Stage Fire

7:30 pm — IC reports fire is holding @ 52 acres & is now 30% contained, should have dozer line around it in the next hour. All aircraft have been released/diverted to other incidents.

7 pm – fire has slowed considerably, so release some aircraft, the hand crews of BEU are completely depleted from the Hunter, Stage, and Vista, east of San Juan Bautista. I have more photos from the Stage Fire, but technical difficulties are preventing me from uploading them.

4:45 pm — New fire at Old Stage and Williams road. Local government only at the moment. Seems to be a delay in getting BEU started. They have told their dispatch multiple times that this is a big fire and in the SRA.

Was 5 plus acres when the first unit got on scene. Structures are threatened.

BEU is just now dispatching

44 PM11[34] DUPE RP SEES FIRE IN HILLS OFF OLD STAGE
4:36 PM10[24] NO FIRE TRUCKS 97
4:36 PM9[22] SMOKE AND FLAMES SEEN
4:36 PM8[21] PER ANOTHER HILLSIDE FIRE
4:35 PM7[16] [Notification] [CHP]-MTY SO DPTYS 1097 – REQ CHP CLOSE DOWN RDWY NEAR 1029 OLD STAGE RD [Shared]
4:35 PM6[15] B27-050 1097 JSO WILLIAMS
4:34 PM5[14] FIRE IS SPREADING RAPIDLY
4:33 PM4[13] SMOKE VISIBLE FM 101/HARTNELL
4:26 PM3[7] NO VEHS OR STRUCTURES IN AREA
4:26 PM2[6] LRG FIRE
4:25 PM1[3] BRUSH FIRE ON SIDE OF RDWY AND UP THE HILL
http://www.alertwildfire.org/centralcoast/index.html?camera=Axis-FremontPeak&v=81e002f

Hunter Fire, FHL/BEU, 6/21/20

As of 10 am 6/22, Hunter Fire still at 140 acres with 15% containment. (Just for frame of reference, when the Ridge fire was at 30%, it was no longer of any concern to me)

Photo by Rolin Coth, USFS

7:30 PM — spotting on left flank. Two additional tankers being ordered. Now 140 acres burned. Talk of moving resources into the Copperhead area out front of this.

7:00 PM — 140 acres, spotting, starting to take the next “bowl” and still need two tankers that were diverted to Stage, and to Vista, a 3d fire in San Juan Bautista. 0% containment on the Hunter incident.

UPDATE 5:20 PM — HunterFire [update] in Lockwood (Monterey Co) 100 acres, 0% contained. 20 structures threatened. Evacuations in progress Copperhead Canyon Rd & Bryson-Hesperia Rd.

UPDATE 4:30 pm —

It is now 70 acres with short range spotting. Current weather in Jolon; 94, 25%, 10 mph out of the North. Evacuation of Copperhead Rd/Dr going on now.

State ID: CA
3 letter designator: BEU/FHL
Fire name: Hunter
Location: Sam Jones Road; Lockwood, CA
Reported acres: 40
Rate of spread: moderate
Report on Conditions: started in the grass, transitioned to the brush. Short range spotting now occurring with potential for 500 acres
Structure threat: yes: evacuation advisories for Copperhead Road/Bryson-Hesperia community.
Resources: AA230, T74, T75, T79, T80, T102, T137
Hazards:
Weather:
Radio channels:
Scanner link: https://www.broadcastify.com/webPlayer/14671 28
Webcam link: http://www.alertwildfire.org/centralcoast/index.html?camera=Axis-CuestaPeak&v=81e002f 37
http://www.alertwildfire.org/centralcoast/index.html?camera=Axis-JoaquinRidge&v=81e002f 36
Agency Website:

Fire on Sam Jones Road. FHL unit is making his way into the incident, stating that its on private property and in the SRA. BEU is going to start aircraft as soon as they have coordinates. BEU & FHL resources responding to a working fire, with a structure involved, on Sam Jones Road approximately 1 mile passed the green bridge.

This should be in the area of Bald Mountain, which is the border of FHL and BEU, near the Bryson-Hesperia community.

Full response from both agencies, with a large column visible. Additional ground resources responding from SLU.

Here is the broadcastify link: https://www.broadcastify.com/listen/feed/14671

AA- 230, T-74, T-75, H-527 assigned. FHL  8802 on scene. 2 acres mixed grass and brush.

Summer Solstice Sunday Photo

Shared with me, and permission to publish granted by photographer Lisa Kleissner. Taken with an iPhone 7.

Stunning Big Sur by Lisa Kleissner

Draft Destination Stewardship Plan available

Beyond Green Travel and CABS would like to announce that the Draft Big Sur Sustainable Tourism Destination Stewardship Plan (DSP) is available for review on the DSP website. It includes research, information and recomendations for addressing visitation challenges and opportunities in Big Sur both now and for the future. To download a copy of the Draft DSP, please visit: www.bigsurdsp.com

Ridge Fire, Day 2, 6/18

Noon update: RidgeFire currently 83 acres & 30% contained. Aerial retardant drops were key in limiting the spread yesterday. Crews are focused today on constructing line & snuffing out hotspots inside the perimeter. #OneLessSpark Photo courtesy Ventana Crew 1.

Photos by Brendon Shave this morning. Still working it.

note the men under the tree
Am I glad they are still up here keeping an eye on things.,
A whole lot of mop up to do
Marcel, our brand-new Patrol 17. Welcome, Marcel!!!

Ridge Fire – on Plaskett

3 pm — WOHOO just brought in the VLAT. I was getting my real camera, but had to change batteries. If it makes a second run, I am ready!!

I am informed, not the VLAT, but T-137, which looks like a VLAT to me. File photo:

View from Treebones at start from Jonny Taitano:

From Annie Haven at Coastlands:

2:41: Gary Son says 20 acres. Don’t know where he got that info. But it is above him.

And here is number 2:

06/17/2020 13:46LPF-1476RidgeWildfirePlaskett Ridge Rd 1 1/2 mile in.CRW1LPF DIV1LPF DIV3LPF DOZ3LPF DOZ4LPF E18LPF E315LPF4X4 E319LPF E331LPF4X4 E335LPF HEL527LPF HEL528LPF PAT17LPF PAT18LPF Q WT5LPF

Avila Fire, 6/15/20

4:56 UPDATE: 300 acres. Spotting among the houses on Spyglass Drive. SBC units on way to fire.

UPDATE: 4:15 PM Fire has jumped the 101 to the East.

Avila Fire started a little over an hour ago. The 101 is being shut down. Pismo PD contacted to start evacuations. Fire heading South. It is at least 25 acres now.

letter designator: SLU
Fire name: Avila
Location: Gragg Canyon Road x Monte Road; near Avila Beach
Reported acres: 15+
Rate of spread: rapid
Report on Conditions: AA07 reports rapid rate of spread in brush. Starting additional 5 engines of any type.
Structure threat: yes
Resources: AA07, T74, T137, T534 tankers, 2 copters
Hazards: CHP closing 101 offramp to Avila Beach. 13:24 CHP shutting down the 101 freeway. Command post west side of Avila Beach Road.
Weather: SW wind 10-15 mph
Radio channels:
Scanner link: https://www.broadcastify.com/webPlayer/14671 26
Webcam link: http://805webcams.com/cameras/cp/calpolypier.jpg 52
http://www.alertwildfire.org/centralcoast/index.html?camera=Axis-CuestaPeak&v=81e002f 84
http://cwwp2.dot.ca.gov/data/d5/cctv/image/us101sanluisbaydrive/us101sanluisbaydrive.jpg?_=1592259001 37
Live Video: http://cwwp2.dot.ca.gov/vm/loc/d5/us101avilabeachdrive.htm 46
http://cwwp2.dot.ca.gov/vm/loc/d5/us101sanluisbaydrive.htm 31
Agency Website:

Incident: 00094 Type: Report of Fire Location: Us101 N / Avila Beach Dr Ofr Loc Desc: NB 101 AT AVB Lat/Lon: 35.175566 -120.697201 

Detail Information
4:08 PM76[167] 1039 PBPD/GBPD REF LINE 156
4:08 PM75[164] B28-041 97 , 28-25 PISMO PD ASSISTING CLRING THE OFR/ONRS , NEG ON ANY TRAFFIC GOING NB
4:06 PM74[161] B28-055 FIRE IN THE CD SB 101 JSO SPY , FIRE WANTS TO SHUT DWN SB SID / PER 28-C CLOSURE AT SB 101 AT SLB-
4:03 PM73[160] 28-55 VISUAL OF CAL FIRE JSO FIRE IN CD 200 YARDS
4:03 PM72[159] 1039 CAL FIRE
4:02 PM71[158] 28-55 REQ FIRE SB JNO SPY IIN CD / 28-41 CAL FIRE W/ FIRE IN CD / CONFRIM W/ THE
4:00 PM70[156] 28-25 ADVS AGPD PISMO AND GROVER / VEHS CAN TAKE OAK PARK TO NOYES TO SLO
4:00 PM69[154] 1039 C4 W/INFO
3:59 PM68[151] 1039 ENTAC
3:58 PM67[149] 28-25 SHUT DOWN NB AT MATTIE / VEH S ARE WW DOWN ONR / CONES BLOCKING ONR AS WELL
3:58 PM66[148] 28-C ADVS COASTAL 4 OF CLOSURE AND ENTAC
3:56 PM65[143] 28-S1 C72 WILL CLOSE AT SPY / WILL GET THEM OFF THERE
3:55 PM64[139] 28-C REQ NB 101 SHUT DOWN AT MATTIE RD / SPEAKING TO DOT NOW WILL ARRAGNE WITH THEM
3:53 PM63[136] B28-025 NB TRAFFIC BACKED UP TO SHELL BEACH ROAD
3:50 PM62[133] S1 MAY HAVE TO CLOSE CLOSE NB SIDE ALSO

Panetta calls for increased support for Wildfire Preparedness


For Immediate ReleaseJune 15, 2020                               https://panetta.house.gov   
Contact:  Sarah Davey Wolman (202) 225-2861Sarah.Wolman@mail.house.gov
 Congressman Panetta Leads California Congressmembers in Calling for Increased Support for Wildfire Preparedness
SALINAS, CA – Today, Congressman Jimmy Panetta (CA-20) led 18 members of Congress in the California Delegation in calling on House leadership to ensure that any future legislative package focused on infrastructure, economic stimulus, and job creation include robust funds to address deferred maintenance and wildland fire preparedness needs in the U.S. National Forest System. “For a long time, the U.S. Forest Service has not received sufficient funding to adequately complete its necessary infrastructure projects.  That backlog increases the threat to communities across the Forest Service’s Pacific Southwest region, including California, as we move into the 2020 wildfire season,” said Congressman Panetta.  “As Congress considers legislation for infrastructure, economic stimulus, and job creation, we must fight for more funding for Forest Service projects that will not only generate jobs, but also give our federal firefighters the necessary tools to prepare for wildfires and keep our communities safe.” “It is important to note that the current backlog of projects in the USFS Pacific Southwest Region is particularly concerning as the state of California progresses deeper into its 2020 wildfire season, with fire officials predicting higher-than-normal fire potential through the fall.  As the Region works to swiftly implement new wildfire suppression tactics to reduce the risk of COVID-19 spread at base camps, it is all the more important that USFS employees have access to working infrastructure,” the members wrote.  The text of the letter can be found here or below:  Dear Speaker Pelosi and Leader McCarthy: As Congress works to develop and disburse immediate relief to communities impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, we must also consider the investments needed to bring tens of millions of people back to work to rebuild a stronger, more sustainable economy.  To this end, we write to you to ensure that any future legislative package focused on infrastructure, economic stimulus, and job creation include robust funds to address deferred maintenance and wildland fire preparedness needs in the U.S. National Forest System. Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, communities across our nation have turned to National Forests as spaces to safely spend time outdoors while adhering to Centers for Disease Control (CDC) physical distancing guidelines.  Additionally, U.S. Forest Service (USFS) roads and bridges are playing a key role in ensuring rural communities can safely reach grocery stores and hospitals during the pandemic.  At the same time, our National Forest System is suffering from $5.2 billion worth of backlogged repairs for roads and road bridges, trails, and facilities, which far exceeds the $446 million included in the fiscal year 2019 USFS budget for infrastructure improvement and maintenance. In the USFS Pacific Southwest Region, which includes eighteen national forests spanning 20 million acres of land in California, a recent Regional review identified over 90 deferred maintenance projects with critical safety components for administrative facilities, fire facilities, and employee housing, including five priority projects on each National Forest in the state.  Completion of these projects would reduce maintenance costs, improve visitor experiences, support employee recruitment and retention, and allow for additional modifications needed to protect employees, particularly in light of COVID-19.  Notably, funding these projects would also create hundreds of jobs across the state.  It is important to note that the current backlog of projects in the USFS Pacific Southwest Region is particularly concerning as the state of California progresses deeper into its 2020 wildfire season, with fire officials predicting higher-than-normal fire potential through the fall.  As the Region works to swiftly implement new wildfire suppression tactics to reduce the risk of COVID-19 spread at base camps, it is all the more important that USFS employees have access to working infrastructure.   To keep these federal employees and the rural communities they serve safe, we urge you to provide funding for the design and construction of new fire cache facilities and updated airtanker bases throughout the state.  By replacing the debilitated and aging Northern and Southern Operations Geographic Area Caches, the USFS Pacific Southwest Region would be able to significantly reduce leasing costs and increase wildfire preparedness.  Similarly, by updating the infrastructure at airtanker bases, the USFS would be able to generate jobs, more rapidly deploy large airtankers to the fire line, and enhance initial attack effectiveness to protect communities and firefighters. In addition to prioritizing the aforementioned physical infrastructure projects, we urge you to include funding for technology updates needed to provide real-time tracking and response of firefighting resources, particularly during rapidly escalating wildfires.  With upgraded information technology, firefighting teams will not only be able to virtually access weather and other incidental information but also share information in real time with other firefighting teams.  This type of collaboration will significantly enhance the common operating picture for all levels of a firefighting organization. For decades, the USFS has struggled with insufficient funds to address critical infrastructure needs, and every year, the backlog of projects becomes increasingly overwhelming.  As the COVID-19 pandemic puts new and unknown pressures on our National Forest System, we cannot wait any longer to prioritize these projects. Over the coming weeks, as you work to make critical funding decisions to address the current unemployment crisis, we ask that you strongly consider the high potential for USFS projects in the Pacific Southwest Region to create thousands of sustainable jobs, particularly during a time of heightened need for effective USFS services.  As the Pacific Southwest Region has already completed a comprehensive review of projects, we encourage Congressional investments directly to the Region so these projects can move forward in a timely manner. Sincerely, ###

Drum Fire in Santa Barbara

6/15 UPDATE: UPDATE- Overnight cooler temperatures & marine layer helped FF’s increase containment to 30%. The acreage remains 600 acres, however, GPS mapping later today, coupled with large swaths of unburned vineyards inside perimeter may reduce acres burned.

Drum Fire heading toward Buellton

4 pm – aa puts this one at 600 acres

3 letter designator: SBC
Fire name: Drum
Location: 7369 W. Hwy 246 west of Buellton
Reported acres: 20
Rate of spread: Rapid
Report on Conditions: Wind driven fire moving east in light to medium fuels, 20-25 mph winds. Potential for 800+ acres
Structure threat: mandatory evacuations N/O Highway 246 from Dominguez Road east to Bobcat Springs
Resources: SBC 2nd alarm, 1AA, T72, T74, T75, T79, T102, COPT 699R
Hazards:
Weather: https://www.wunderground.com/dashboard/pws/KCABUELL20 22
Radio channels:
Scanner link: https://www.broadcastify.com/webPlayer/747 72
Webcam link: http://www.alertwildfire.org/centralcoast/index.html?camera=Axis-SYP&v=81e002f 134
Agency Website: https://twitter.com/EliasonMike 45
https://www.flightradar24.com/N586DV/24b2bc3b 

Drum IC has expanded the evacuation ORDER east to US Highway 101 from Dominguez Road, north of Hwy 246. Drum IC has requested law enforcement to assist w evacuations.

Detail Information
3:02 PM11[74] B3-042B CAMPBELL / SR246 CLOSED
2:57 PM10[71] BC LINE 70 – NOTIFY S3 AND ROLL DOT
2:55 PM9[70] [Notification] [CHP]-SBSO LL / REQ HARD CLOSURE OF SR246 FROM AOF TO CAMPBELL / BOTH DIRECTIONS [Shared]
2:17 PM8[65] RP LIVES ON MEADOWLARK / HOUSE BEING ENVELOPED BY SMOKE / INQ IF SHE SHOULD LEAVE
1:57 PM7[62] [Appended, 13:58:04] [4] RP INQ IF SHE NEEDS TO EVACUATE DUE THE FIRE
1:14 PM6[45] 1039 SBSO
1:06 PM5[39] RP ADV FIRE GOING 97
1:02 PM4[31] A3-004 97 ACROSS FROM DOMINGOS / SEVERAL HUNDRED YARDS FROM RDWY
12:56 PM3[15] NOT AFFECTING RDWY
12:54 PM2[8] ON NORTH SIDE OF RDWY
12:52 PM1[1] GRASS FIRE