While I was at the meeting, Gordon McKendry had three photos sent to me that were taken from the Hermitage early this morning, around 3:30 am and later this afternoon. THANKS GORDON, and Jon Michael C who sent them on. These are truly spectacular!! Unfortunately, the one with the cross silhouetted against the fire, came through as “null.” Whatever that means, but the two below are still outstanding!!

Oh, and Gordon wants everyone to know, the fire was NOT as close as it looks in these photographs.

Chapel Fire

Driveway Burn

And as I drove by to check on the Hermitage after the meeting, I found this at the bottom of the highway. I could see, but not get good photographs, of the fire trucks on the road up to the Hermitage.

And here is the view of the firing operation from On Top of the World:

And finally, tonight’s update.

 

Fire Statistics   Acres burned: 15,359 Miles of fireline to build: 7.5  Date started: 9/27/08 (evening) Percent contained: 80% Expected containment: 11/01/2008    Firefighter injuries to date: 17 Structures threatened: 49    Structures destroyed:  0 Suppression cost to date: $18.8M

Firefighting Resources   Crews: 6 Engines: 28 Helicopters: 12    Air tankers:  10  Dozers: 5 Total personnel assigned: 633

Current Status: The firing operation along the pre-existing dozer line just east of the Camaldoli Hermitage, continued today as planned and was very successful. As of 6:00pm this evening, the firing was down to about 200 feet from Highway 1. In the Limekiln State Park area, the fire continues to back down slowly.

In the northern peak of the fire, permission was requested and granted by the USDA Forest Service Regional Office to allow a dozer line to be constructed in the wilderness. This request was made in order to tie in the upper portion,   where the firing operation began, continuing in a northeast direction along a ridge ahead of the fire and tying into the Gamboa Trail. The dozers successfully completed the line at 6:30 this evening.

Tonight crews will continue to hold and support the firing operations. Structure protection continues in Limeklin State Park and the Hermitage. Firefighter and public safety continue to be the highest priority.

That’s it for tonight, folks. I’m going to have dinner, enjoy a glass of wine, and watch a movie. Have a good evening!

MEETING TONIGHT: 4:30 pm at Community Center. USFS, BSVFB, and others for update and management issues relating to the Chalk Fire. NO LONGER a BAER meeting. I need to have coffee and start generator before I can post more for today’s update. I’ll be back….

There isn’t much to see or photograph today. It is VERY smoky. Perhaps it will blow out later and I can see what is going on. I will post updates as soon as they become available. Also, see new thermals uploaded by Coast Communications.

Inciweb finally updated around 9:45 am.  Acreage is only up to 14,865, but listen to what else USFS is reporting:

“Fire Behavior  

Moderate fire behavior observed over night. With continued creeping through fine fuels. Heat concentrated from the Twin Peak area.

Significant Events 

Continue Firing and Holding Operation along Hermitage Road. Prepare Dozer line for possible Firing Operation from Div Y/Z break West to Morning Glory. Monitor fire movement to the North of Cone peak in order to protect line from Cone Peak to Twin Peak.

Planed Actions 

Continue Firing and Holding Operation along Hermitage Road. Prepare Dozer line for possible Firing Operation from Div Y/Z break West to Morning Glory. Monitor fire movement to the North of Cone peak in order to protect line from Cone Peak to Twin Peak.”

Sorry, folks. I can hear tankers, but I cannot see anything due to smoke. Even Prewitt Ridge is hidden from my view this morning.

11:30 am. Just called the new hotline number, and spoke w/ Helen Target (?) USFS, PIO. They are very optimistic about the firing out operation and how it is going. The operation is NOT going on from the Hermitage Rd., as reported on inciweb, but continues from the dozer line I was watching all afternoon, yesterday. They are re-opening the dozer line on up to Morning Glory as a contingency, but at this time, they don’t think they will need to use it. NO new evacuation watches or warnings have been issued since Friday. Sounds like it might be a good day on the Chalk Fire, even though I am sitting up here blind!

Gordon reports from the Hermitage, that the southern end of the dozer line does hook up with the Hermitage Road, and that it has been very exciting there today. He hopes to be able to send me some photos to post. I will post them when received, taking into account this afternoon’s meeting.

I am no fire expert, by any means, but what I witnessed today, the burn-out operation north east of the Hermitage really looked good today. I watched and photographed all afternoon, and posted a few of them to show what was going on today. Tonight, I post one final photograph of what the firing out operation looks like, and still lookin’ really good. The Hermitage is looking very well protected. As I said, I am not a fire expert, but I sure would like an “honorary” nomex jacket with bigsurkate on it. Anyone know where I could get one?

Tonight, the USFS is reporting the acreage has gone up, the containment has gone down, slightly, and as I posted earlier today, containment is not expected until 11/1/08 now. Here are the stats:

  “Chalk Fire Update – Oct. 19
– 8:00pm

  Fire Statistics
  Acres burned: 14,666
  Miles of fireline to build: 7.5
  Date started: 9/27/08 (evening)
  Percent contained: 79%
  Expected containment: 11/01/2008
  Firefighter injuries to date: 17
  Structures threatened: 49
  Structures destroyed:  0
  Suppression cost to date: $18.2M

  Firefighting Resources
  Crews: 8
  Engines: 25
  Helicopters: 11
  Air tankers:  10
  Dozers: 4
  Total personnel assigned: 601

Summary: Current Status: The firing operation which started about noon today was successful.  Crews started from the dozer line approximately 2 miles north of the New Camaldoli Hermitage and burned south along the dozer line. As of this afternoon the firing had almost reached the Hermitage.  Crews will continue with the firing operation into this evening as long as there is still opportunity to burn.  Crews supported by helicopters and air tankers worked to hold the ridge NW of Twin Peak parallel with the Carizzo Trail. In the Limekiln State Park area, the fire is backing down slowly.

Tonight crews will continue to hold and support the firing operations. Structure protection continues in Limeklin State Park and the Hermitage. Cool temperatures and good relative humidity with light winds should result in minimal perimeter growth.”

First light visual indicates the thick marine layer present last night is still with us, which hopefully kept the fire quiet on the Western Front last night. No night shots last night, as the fire was burning on the north side of Twin Peak and Cone Peak. Of course, on the eastern front it has just about burned itself into the Indians, and on the northern flank, the Basin Fire. Morning thermals indicate no new hot spots. *sigh of relief*

Here is this morning’s “fire” shot. You can see the smoke plume coming from behind Twin Peak on the north-west side. I have also marked the approximate location of the Hermitage. I cannot really see it through the haze, even with my binoculars, and without my usual visual clues from Ruth’s house, I cannot be certain. You can also see the heavy dozer line above it and to the right. I have also marked Twin Peak, and Limekiln, which is tucked behind that ridge, and thus not visible from here.

Gordon from the Hermitage reports below in the comment section. I am hoping he will be able to continue to report on conditions there. As I wrote him, thousands are praying for the people who remained behind, and the physical well-being of the place itself. I have direct line-of-sight, as Michael will attest, having witnessed it first hand, and will be watching throughout the day.

Inciweb is reporting no increase in acreage, and no increase in containment. A portion of the report states:

“Significant Events  

Fire established in the West fork of Lime Kiln Drainage.

Planed Actions 

Prepare for Firing Operation from reopened Dozer line for the protection of Lime Kiln State Park and the Hermitage Monastery. Protect structures North of Lime Kiln and Hermitage. Monitor fire conditions North of Cone peak in order to protect line from Cone Peak to Twin Peak.”

There is currently a burn out operation going on behind that back ridge north east of the Hermitage. 

Here is the start of the burn out operation, from my perspective. The burn out operation is the small skinny plume in the center of the photograph. I am still trying to put Gordon’s shots in a format my programs will recognize:

From inciweb: “Chalk Fire Update @11:15am

Crews may begin firing operations this afternoon along an improved section of dozer line east of the Hermitage. Burning operations will begin 2 miles north of the Hermitage and continue to the south along the dozer line.” 

REVISED CONTAINMENT DATE: 11/1/08. Jeez…

I am busy watching the runs from the firing out operations. I have taken LOTS of photos, but I am too busy watching and photographing. The firing out operation seems to be going well, making its way down the inside the dozer line, making its way down into the canyon. Lots to see, lots to report, and I am multitasking beyond my abilities, considering the margaritas with the “ex.”

Gordon, from the Hermitage sent me photos taken around 1:30 pm from his perspective. While I can view them, I cannot seem to convert them from plaintext to jpg so that I can upload them. 

Here is a close-up of the burn operation. I wish I could get better shots, and I may have one or more. I have just been shooting all afternoon, and have to find which are best. Here’s one to start. So far, it looks like a great operation. Can’t wait for the night shots, unless it gets down under the ridge.

 

Here is a slightly better one:

Okay, maybe not better, just another view of the flames.

And here is another view of the line of fire going down from the dozer line. Lookin’ good!

Tonight’s inciweb report indicates the fire grew quite a bit, despite the 1/4 inch of rain, last night. It is now up to 13,410 acres. Also, containment has been downgraded to 80%. In 3 days, we’ve managed to go from 97% contained down to 80%. Chalk — the ever ready fire!! Movement is expected to continue in the Hare, Limekiln, and Gamboa Canyons for the next 72 hours. Most recent (8 pm) update indicates 6.9 miles of line to build. (Huh? Not 7?) Remember for days now, miles of line to build has been n/a.

Driving down the coast late this afternoon, I witnessed an odd phenomena. The coast was shrouded in fog. Out in the ocean, the sparkles showed me a small opening in the fog, from which the sparkles came.

To me, the interesting or more concerning bit of smoke is there, coming out of the fog. My guess is that is the smoke I photographed from Limekiln Bridge.

Another interesting phenomena tonight. This was a reflection of the already-set sun in the sky. The only thing I can think of which might reflect back like this is moisture of some sort.

If I can get a decent night photograph, I will post it this evening. If not, reporting will continue tomorrow.

MONDAY’S meeting w/ the USFS has been changed from a BAER report to a Fire update and fire management issues meeting. Please pass the word all thru the South Coast. I won’t be sending a mass mailing, so please email everyone on your list who might be interested. 4:30 pm at the Community Center at PUSD.

I will be heading back down the coast this afternoon, but what I have gathered so far, is that the fire has gained a few hundred acres; the containment is down to 93%; personnel and equipment on the fire has increased, and like I suspected, the hand line the Monterey Hot Shots put in was over run by the fire, and the burn out operation could not happen.

Connie McCoy, fellow photographer, was there last night, and she sent me the following photographs:

This was taken from Jade Cove around 5 pm looking north at the fire.

This is Stone Ridge from the Harlan Ranch.

This was taken from Limekiln Bridge.

Thank you so much, Connie for sharing these with us!

Did I mention I am REALLY tired of fire, this fire in particular? Three weeks, now.

Apparently written last night:
Posted by Margie Whitnah
From the Hermitage:
“The fire is just at the top of the ridge next to ours and if the fire retardant etc works, then we will be safe. If it doesn’t work, we are in big trouble. Most monks are evacuated and I must leave in the morning. There is a small window of opportunity that we may be back here mid week. I would love to hear from you if you wish, say a prayer for us, for our firefighters, and for our safety and saving of our hermitage. … I may be gone from here tomorrow morning. All dates or arangements I have made for the next week must be abandoned due to the uncertainty of the fire situation. We are being evacuated to the same place as before, St. Clair’s Retreat Center in Soquel/Santa Cruz.”

Posted on inciweb at approximately noon: “The Chalk Fire was active last evening in an area between Twin Peak and Cone Peak, even though approximately inch of rain fell along the coast. Light rain continued this morning in some areas of the fire. Firing operations which were planned for today, are now being re-evaluated. The fire has continued to creep towards the outer edge of Lime Kiln State Park in a mixture of grass and some heavier fuels. Pre-existing dozer lines above the New Camaldoli Hermitage are being re-opened and the area is being prepared for a possible firing operation if it should be needed.”

It rained?? Not here in town. Nada.

12:00 pm

Los Padres National Forest

CHALK FIRE

Monterey County Sheriff’s Department has issued an EVACUATION WARNING
in effect for the Limekiln north and the New Camaldoli Hermitage. This
warning is given for affected areas where there is imminent threat to
life and property. Persons who receive this notice should evacuate in
accordance with the direction of the deputies on scene.

And

An EVACUATION WATCH has been issued by the Monterey County Sheriff’s
Department for Lucia north to Lopez Point. This order is for areas
where a threat to life and property exists. Persons issued this notice
are not required to evacuate but should be prepared to evacuate should
an Evacuation Warning be issued.

Significant resources (handcrews, engines and dozers) are engaged in
structure preparations.

The fire was very active last night and spread north towards Twin Peak
into the west fork of Limekiln Creek testing contingency lines. .

Air tankers and helicopters making retardants and water drops to reduce
fire intensity and slow the fire’s spread and crews are working direct
where possible. Fire fighter and public safety remains the highest
priority.

This was taken from the Limekiln Bridge, about 1/2 hour before the evacuation orders were issued. It is quite different being on the ground, rather than up on my perch, where I have a much better over all view.

These guys and gals were parked on the turn out right across from Twitchell Flats at around 11:30 am.

NOTE from Kate: Well, I was trying to figure out what all those speeding MCSO cars I saw going south around noon, south of Esalen were doing. Now I know! Red lights, sirens, the whole thing. What I suspect is that the fire crossed that last ditch line the Monterey Hotshots spent several days earlier this week putting in, as a contingency. Either that, or it has approached the line and they are worried about it not holding.

As my friend firefighterblog
has reminded me, Big Sur has been consumed by fire this season. Frankly, I did not remember that we had a small fire on April 17, 2008 in the Dolan Ridge area that closed Highway One, for a time. Then, of course, on June 8, 2008, the Indians Fire started. While it was burning, the Gallery/Basin fire started on June 21, 2008. It was not contained until July 27, 2008. Ah … and then a welcomed respite for two months to the day, until the Chalk Fire started. Tomorrow will be three weeks. I thought it was over before the Jade Festival, but Mother Nature was simply taking a break so we could put on our show. The day after the Jade Festival, it started acting up again, and yesterday, it came unhinged, as the photos I posted yesterday and last night demonstrate.

Here is today’s view:

And with that, I will sign off. I have a girl’s night out with a LIMO, no less! I am escaping the fire, at least temporarily.

Okay, having lunch in town, totally wireless, and Kimball informs me that they brought back Jim Smith, the Type II IC. Not surprising, considering what I have been reading and seeing. Also, Kimball has posted some new thermals, as of 1 pm this afternoon. See them at: Coast Communications

The drive to town was like driving through a war zone. First the Chalk Fire, which really is not impacting the highway too badly; then the rehab, reconstruction, desperate attempts to save the highway from gravity this winter. Lots of stoppages from Lucia north to Andrew Molera. Add 1/2 hour to your town run time, if coming from the south coast.

Remember, firing out operations for the next few days in an attempt to get a handle on this unpredictable dame!

Here are some photos I just took at 9 pm. I was hoping I could not see this, but alas, sleep will not come easily to me tonight, once again.

This first shot shows two different burn areas. It is one photograph, showing two different burn areas. The one on the right is up toward the top of Cone Peak on the west side. The second area, I am not sure about, but I would venture a guess that it is below Vincente Flats, somewhere, up above Limekiln. I have no idea whether this is a burn out operation, and will not be able to confirm until tomorrow.

This is a zoom of the fire on the west side of the top of Cone Peak. The exposure is 10 sec. so the flame really is bright.

This is an image of the lower fire with minimal zoom.

And here are a couple of the show I took at 11 pm tonight:

The one above is of the “glow” on the lower fire. You can also see the flames at the top of the ridge. Compare this one with the one Connie McCoy took, below, at the same time, looking UP canyon. The one below, is the fire at the top of Cone Peak.

I must say, with practice, I am learning how to operate that piece of sh** tripod, and I think my night photographs are improving. 😉

And here is a night shot by my friend and fellow photographer, Connie McCoy. Interestingly enough, last night, she was on the Limekiln Bridge taking photos UP canyon, while I was on my deck taking them DOWN canyon. Her shot shows the flames on the ridge, as does mine above.

THANKS, Connie!!

And this is what one wildlandfire ff said around 10 pm tonight: “Some talk of an IMT being ordered if conditions don’t moderate over the next day, or if contingency lines don’t hold. The original concern was brought forward by the LPF FFMO on Tuesday as fire conditions were changing significantly on the incident. Concerns were based upon reports from the Type 3 IC and his “team” and forwarded upwards to “the Line Officers” for decision. Several ground resources from SoCal fires reassigned to the Chalk Fire today, including an aerial armada including ten airtankers, multiple helitankers, helicopters, and aerial supervision. While the line officers waited, the fire made the ultimate decision, necessitating immediate fire management action.”

This report issued by the USFS at 11 pm on 10/16/08: “Tomorrow a firing operation may be initiated to strengthen hand line and retardant line that was established along the top of the fire from Cone Peak to Twin Peak and southwest from Twin Peak towards Highway 1. The firing operation will be completed in two phases. Because of the rugged terrain and to minimize risk to fire fighters, the first phase may be completed by helitorch. The second phase will be by crews hand firing from Twin Peak towards Highway 1. The firing operation may take several days to complete. There is no immediate threat to Limekiln, Lucia, Lopez Point or the Hermitage, however, residents should stay alert to the fire’s activity in their area. If evacuation steps are needed, the Monterey County Sheriff’s Department will issue the notice.”

One last thing before I turn into a pumpkin…Paula Martinez, ret USFS PIO announced a BAER meeting regarding the Chalk Fire for Monday, October 20th, at 4:30 pm at the Community Center at PUSD. See the announcements page for the flyer.

This morning, considerable smoke and plume in the Hare Canyon area. Here is the visual. I will try to obtain further information, as well as check on the Cove fire from yesterday, as soon as I am able, and will post here. We have winds going on down here.

≈

A couple photos of the Cove Fire yesterday, show it started in an area that had been back burned during the Basin Fire, which is a good thing. Also, the CHP is not reporting any road problems in that area. Here is a link to the Cove Fire photos:
Cove Fire Photos

From my vantage point, there appear to be two separate plumes. One, higher up on the Hare Canyon side, and one lower, possibly in the Mill Creek drainage. It is hard to tell on the second one. Here is a photo I just took. There also is at least one “spotter” or fire engline on top of Prewitt Ridge. Paula Martinez, ret. PIO is on her way over from King City to the PV Station. I expect a phone call when she arrives, and will post what she has to say.

And only a few minutes later, looks like a blow-up. Still occurring, so more photos might be forthcoming.

From my vantage point, this is spooky as hell. I just took another shot, that clearly shows two separate blow-ups, and possibly a third in between the other two. Winds are playing a significant factor here. Okay, it is much more clear to my naked eye about the two separate blow-ups, and possible third, but the photo follows.

10:35 am – I just spoke to Paula Martinez, ret. USFS PIO. She informs me that the fire is up at the top of Hare Canyon, making its way up toward Cone Peak. There are both helicopters and air tankers working. Also, while the tankers are here, they will be laying retardant down the contingency line from Cone Peak to Twitchell Flats. She is still on Ft. H-L making her way to the coast, and can see what appears to be two plumes, also, but feels they are not quite as distinct as I make them out to be. Could be. I can hear the tankers, although I have yet to really get a good look at them. The fire being higher up is good for tanker retardant drops.

Here is a map of the hotspot, courtesy of Kimball, aka coast communications, listed at the right in “blog roll.”

It only shows one hotspot, but it looked like two, to me. The second one may have not shown up, or flared after the satellite pass, or my eyes are not what they used to be, or all three!!

And here is a closer look at where it is in relationship to Cone Peak Rd. Technical difficulties on the blog upload end. Will post as soon as I can. Okay, not cooperating. Let’s just say it is quite close to Cone Peak Rd. on the west side. The good news seems to be that the winds are dying down. Lots of smoke, but no threat at this time.

Wlidlandfire reporting: “They are firing out and using the tankers to support their operation. Not out of control as far as we are hearing….” Also, a little over an hour ago: “New order for 6 Type 1 A/T’s. Hmmm…” A/T’s typically stand for air tankers.

1:30 pm – Here is the latest photo taken only moments ago. Lots of tankers working it today.

Chalk Peak has now disapeared behind the smoke. Same angle and point of view as others earlier.

2:30 pm – AND here is an hour later. My, oh my. what a sight.

4:00 pm – just got a call from Paula Martinez, ret. USFS, PIO. She is back in KC, having toured the area. She informs me that all the activity is going uphill in the Cone Peak area, away from the Hermitage. The fire has reached the Cone Peak contingency line, but ff feel relatively confident they can hold it there, as the line seems to be holding at this time. Tankers will continue to fly the rest of the day, and will probably be back tomorrow. I shared my thoughts that this fire will probably NOT be declared contained tomorrow, as originally anticipated, and she agreed that is likely. We won’t know until the 209 comes out tonight around 6 pm, after which inciweb should be updated. Camera battery recharging, and I am going to do the same. Will be back around 6 pm with more photos and info, if available. As of 1/2 hour ago, 2 more tankers in route.

Inciweb is reporting: an increase in acreage to 11.760; a decrease in containment to 94%; an increase in growth potential to “medium”; and pushed back the containment date to Monday, October 20, 2008.

I am hoping this is the last photograph I post this evening, and that I do NOT see any spectacular flames which I feel compelled to photograph. Also, one last note for the evening: See Skee’s comment re: USFS calling out two of the Cachagua Fire dozers this afternoon. *sigh*

Here are a thermal and google maps, provided to me by Kimball earlier this afternoon. Thanks, Jim!!

Click on the maps to see them larger. There are six new hot spots showing on the google map.