May 23, 2008
Summit Fire Response, Be Proud California
The morning report from the Summit Fire Incident Command points to limited perimeter growth as winds abate and fire crews establish lines and begin mop up operations.
Watching this event from a distance it was easy to guess this fire would impose a deeper scar. I am amazed and impressed by the response of CalFire (CDF) and supporting municipalities including volunteers.
It didn't hurt that CalFire has engines at the ready in the Santa Cruz area. From Swanton to Felton, Morgan Hill to Smith Creek, Calfire has dozens of manned engine crews that are within an hour from Loma Prieta.
CalFire operates an air base in Hollister, a quick 5 minute flight over Gilroy and the Hecker Pass to the fire lines.
Copter 504 is based at Lexington Reservoir, less than 10 miles from the area of the Summit Fire.
When I was a Fire Crew Supervisor working out of Ben Lomond Youth Conservation Camp we had a crew working year round on the Loma Prieta fuel break. CalFire has the Santa Cruz Mountains surrounded.
Residents of rural California have little idea how well protected they are. The State of California has the best trained, most dedicated and professional wildland fire protection service in the world situated to respond to emergencies.
This has never been more evident than the quick action we saw yesterday.
Makes me proud to say I once worked for them.
Watching this event from a distance it was easy to guess this fire would impose a deeper scar. I am amazed and impressed by the response of CalFire (CDF) and supporting municipalities including volunteers.
It didn't hurt that CalFire has engines at the ready in the Santa Cruz area. From Swanton to Felton, Morgan Hill to Smith Creek, Calfire has dozens of manned engine crews that are within an hour from Loma Prieta.
CalFire operates an air base in Hollister, a quick 5 minute flight over Gilroy and the Hecker Pass to the fire lines.
Copter 504 is based at Lexington Reservoir, less than 10 miles from the area of the Summit Fire.
When I was a Fire Crew Supervisor working out of Ben Lomond Youth Conservation Camp we had a crew working year round on the Loma Prieta fuel break. CalFire has the Santa Cruz Mountains surrounded.
Residents of rural California have little idea how well protected they are. The State of California has the best trained, most dedicated and professional wildland fire protection service in the world situated to respond to emergencies.
This has never been more evident than the quick action we saw yesterday.
Makes me proud to say I once worked for them.
Labels: 2008 Fire Season, Summit Fire
Summit Fire Should Peak at 7,000 Acres
Information from the Incident 209 Report filed 1800 hrs yesterday.
Total Personnel Assigned (as of 1800 hrs 5/22)
410
Size/Area Involved
3,000 ACRES
% Contained or MMA
15 Percent
"Today's observed fire behavior (leave blank for non-fire events):
Extreme fire behavior was influenced by an abnormal weather phenomena for this area. Strong, dry winds contributed to rapid fire growth in an area that usually has a very strong coastal/humid influence. Potential for 5000-7000 acres before containment.
Major problems and concerns (control problems, social/political/economic concerns or impacts, etc.) Relate critical resources needs identified above to the Incident Action Plan.
Evacuations of all residents in the area of Eureka Canyon Road area and Ormsby Cutoff Road,Lower Hiland area which includes Buzard, Lagoon,Vaca De Sol area which are all in Santa Cruz County, Summit Road. Steep terrain, heavy thick dead fuels. Strong winds are making it very difficult to get crews ahead of the fire. Fire continues to spot across Eureka Canyon Road.
For fire incidents, describe resistance to control in terms of:
Growth Potential - Extreme
Difficulty of Terrain - Extreme
Remarks:
Fire is currently burning with extreme rate of spread in heavy fuels. Evacuations are currently in progress through the reverse 911 system. Cal Fire Incident Command Team 4 will transition tonight at 2000 Hrs. Potential for 5000-7000 acres.
Forecasted Weather for next Operational Period
Wind Speed (mph): 37 Temperature: 50-75
Wind Direction: N N/E Relative Humidity: 20
Fuels/Materials Involved: 2 Timber (grass and understory)
Timber and brush
Cooperating and Assisting Agencies Not Listed Above:
Cal Fire, County, OES, CHP, Sheriff
Total Personnel Assigned (as of 1800 hrs 5/22)
410
Size/Area Involved
3,000 ACRES
% Contained or MMA
15 Percent
"Today's observed fire behavior (leave blank for non-fire events):
Extreme fire behavior was influenced by an abnormal weather phenomena for this area. Strong, dry winds contributed to rapid fire growth in an area that usually has a very strong coastal/humid influence. Potential for 5000-7000 acres before containment.
Major problems and concerns (control problems, social/political/economic concerns or impacts, etc.) Relate critical resources needs identified above to the Incident Action Plan.
Evacuations of all residents in the area of Eureka Canyon Road area and Ormsby Cutoff Road,Lower Hiland area which includes Buzard, Lagoon,Vaca De Sol area which are all in Santa Cruz County, Summit Road. Steep terrain, heavy thick dead fuels. Strong winds are making it very difficult to get crews ahead of the fire. Fire continues to spot across Eureka Canyon Road.
For fire incidents, describe resistance to control in terms of:
Growth Potential - Extreme
Difficulty of Terrain - Extreme
Remarks:
Fire is currently burning with extreme rate of spread in heavy fuels. Evacuations are currently in progress through the reverse 911 system. Cal Fire Incident Command Team 4 will transition tonight at 2000 Hrs. Potential for 5000-7000 acres.
Forecasted Weather for next Operational Period
Wind Speed (mph): 37 Temperature: 50-75
Wind Direction: N N/E Relative Humidity: 20
Fuels/Materials Involved: 2 Timber (grass and understory)
Timber and brush
Cooperating and Assisting Agencies Not Listed Above:
Cal Fire, County, OES, CHP, Sheriff
Labels: 2008 Fire Season, Summit Fire
May 22, 2008
Summit Fire Map
The map link was submitted in the comment section in one of my earlier posts. Thanks Bob!
View Larger Map
View Larger Map
Labels: 2008 Fire Season, Summit Fire
Summit Fire; Links, Satellite Image, Web Cam, Map
Sat. Image GOES
More Summit Fire coverage;
Streaming from Channel 11
CalFire (CDF) homepage info
Summit Fire Blog Search
CalFire News Blog
Labels: 2008 Fire Season, Summit Fire
Summit Fire Taking Out Structures & Acreage
The combination timber/brush fire has burned close to 2,000 acres in addition to numerous structures and vehicles as it tracks South towards the town of Corralitos.
Fire area weather calls for sustained wind gusts 15 to 20 mph through the daylight hours.
One news channel mentioned the town of Corralitos is being prepped for evacuation but I have not seen anything official.
Wouldn't be a bad idea to pack up a few items if you live in the path of this one.
This fire has the potential to plant a scar on the area for some time to come. I would not be surprised to see 100 plus structures touched before containment.
Fire area weather calls for sustained wind gusts 15 to 20 mph through the daylight hours.
One news channel mentioned the town of Corralitos is being prepped for evacuation but I have not seen anything official.
Wouldn't be a bad idea to pack up a few items if you live in the path of this one.
This fire has the potential to plant a scar on the area for some time to come. I would not be surprised to see 100 plus structures touched before containment.
Labels: 2008 Fire Season, Summit Fire
SUMMIT FIRE: Evacuations In Santa Cruz County
A wind driven timber fire in Santa Cruz County California has consumed 1000 acres so far. The fire was reported just before dawn today and is being pushed by onshore winds.
WildlandFire.com has a running thread on the progress of the fire.
Local news streaming video of the Summit Fire.
More video coverage here.
The fire is headed in the direction of Corralitos
Structures have been lost, more to come.
WildlandFire.com has a running thread on the progress of the fire.
Local news streaming video of the Summit Fire.
More video coverage here.
The fire is headed in the direction of Corralitos
Structures have been lost, more to come.
Labels: 2008 Fire Season, Summit Fire
