. I love that I can do that. I used to write them down, but sometimes I can be dyslexic with numbers. Plus, cameras date and time stamp them.

I am almost home, long past the “No Trespassing” signs, coming around a corner, when I see a truck parked in the turn-out just before my gate. That’s my property. Oh, boy, I think, I’ve got to have a talk with this yay-hoos. You know how many signs they drove by?? No less than eight. EIGHT.

Then, I see it. FIRE!! They had a campfire!! OMG!! I screeched in there, jumped out of the car, as only a one-legged 60 year-old crone can, WITH camera, and started simultaneously yelling and snapping photos. The fire is behind that blue chair.
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“What the HELL do you think you are doing?? Put that thing OUT!! NOW!!”

“Hey, lady, calm down. Don’t get upset.”

“Don’t get upset? Have you lost your fucking minds? There are NO campfires in the forest right now. PUT IT OUT!! NOW!!”

“Okay, okay, just calm down, will you??”

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“Calm down?? I am not going to calm down until you put that OUT!! There are signs posted NO CAMPFIRES!”

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“Yeah, well, I have selective seeing. We will put it out.”

“Yes, you will and I won’t leave until you do.”
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“We did a good job of creating the fire ring. We were careful, see?”

“You see those manzanita bushes? They are full of flammable oil.”

“Manzanita?? Isn’t that Madrone?”

“No. It is manzanita. And see that Ponderosa Pine right next to you? That goes up like a roman candle.” The shaved head giggles. They’ve been drinking, and smoking pot, it seems.

“They have campfires in the campground, right? Why not up here?”

Duh … how many reasons do you want?

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“Now that we are putting it out, can we still camp here?”

“No.”

“Well, can we come to your house?”

“No, go down past the ‘No Trespassing’ signs and camp where you want. No fires, though. Do you have a propane camp stove? Those are allowed.”

“Is that one of those things you get at Big 5?” they said, giggling.

“Then I guess it is a cold dinner for you tonight.”

Now, on to the Prewitt Rave Party….

Shortly after I got home, I heard the sound of the drums. They sounded as if they were right below me, but I already knew about the Rave Party, so I figured it was them, and the echos reached across the canyon to sound so close. The dogs went OFF! Trespassers — noisy trespassers, they seemed to say. I let them bark, I had groceries to carry in, lights to turn on, and things to do, one of which was to call the head Law Enforcement guy for the LPNF and let him know about the Cayucos yay-hoos.

After my story, he told me about the Rave Party.

“Yeah, I heard about that.” I said. “I will be keeping an eye out, that’s for sure.”

“Good,” he said. “Over 200 people are expected, and the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office has been notified. They’ve been told no fires, so if you see one, call it in.”

“You want me to call 911?”

“Yes, please.”

The drums stopped within 10 minutes or so, but my 2d male dog would not shut up. He heard them, even if I could not. I watched, all throughout the preparation of this post, as more and more headlights showed themselves coming out on the ridge. At 10:00 pm, they were still coming. I look for campfires and see none. I see lights. I use my binoculars, if there is any question, and I know that I will watch until I get sleepy.

The USFS Fire Station in Hunter-Liggett is on alert, just in case, the MCSO is on alert, the scanners are all aware of the potential for a dangerous situation.

Should I go and check on the Cayucas yay-hoos before I go to bed? Is this even in my job description? I guess it is, if I live up here at the Top ‘o the World.

That’s it for tonight, ladies and gentlemen. I must work this weekend, but I will be checking on our temporary inhabitants for the next couple of days. Boy, I sure cannot wait for Labor Day. Hopefully, things will quiet down.

Smoke Smells ??

I got a call this morning indicating a number of people in various areas down here on the South Coast were smelling smoke, most of whom are under the inversion layer. So, I investigated.

From up here, above the fog, there is SOME smoke drift from the north, I’m guessing still from the Lockheed Fire, which has grown, but is over 75% contained. The inversion layer appears to be quite high, but I cannot tell how thick it is. I can only guess that the smoke is “stuck” under the inversion layer. I see no plumes, no indication of any fresh fires.

LPNF WildCAD reported a wildfire yesterday morning at Jolon Rd. and MPRC (not sure what that is), that has been confirmed, but it was controlled yesterday, and is providing little additional smoke today.

I will keep a watchful eye, although a Farmer’s Market may beckon me …

Brookdale Lodge Fire

Last night, a fire broke out at the historical Brookdale Lodge in the San Lorenzo Valley of the Santa Cruz Mtns. Fortunately, crews were still on hand for the Lockheed Fire. It did not destroy the Lodge or the Restaurant, but was confined to the apts. in the back where staff lived. I love that place, although it has seen better days. I’ve always described her as a grand old dame. I have stayed there a number of times, always enjoying the locals bar and the restaurant. In the article below, it says a new owner took over in 2007. I have not been there in the last few years, so perhaps his intention to restore her has brought back some of her former glory. The history of the place is fascinating, and the creek running through the Bavarian-like Restaurant is sweet.

The article, including photographs, in the Santa Cruz Sentinel can be found here: Brookdale Lodge Fire Article

Here is just one of the Sentinel photographs:
Brookdale Lodge Fire

You might wonder why I am reporting on this. I consider SLO and SC my neighbors. I have a love of old historical buildings, like the Brookdale Lodge. I love that place. That’s three reasons.

Monday, Monday …

Both the La Brea and the Lockheed Fires turned the corner Saturday night, and they are well on their way to mop-up and de-mobilization, thankfully. Lockheed is 6,843 acres – 65% containment; La Brea is 86,811 acres – 64% containment. We’ve got some terrific firefighting teams. No houses lost in either fire. 2 outbuildings damaged in the Lockheed, and one old, unused Ranger Station in the La Brea. THANK YOU FIREFIGHTERS AND ALL THEIR SUPPORT TEAMS, AT HOME AND ON THE LINE!!

Now, on to other pursuits this week!

And a final note for this Monday — don’t forget the 18th Annual Big Sur Jade Festival is coming up October 9, 10, 11th. No post cards are being sent out this year, as we have grown as much as we can handle!

Lockheed-Santa Cruz Fire & La Brea Fire, 8/15/09

Cause of La Brea fire revealed. It was a cooking fire at an illegal marijuana grow site. See here for the full article: USFS Press Release

Last update of the evening, unless something untoward happens. First, here is a video of the La Brea Fire, set to music, about 8 mins. long: click here

And now, I leave you with one of Stan Russell’s signature sunset photos taken this evening from Scott Creek and Highway One:

photo

6:00 pm – Lockheed: CalFire reports:
Acres Burned: 6,843 acres
Containment 6,843 acres – 40% containment
Structures Destroyed: 2 outbuildings damaged

La Brea: inciweb reports:

Current Situation
Total Personnel 1,980
Size 75,486 acres
Percent Contained 25%

And lest we forget, 30 years ago today, in an area quite near to the currently burning La Brea fire, 4 firefighters lost their lives on the Spanish Ranch Fire on August 15, 1979. They were: Captain Ed Marty, and firefighters Scott Cox, Ron Lorant and Steve Manley. While lessons learned over the years have increased the safety of the firefighters on the line, let us never forget how truly dangerous firefighting is.

9:30 am – Lockheed Fire Incident Command reports: 6,800 acres, 30% containment.

8:00 am – inciweb is reporting the La Brea fire exceeds 75K acres, still 10% containment. CalFire still lists Lockheed at 5K+ with 15% containment.
Lockheed GeoMac from this morning’s 3 am pass:
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Here’s the GeoMac for La Brea:
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7:30 am – Another day, and still fires, even more of them. (The Yuba Fire started yesterday afternoon.) The two on the Central Coast are the only two I can blog about. Lockheed was reported at 5K+ acres and 15% contained as of 10pm last night, per CalFire. The Governor scheduled to tour the area today. La Brea, again as of last night was estimated at over 69K acres with 10% containment. Evacuation Orders in effect for both fires. Winds and heat will be factors for both fires today. As updates arrive, I will post here.

USFS photo of the flames at La Brea Fire:
flames, la brea

Helicopter in action:
La Brea Fire Helicopter

Lockheed (Santa Cruz) & La Brea Fires, 8/14/09

And unless something drastic happens tonight, I will leave you with this incredibly gorgeous photograph by Stan Russell of Santa Cruz. This was taken at 7:50 pm from the Surfer’s Museum at Steamer Lane. Thank you, Stan!!

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7:30 pm- Fire updates: La Brea: “From South Ops fire was at 69,131 acres with 10% containment as of 17:45PST” Inciweb confirms the acreage. Another report indicates it is “cranking.” Lockheed: KRON reports they got a handle on the “blow out” in scott creek and last chance rd area. Still lots of smoke, good live feed on KRON’s website.

There are several other fires: Yuba, Corral, and Coffin which are affecting resources, but not the Central Coast, so I am not reporting on them here.

5:00 pm – Lockheed update – “Wind and fire activity picking up in the Scott Creek drainage, per Cal Fire having a “blow out” sending lots of resource to hold this last operational periods work. SC County covered in smoke.”

4:00 pm – A state of emergency has been declared for the Lockheed Fire, by the Lt. Governor of California this afternoon. La Brea continues to rage. It has grown 20K acres in the last 24 hours, according to one source.

3:00 pm – Thankfully, the smoke from the Lockheed Fire is drifting out to sea, and conditions to the north are improving considerably. Unfortunately, the smoke from the La Brea to the southeast is impacting us down here on the South Coast, as least visually. I no longer “smell” the smoke.

This is a photo of the Martin Mars over Lake San Antonio taken yesterday:
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Only 5 Martin Mars ships were completed toward the end of WWII. Named the Marianas Mars, Philippine Mars, Marshall Mars, Caroline Mars, and a second Hawaii Mars, the 5 production Mars aircraft entered service ferrying cargo to Hawaii and the Pacific Islands.

Three of the original five tankers either crashed, or were destroyed in a Typhoon, while docked. The two surviving tankers are based at Sproat Lake near Port Alberni. The Philippine Mars is undergoing “extensive maintenance and renovation” and will not be ready to fly again until 2010. As of August 13th 2009, the Hawaii Mars was in service fighting the La Brea fires on the Central Coast of California. This is the one known as Tanker 223.

Here is a classic fire shot of the La Brea Fire:

Picture of the La Brea Fire sent by John Snow (ORC Fire). on Twitpic by John Snow (ORC Fire)

Noon update – La Brea Fire. All hell has broken loose, if this GeoMac is accurate. Look at all the long range spotting:
cluster fuck-la brea
One of my most knowledgeable sources says the Los Alamos fires have been contained, and is therefore suspicious that the GeoMac is 4-8 hours behind realtime. Still, it is of real concern on this monster.

Here is a fabulous panoramic of the smoke from Lockheed drifting down hanging over our coast, Carmel Valley, and Los Padres National Forest. Photo by Kelly O’Brien, reporter for KUSP and resident of Jamesburg/Cachagua:

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11:00 am – Lockheed update:

This thermal map shows where it jumped the Empire Grade:
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Lockheed Fire Incident Information:
Last Updated: August 14, 2009 10:55 am
Date/Time Started: August 12, 2009 7:16 pm
Administrative Unit: CAL FIRE San Mateo – Santa Cruz Unit
County: Santa Cruz County
Location: Bonny Doon area – Smith Drainage
Acres Burned: 4,170 acres
Containment 4,170 acres – 5% containment
Structures Destroyed: 2 outbuildings damaged
Threatened: More than 250 residence are currently threatened in the Swanton and Bonny Doon communities.
Evacuations: Mandatory evacuations for Bonny Doon and Swanton affecting 2,000-2,400 people.
Cause: Under Investigation
Cooperating Agencies: CAL FIRE, Santa Cruz County Sherriff
Total Fire Personnel: 676
Engines: 120
Fire crews: 16
Dozers: 15
Water tenders: 3
Costs to date: $ 750,000
Major Incident Command Team: CAL FIRE ICT #9
Conditions: Significant resources have been ordered for this incident. Problems and concerns include weather, steep terrain and limited access to the fire perimeter. Strong gusty onshore winds are predicted today, and could push the fire further to the east toward the community of Bonny Doon.
An evacuation center has been established at the Vintage Church at Hwy 1 and Mission. A large animal evacuation center has been set up at the Watsonville fairgrounds and a small animal evacuation center has been established at 7th & Rodriguez.
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8:00 am – La Brea update: While most of the information on inciweb is from yesterday, they did provide an update on personnel and acreage. Impressive gains last night:

Current Situation
Total Personnel 1,859
Size 67,092 acres
Percent Contained 10%
Labbrea perimeter map
(“borrowed” from firefighterblogger’s twitter pics)

Having difficult finding any “official” updates on the Lockheed Fire this morning. Will post more when I know more.
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6:30 am – reports are not in yet, as a smoky dawn just greeted me, but one report on twitter during the night indicates they “lost” the Horse Canyon line on La Brea. On the Lockheed Fire, I have seen little new information so far this morning. Will continue to track both during the day.