New Fire 2

Posted on June 17, 2017 by Jean

The fire is still going strong— the latest I’ve heard is it has burned about 700 acres and was 0% contained. The firefighters have been concentrating on saving the homes in the area and as far as we know they are succeeding.

Andy asked our local police this morning, and they said don’t go up, but Beate wrote to say she had checked — Andy could make it to our land. Presumably the main highway was completely blocked farther on. (Thank you Beate, you made his day!)

We’re still about five miles from the fire:

(Map based on work by Steve Basset, @cartobassett).

The areas shaded in red are the burn scars from previous fires. They have new growth that can burn, but they don’t have the density of trees that cause fires to be so hot that they burn all the organic material in the soil and all the seeds of the evergreens. So far we seem to be safe.

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7 Responses to New Fire 2

  1. Rummuser says:
    June 17, 2017 at 8:09 am

    I am glad that you are safe. My best wishes.

  2. tammy j says:
    June 17, 2017 at 11:35 am

    oh monk. just the thought of yet another huge fire.
    do they know yet what started this new one?
    if it’s a human being rather than nature… like lightening…
    they should lock up that human for 20 or even more years at least.
    I always think of the wonderful wildlife that is sacrificed.
    not to mention people’s homes.
    it’s so tragic.

    • Jean says:
      June 17, 2017 at 2:57 pm

      They still don’t know what caused it. They have been having trouble with people leaving campfires without putting them completely out, and they were going around trying to educate people and putting out the ones they found, but finally they put on restrictions:

      The decision to impose restrictions was initially based on a rash of abandoned and unattended campfires combined with hot, dry conditions and the number of visitors expected over Father’s Day weekend. And then the Cajete Fire broke out Thursday, growing quickly from 1 acre to more than 700 and now over 1,000.

      Under Stage I restrictions, fires, campfires, charcoal grills, and coal and wood stoves are allowed only in developed campsites or picnic areas with existing fire rings or grills. Campfires are prohibited at all dispersed camping sites. Stoves, lanterns or heaters fueled by propane or other liquefied petroleum fuels may be used in areas cleared of flammable materials within three feet of the device if they meet manufacturer’s safety specifications and have on/off switches.

      Smoking is allowed only in enclosed vehicles or buildings and developed recreation sites. As a reminder, fireworks are always prohibited on all national forests.

      Stage I fire restrictions are intended to enhance public safety, protect natural and cultural resources, and help prevent human-caused fires. Several criteria are used to determine when to implement fire restrictions, including fire activity levels, current and predicted weather, fuel moisture, and the availability of firefighting resources. Additional restrictions may be required if conditions warrant.

      Better late than never.

  3. Cathy in NZ says:
    June 17, 2017 at 8:48 pm

    darn…and double darn – fingers x-ed

    here it’s illegal to have camp fires unless under proper circumstances – you aren’t even allowed to burn rubbish on your property…

    there are places that are purpose built with wood or gas bbq’s – the wood is provided usually…

  4. Still the Lucky Few says:
    June 17, 2017 at 8:55 pm

    So sorry to hear about the fire. It looks very close, even though you are assured that it is not. Be safe, both of you!

  5. Kim - Life at Golden Pines says:
    June 18, 2017 at 12:00 am

    Continued prayers that you stay safe, and those who are directly affected, I hope they comfort and strength.

    Let us know how you are when you get a chance!

Comments are closed.