Monday, August 27, 2007
Sunday, August 26, 2007
Saturday, August 25, 2007
Saturday, August 18, 2007
Zaca Fire Update, keyt.com
The Zaca Wildfire now stands at 171, 750 acres and it's 65% contained. Saturday, firing operations will continue on the Pendola Jeepway Road from the Monte Arido Fuel Break.
Fire officials will hold a public meeting on Sunday at 2pm at the Matilija Jr. High School to update Ojai residents and other nearby communities on the status of the Zaca Wildfire.
Smoke and ash from the fire will continue to affect the Santa Barbara area, especially during the evening and late night to morning hours. People sensitive to smoke and particulates should limit time spent outdoors and minimize physical exertion.
On the northern fire perimeter, firefighters have completed 20 miles of backfiring to remove vegetation between the indirect fireline and the active portion of the fire in Sisquoc, Cliff and Sweetwater Canyons. The active fire on the east perimeter is still 20 miles from Ojai and is burning within the indirect fire established to contain this fire.
In the Santa Barbara front country, efforts are underway to improve historic fuel brakes around Romero Canyon as a precaution. Recreation activity on the Romero Canyon trail is not advised.
Hwy 33 between Wheeler Gorge and Ventucopa is closed except to local traffic only. The closure is the result of smoke and a possible backfiring operation along Hwy 33. The Highway will be closed until it can safely be reopened to through traffic.
Fire officials will hold a public meeting on Sunday at 2pm at the Matilija Jr. High School to update Ojai residents and other nearby communities on the status of the Zaca Wildfire.
Smoke and ash from the fire will continue to affect the Santa Barbara area, especially during the evening and late night to morning hours. People sensitive to smoke and particulates should limit time spent outdoors and minimize physical exertion.
On the northern fire perimeter, firefighters have completed 20 miles of backfiring to remove vegetation between the indirect fireline and the active portion of the fire in Sisquoc, Cliff and Sweetwater Canyons. The active fire on the east perimeter is still 20 miles from Ojai and is burning within the indirect fire established to contain this fire.
In the Santa Barbara front country, efforts are underway to improve historic fuel brakes around Romero Canyon as a precaution. Recreation activity on the Romero Canyon trail is not advised.
Hwy 33 between Wheeler Gorge and Ventucopa is closed except to local traffic only. The closure is the result of smoke and a possible backfiring operation along Hwy 33. The Highway will be closed until it can safely be reopened to through traffic.
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
Sunrise 8/15
This is the first of many smoky sunrises. For several days and nights, the smoke from the fire came south and covered the sky. Thursday, 8/16, the outside air was impossible to breath.
Monday, August 13, 2007
Saturday, August 11, 2007
Zaca Fire Statistics, from KEYT.com
Saturday Update: Zaca Fire Burns More Than 81,000 Acres
The Zaca Fire that's been burning for 37 days is now 81,795 acres and 68% contained as of Saturday. A reminder the evacuation order for the Peachtree community has been lifted. An evacuation order for Paradise Road and Lower Santa Ynez River Road to Gibraltar Dam remains in effect.
Also, a reminder to drivers Highway 154 is back open, but due to fire equipment in the area commuters are being advised to take other routes if possible. Due to the heavy volume of firefighting vehicles, the speed limit on Highway 154 has been reduced to 45 miles per hour.
Starting Monday residents can expect to see a lot more smoke once again, that's due to more back fires that will be set at the Zaca Fire.
The cost of fighting the fire has grown to $61 million. Fire officials hope to have the Zaca Fire fully contained by September 7th.
Also, a reminder to drivers Highway 154 is back open, but due to fire equipment in the area commuters are being advised to take other routes if possible. Due to the heavy volume of firefighting vehicles, the speed limit on Highway 154 has been reduced to 45 miles per hour.
Starting Monday residents can expect to see a lot more smoke once again, that's due to more back fires that will be set at the Zaca Fire.
The cost of fighting the fire has grown to $61 million. Fire officials hope to have the Zaca Fire fully contained by September 7th.
Friday, August 10, 2007
Friday
We've been worrying about fire for over a week now. Personally, my worrier is burned out, but the fire still goes. The chipping crew started early this morning and chipped all the piles on Glenn Rd. Thanks. Otherwise, activity in the neighborhood seemed to slow. Highway 154 is open now, but with 45 mph max. Cold Springs Tavern has be de-foiled. Several times today, big columns of smoke rose into the air. I'm guessing, since I didn't go to the meeting tonight, but lines must be holding, winds shifting, and the fire is headed away or past Painted Cave. I hope so.
Fire Crews from all over California
Fire Crews from all over California have helped. Hayward, Redding, Whiskeytown, Hot Springs, Ventura, and the list goes on. Thanks for visiting.
Painted Cave State Park
The Cave and signs are wrapped with heavy aluminum foil to reflect heat and prevent smoke damage.
Wednesday, August 8, 2007
Firebombers
I'm happy to post a few firebomber photos that my friend Phil L has sent me. Apparently, the firebombers are now based out of Santa Maria. Here are 20, 74, and 09.
Tuesday, August 7, 2007
Tuesday Meeting at the Firehouse
Sounds like things are going well, but anything could happen. We should all continue to prepare.
Tuesday
Sunny this morning in Painted Cave, but the marine layer lingered all day. Humidity high and temperatures low. No smoke visible to the north until about 4 PM when there was a big flare up and the brown cloud of smoke in the picture below developed. I understand fire crews are preparing at the Santa Ynez River. All-in-all, a slow day in the neighborhood. We have a community briefing at 6:30.
Monday, August 6, 2007
Monday Night Worries
I got a little nervous. The wind is blowing a good bit and I could smell smoke. Good news it is chilly, thermometer says 55F. So I took a ride down to the lookout where the Thursday night picture was taken, see the first posting. Here is a picture from the same spot. There is one little light on the ridge. Must be a truck or such. Sky is dark and the stars are out.
Monday Evening Update
Local Fire Chief Kevin explains the map and possibilities to neighbors. Air is cool tonight, but the wind is picking up. Smoke can be seen, sort of, left center in sky. Weather may warm and winds change direction in days to come. CDF was not happy about width of our roads and lack of clearing. We are not out of the woods yet. Besides, it is only the beginning of August.
Monday Noon
Monday brought more cool weather. Although we could smell smoke Sunday night, ash did not fall and the sky was clear as I went to bed. Monday morning was quiet and the fog was back, cooler, and thicker. Even now at 2:15 PM, the marine layer persists here at The Cave. I haven't seen any dozers or brush cutting today. The column of smoke is lower, smaller. Crews and community are relaxed. I'd say the general belief is that the fire will be contained or pass us by.
Sunday, August 5, 2007
Waiting On Sunday
Painted Cave Rd and East Camino Cielo. The CDF circles the wagons. Note the smoke cloud.
Parking Problems in Painted Cave
Fire Engines fill the Painted Cave as they learn the roads and prepare.
Saturday, August 4, 2007
Friday, August 3, 2007
Zaca Lake Fire, Friday
On Friday the wind and smoke came towards us. Heavy ash fell in Painted Cave.
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