I had so many plans for this blog, for regular updates, SEO tips and findings, etc. But… I never imagined I would be writing about a devastating fire in Big Sur, California that is, as of July 4, 2008, so horrific that it has burned over 64,000 acres. Containment is currently only at 5% and is not anticipated to be 100% until the end of July.
Hundreds of homes and business owners are preparing for impending flames. The Basin Complex fire merged with the Indian Fire and is moving closer to Big Sur Village. More than 900 residents have been evacuated. Homes burned. What they know of freedom and independence is gone, only with hopes of starting over.
Darby Marshall, spokesman for the Monterey County Office of Emergency Services, states:
“The fire is just a big raging animal right now.”
Evacuations
According to the KSBW News website:
“Big Sur is a virtual ghost town tonight except for some trying to protect their homes and businesses.”
Evacuations were expanded. Up to 40 miles of the scenic Pacific Coast Highway are closed. The fire is moving north and is very unpredictable.
I spoke to a friend yesterday who lives in Carmel Valley. Her neighbor is a fire fighter, and he told his wife to pack their valuables and papers. CARMEL VALLEY? That’s so far away! Two other friends had a ranch in Arroyo Seco – notice past tense, “had.” It’s gone.
I used to live just 20 miles north of Big Sur in Monterey. This area was my home for over 20 years. Big Sur was and is home to hundreds. So many hearts are breaking. What can one do?
Hope. Pray. Give. Prepare.
Resources
SureFire2008.org – A community bulletin board matching those in need with those who want to help.
KUSP Central Coast Public Radio – Official Big Sur fire updates.
Xasáuan Today – A blog that used to cater to “a small audience of aging beatniks, social and environmental justice advocates, cyclists, and backwoods retro-grouch types” is now a voice for fire updates.
Big Sur Nearly Deserted As Fire Looms – News update as of July 3, 2008.
Flickr Photostream, Before & After – Don’t look at these unless you have tissue in hand.
Stone House: Before & After
Monterey County SPCA – Adopt an animal or give online. See Donations information.
Independence Day
Today is Independence Day, the day we celebrate freedom! It’s always been a day of introspection for me. My Dad died when I was 4 years old on the 4th of July. Gosh…
The United States was originally formed to be “One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.” Today, I’m appreciating the freedom fought for by many others and being thankful for liberties and legacy.
I have not known, and probably never will know, such sacrifice. I’m dedicated to helping those in Big Sur who have little to celebrate today. Please join me.
July 8, 2008 Update
Visit the SurFire2008.org blog for latest notices.
Big Sur Evacuees return home with a “soft” evacuation. Much of the fire is still burning, but Palo Colorado and Big Sur residents are able to return to assess the condition of their properties and settle in, if that’s possible. Learn more on KSBW News.
FEMA has declared a FEDERAL DISASTER rather than FEDERAL EMERGENCY. This means more funding for businesses, homeowners and services. Additional federal funding will help rebuild. Many lives will never be the same, and reports are that one firefighter lost his life fighting the Big Sur fire.
Our prayers for the family and all the firefighters.
Tags: News
Great to see your comment on Xasauan, Dana. Thanks for spreading the word!
Just an update on 7/5…I’m writing from Carmel Valley Village and all is well here. We are very far from the fire, and it would take weeks at this rate and many black lines before we even started to get worried.
My lil’ sister, however, lives in Palo Colorado Canyon, just north of Long Ridge, and despite only a Fire Evacuation Advisory on 6/29, she and her family bugged out and are living in Monterey at my folks place. Then she turned 40 on 7/2. Needless to say, it’s been a long week for the family, but the news is looking much better for Palo residents. The Community Meeting tonight revealed “they might have the northwest corner of the fire contained within one or two days!”
On a happier note, I have learned a lot about Google Earth, if only to appreciate being able to go hiking around Pico Blanco and Bottcher’s Gap when this is all over. – Greg
Greg, Thanks for checking in and providing the update. I’m happy to hear the positive news about Palo Colorado Canyon! Can’t imagine the strain on your sister and all families. Another positive is to see how people draw together and help.
The unknown has to be the toughest. Keith, the blogger at Xasáuan Today, told me he has a historic homestead he’s been fixing up and couldn’t get news of the status of the area. He’s one of many in this scenario. gosh…
Of course, you found a bright side, and with your Masters in Geology, Google Earth must be the ultimate toy. We have to keep hoping and coming together and looking to the future.
You might enjoy a posting on Search Engine Land with links to California Fire Maps: http://searchengineland.com/080624-152432.php
Keep us posted of what you find. Thanks again!