BajaNomad

INYO COUNTY IN FLAMES

Barry A. - 7-7-2007 at 02:40 PM

This is not Baja related, but for those of you who are interested------ the area north and south of Independence, CA, and the Sierra face at Big Pine and south, are in flames with almost 15,000 acres already burned since last night. The fires have crossed highway 395 several places north of Independence. The fires were lightening caused on the very early afternoon of the 6th, driven by high winds, and threatening many bldgs and ranches between Independence and Big Pine in the Owens Valley. Most of the fires are still west of Highway 395, but they are out of control.

So far the towns are not threatened yet, but Onion Valley road, Oak Creek Road, Big Pine Creek road, and points in-between are closed and evacuated, as are all the nearby campgrounds.

It does not look good. My son reports from the fire lines that the fires are "0 %" contained, at last reporting.

[Edited on 7-7-2007 by Barry A.]

Russ - 7-7-2007 at 02:58 PM

I'm interested! Some close friends live in the area. Just wrote them to see if they're ok. Thanks

Barry A. - 7-7-2007 at 03:10 PM

Thanks, Russ.

I have family living on Oak Creek (so far not burned) above the Fish Hatchery, and also in Independence (my son), and we are good friends with the owners of "8 mile ranch" which is now reported as a "moon scape" with only the main house, and some of the outbuildings surviving. It is rumored that the "Bright Ranch" up the south fork of Oak Creek is "no-more", but no confirmation on that.

What a mess, and it is happening so FAST.

useful site

bancoduo - 7-7-2007 at 03:14 PM

http://www.nifc.gov/fire_info/nfn.htm

Janice - 7-7-2007 at 03:46 PM

I spoke to my mom in Big Pine this am...she says it's pretty scary up there right now. I have a home in Independence and was concerned when I read that the Independence Creek campground was being evacuated...it is just at the west end of town! I tried to call all of my friends and neighbors but got no response. Panic began to set in. I finally got Sharon at the Indy. Chamber of Commerce. She confirmed that Keith Bright's place on the S. fork of Oak Creek was consumed by fire as was Oak Creek campground. Fort Independence was "on alert" and the fire was threatening the historic Mt. Whitney fish hatchery. 8 mile ranch lost some outbuildings too according to Sharon, and the fire had jumped 395 near Blackrock fish hatchery. Below is a link to a report from wildlandfire.com's Inciweb and a link to some photos I found on summitpost.org.

http://www.inciweb.org/incident/767/

http://www.summitpost.org/images/original/308674.JPG

http://www.summitpost.org/images/original/308673.JPG

http://www.summitpost.org/images/original/308672.JPG

Russ - 7-7-2007 at 04:01 PM

Barry A.
Check your U2U I just got photos from George and Pam Kelley need your address if you want them.

toneart - 7-7-2007 at 04:10 PM

That's bad news! I hope everyone can get out safely. We, in California, are in for a tough summer and fall. I too live in tall timber country, below Tahoe, on the west slope. It is very hot and dry. I've cleared all the underbrush and weeds, and am holding my breath. I certainly don't want another home disaster after being a victim of the Mulege River flood.:(

Barry A. - 7-7-2007 at 07:18 PM

The latest at 6 pm was that the fire was advancing on the town of Independence (the County Seat of Inyo county) running before a headwind, and the town was being evacuated. This from a private source within the town, so not sure how accurate it is.

Barry A. - 7-7-2007 at 09:30 PM

Just heard from my son in Independence.

The family ranch is History----100% destroyed-----but the Mt. Whitney Fish Hatchery has survived, so far, as has the town of Independence. The area burned so intensely that it all looks like a moon-scape, my son says--------nothing survived within the "burn". A CDF truck was lost at the family ranch, and the 9 man crew had to dive into the big pond there to survive, and still they had serious injuries.

There is no containment, as yet, but at least the fire has "laid-down" for the night, and there are no winds at this time.

That's about all I know for now.

Barry

Thanks Barry: latest as of 8:45 pm pst

Bajalero - 7-7-2007 at 09:34 PM

Summary
A thunder and lightning storm moved quickly through the Eastern Sierra Friday afternoon, July 6, 2007, igniting approximately 10 fires being managed as the Inyo Complex. As of 3:00 Saturday afternoon, the three biggest fires still actively burning are: 1)The Oak Fire burning west and north of Independence, on both sides of US 395 2) The Seven Fire burning west and north of Independence 3) The Sage Fire burning in Big Pine Canyon. The Oak Fire All three fires are burning very aggressively at this time.

The following areas have been evacuated: Oak Creek Campground, Upper and Lower Grey's Meadow Campground, Onion Valley Campground, Seven Pines, Big Pine Canyon Camprgrounds, Independence Creek Campground, Baker Creek Campground, Glacier Lodge, Black Rock and Mt. Whitney Fish Hatcheries, and Fort Independence.

Portions of the community of Independence are now under evacuation. An evacuation shelter has been set up in Lone Pine at Stathem Hall.

US 395 hs been re-opened to CHP escorted vehicles.

The roads up Big Pine Canyon, the North Fork of Oak Creek Canyon, and Onion Valley Road are also closed to the public.

When conditions are safe people will be escorted up Big Pine Canyon to retrieve their belongings.

No wilderness permits for the John Muir Wilderness are being issued for the trailheads between Baker Creek and Georges Creek.

The Sage Fire has now burned 5,000 acres and the Oak and Seven Fires have now merged and have burned 12,000 acres.

Basic Information
Incident Type Wildland Fire
Cause Lightning
Date of Origin 07/06/2007 at 140 hrs.
Location w/sw of Big Pine, n/nw of Independence
Incident Commander Unified Command

Current Situation
Total Personnel 425
Size 14,000 acres
Estimated Containment Date 07/21/2007 at hrs.
Fuels Involved Brush, timber, and grass

Fire Behavior Extreme and erratic fire behavior.

Significant Events Evacuations are currently in effect for Oak Creek, Upper and Lower Greys Meadow and Onion Valley Campgrounds; Seven Pines; Big Pine Canyon Campgrounds,Black Rock and Mt. Whitney Fish Hatcheries, Fort Independence and Glacier Lodge. Portions of the community of Independence have also been evacuated.Numerous road closures.


Outlook
Planned Actions Structure protection, line construction, burnout.

Projected Movement Significant movement is expected.

Growth Potential Extreme fire behavior will limit control efforts.

Terrain Difficulty Steep, difficult access.

Remarks There is a very large amount of open line. Numerous structures may be threatened.


Weather
Current Wind Conditions 10 mph SW
Current Temperature 93 degrees
Current Humidity 12 %

CaboRon - 7-8-2007 at 06:27 AM

With everything soooo dry, I have been fearing this summer's potential ...and now it is happening......Lake Tahoe and now Inyo County......it could be a really rough summer. CaboRon I wish you all the very best and the personel strength to face this. Good Luck

Cypress - 7-8-2007 at 06:46 AM

Barry A, Sorry to hear of your loss.

Crusoe - 7-8-2007 at 07:57 AM

Barry A...... My deepest regrets to you and your family. My grandfather had a small one room cabin near Oak Creek I spent time as a young boy at. Truly one of my more favorite places in the world. This is all so sad for the people of Indepence, and the surronding areas!!!! Hope the rains can come??? C

Janice - 7-8-2007 at 09:13 AM

It's too early to call family and friends in Big Pine and Independence since they likely did not get any sleep last night. So I sit here on pins and needles waiting for a call from home. But I've found some good photos and eyewittness accounts on the web.

Links to more photos from Big Pine residents:

http://www.death-valley.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=20698

http://www.summitpost.org/images/original/308998.JPG

http://www.summitpost.org/images/original/309000.JPG

http://www.summitpost.org/images/original/309002.JPG

http://www.summitpost.org/images/original/309005.JPG

Link to KIBS to listen live (they had an update at 9am):

http://www.kibskbov.com/

Barry A. - 7-8-2007 at 09:15 AM

I found this report from my son, Phil on my computer this morning:


Subject: RE: LATEST ON OWENS VALLEY FIRES


Hello:



I just got released for tonight. The fires are very bad and very fast and very hot. It is true that the Ashworth property has burned. The hatchery was saved by chemical drops along the west boundary of the hatchery, east boundary of Ashworth’s (two drops) from planes and the work of a lot of fire crews from multi agencies. The fire has not gone further down Oak Creek so far.



It is true that CDF and many others did everything they could. CDF lost a truck in by the main house (it is still there burned) and had to jump into the pond to save themselves. One or two were very badly burned (3rd degree) and flown out. I am told they did get Delores out. All buildings and all trees are burned down at the place. It is very shocking and sad to see what fire can do and how fast it can do it. I have talked to Jim Ashworth and JD on the phone and expect them both here tomorrow or Monday. I have gone up and looked at the place. Only the chimneys are standing and burned trees. It is very dangerous now as trees can fall over anytime and things are still burning. I very much regret having to tell everyone this news but I am here and have seen it. At the same time, the creeks are running and the place can be cleaned up and will grow again. It will take some work but it can be done.



This morning at about 4:30 a.m. the Ashworth property was fine and we had managed to save the cabins at Seven Pines. 8 mile ranch burned but the house and main out buildings were saved. Only by Gods grace and Dulce’s courage was she able to avoid the fire and she is fine. I found her about 3:30 a.m. standing in a corner of the lot I had her on with all the trees burned or burning around her. Many people had looked for her but no one could find her. She was by the creek up wind from the fire and she was not burned at all. Smart and very brave horse. It only took a second and I was able to put her halter on and walk her out through the fires. She was eating hay as soon as she found it while I was talking to people and she is in a safe place now. Praise God.



So far the town (Independence) is safe but wind can move the fire very quickly as it did today. The fire has come all the way down Independence Creek to the County campgrounds where it stopped. It burned out the town water station and we are required to boil water for now. There are major efforts to keep the fire from crossing Independence Creek and going South and East into town. Our Fire Department is pretty much left to protect town and Fort Independence now as the danger to most remote houses is over due to burning all around them that has created good fire breaks and many crews are here and in charge of brush fires.



We were called out today at about 2:00 p.m. and the fire that came down south fork of Oak Creek was at the Bright ranch (I am told their home was saved but not much else, I haven’t seen it yet). The fire showed no sign of moving then. We were called to put out a “hot spot” fire north of Fort Independence. I was at 8 mile ranch and drove by when the fire was about 20 feet in diameter. When the fire department got to the fire it was on both sides of the highway and moving North fast over a large area. Another fire fighter and I were fighting a fire by the road side on the highway and had to jump in the truck and drive away with all lines out still as the fire came up both sides of the road and began to burn by and surround our truck and the Fire chief in his truck. The fire has easily jumped the highway several times now. Even with a full powered 1 ½ inch line blasting water, I could not slow or even reduce the fire. This is just an example of how this fire can and does move. We have all been careful but this is a scary fire.



By 5:00 P.M. or so everything down to the Hatchery had burned. The Oak Creek camp ground burned last night. I do recall looking up as I was driving by and seeing the line of fire from the base of the Sierras to South Fork Creek coming down the hill very fast. They had widened the fire break at the road but with the hot fast wind, spot fires start everywhere, even miles away and with dry brush the spot fires grow and move very fast. It only takes one spark in the trees to get things going and water becomes like gasoline, or so it seems. It is very dry here and there was very little water this winter. The fire just came down the hill from the Bright Ranch in a long line and went right through the place.



Tomorrow or tonight the fire could move again. While much of the valley and mountains have burned there is still a lot of fuel (brush & trees) and places for the fire to go. If a house in town caught fire it would spread very quickly in the heat and wind and could burn much of the town very fast. There is still a lot of fire burning and hot spots all around. Fortunately, places that have burned have burned so hot that there is nothing left but ash and this provides solid fire breaks. We all have a good idea where the burned areas are and where the vulnerabilities continue to exist. God willing this is over and the fire will burn out on its own. We do have huge firefighting resources here now including multiple helicopters and airplanes. They are very effective and there are hundreds of crew members working. Our fire Department is getting some sleep for now. Me too.



Phil

Barry A. - 7-8-2007 at 09:27 AM

I want to personally thank all the very nice NOMADS that have u2u'd me, and responded on this thread, and e-mailed me, for their condolences and good wishes---------it is SINCERELY appreciated. :yes: You NOMADS are the BEST!!!

It is a sad day, indeed----and I pray that it is "over" soon.

Barry Ashworth

Mexitron - 7-8-2007 at 09:28 AM

Sorry for your loss Barry but glad all made it safely, including the horse!

David K - 7-8-2007 at 09:41 AM

Really sorry for the tragic fire happening Barry... I hope everyone is safe!

Barry A. - 7-8-2007 at 09:51 AM

Thanks, David-----we think everybody is accounted for. We are truly worried about the hero CDF fire fighters that tried in vain to save the Ranch and were burned pretty badly------we do not have an update on that yet, so if anybody learns anything please let me know. Aparently they were flown out on Medi-vac.

Thank you.

Sorry for your loss Barry,

Keri - 7-8-2007 at 11:18 AM

Glad there is no loss of life. Our prayers are with you all,k

Barry A. - 7-8-2007 at 12:16 PM

Thank you Keri----------

Just got off the phone with son, Phil. He says that the 9 man CDF crew trying to save the "Ranch" and the Fish hatchery, as well as an elderly lady living at the ranch, almost lost their lives-----actually had to get in their "fire shelters", and then when things got too hot even in the "shelters" had to roll into the big pond at the ranch. Two were badly burned and medi-vac'ed out. Their is a big investigation going on right now at the ranch, and nobody is allowed in there. They (CDF) lost their Fire engine---completely burned. It is not clear how this happened, but the elderly lady did get out, so no loss of life as yet.

AS stated, these Fire Fighters are HEROS, and deserve every "perk" they get, IMHO.

DianaT - 7-8-2007 at 12:34 PM

Barry,

So sad to hear about this, and so sad for your loss. We hope the firefighters will be OK.

That area is one of our favorite areas --- over the years, we have spent lots and lots of time there.

And yes, those fire fighters deserve everything

Diane and John

CaboMagic - 7-8-2007 at 02:33 PM

Barry A: please receive and accept our prayers and kindest wishes .. glad your son found Dulce safe & unharmed ... our hopes that those injured will recover swiftly... material possessions can be replaced no matter the costs or inconvenience .. Tommy & Lori

Alan - 7-8-2007 at 07:31 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by jdtrotter
Barry,

So sad to hear about this, and so sad for your loss. We hope the firefighters will be OK.

Diane and John


The reports I have are that all injuries were relatively minor.

MoFish - 7-8-2007 at 08:20 PM

Just got back from the Mammoth area, lots of smoke but the winds are down and the humidity is up so maybe they can get a handle on it.

Barry A. - 7-8-2007 at 09:06 PM

Alan-----I do hope that you are correct, but we heard that at least two of the firefighters had to be medi-vac'ed out with 3rd degree burns. The others survived by use of their fireshelters, and rolling into a deep pond on the property when the shelters became too hot. There was an indepth investigation today, but have not heard any results, yet. One fire engine was destroyed right beside the house.

If you have any details we would love to know them------we are not even sure what agency these heroes are from----CDF, BLM, or USFS.

Apparently our ranch was the only totally destroyed property, thank God, but we are keeping our fingers crossed, and prayers active.

Thanks once more for all the kind words, and info from you fellow NOMADS.

Barry A. - 7-8-2007 at 09:17 PM

This report just in from my son:

Today we just had to put out a hay stack that flared up. I did tour the Ashworth property again with JD and Betty Lynn. Oak Creek is the only big burn all day coming from the campground down to the Hatchery. They were working hard on it and I think the Ashworth Property now provides a good fire break so I hope it will not get by. Otherwise clean up will begin. It seems as though the big fires are all up high in the mountains now and hopefully the valley fires are done. That is about all the news for today. I did get a good nights sleep. Thank you all for your prayers



Phil


So----it would appear that all is getting close to stable.

Barry A.

Paula - 7-8-2007 at 09:20 PM

Barry,

I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. Going through all this must be terrible for you and you family and community. I can barely imagine...

Paula

Barry A. - 7-8-2007 at 09:35 PM

Thanks, Paula------but you know, it just "happened"----we always sorta knew it would someday, and it did.

Now we are all getting together to figure out how we can rebuild an even better place than before. This fire certainly errased a lot of the accumulated "junk", and over-growth on the property, and now the view of the Sierra's and Inyo range is supurb!!!------no trees to obstruct your view, you know. So, we will carefully evaluate, plan carefully, and rebuild a magnificant place that we all can enjoy-------at least that is the plan for now. :yes: It is still a magnificent property (40 acres) with rare full water rights, and two creeks flowing thru it----------you gotta love it.

Paula - 7-8-2007 at 09:38 PM

Way to be, Barry!:dudette:

UGLY

bajaguy - 7-8-2007 at 09:47 PM

Here in Carson City. Wind is from the south, we have plenty of smoke and ash, probably from the Independence/Big Pine fires. Visibility is about 3 miles.

Paula - 7-8-2007 at 09:51 PM

You make an excellent point, Soulpatch. Lives sould always come before stuff.

Barry A. - 7-8-2007 at 10:54 PM

SoulPatch---------your point IS well taken, but again I say----these guys were at the ranch to save an older resident who was still there---------at this they succeeded, tho I do not know the details. I feel terrible that there were injuries, and almost loss of life, but I in no way feel guilty. As a former Fire Fighter, I have nothing but respect and admiration for my fellow fire-fighters, even tho I know that they revel in what they are doing (as did I). I applaud their efforts and success, and pray for their safety, always.

I am not in the least bitter, (mainly because I agree with you) but I think it interesting that 1000 yards SE (down wind) was the State Fish Hatchery, and the fire was stopped there by two retardant bombers, one helecoptor, and a hoard of fire fighters even tho nobody was still there-----they had all been evacuated---------you can draw your own conclusions-----it is simply the "way things are", and always will be, and probably the way they should be.

This private land that burned is simply too valuable to abandon-----few places in the Valley have complete "water rights" since the City of LA bought up 99% of the water rights many years ago, and that alone makes this property invaluable. Fully knowing the danger, we WILL rebuild knowing that we could never duplicate what we have, and except the dangers in the future.

I salute you for "looking out" for your fellow fire-fighters, but you also realize, I am sure, that fire fighters do their "thing" because they love it, and love helping out their fellow man.

Diver - 7-8-2007 at 11:19 PM

07/08/2007 - A lightning strike started the blaze that's forced hundreds of people to evacuate the town of Independence.
Firefighters have also closed campgrounds and stopped traffic on US Highway 395 between Independence and Big Pine because of the 12,000 acre fire.
A helicopter brought the 3 injured firefighters to Fresno Community Regional Hospital Saturday night.
More than 400 firefighters are trying to protect homes, and so far they've been successful.

capitolkat - 7-9-2007 at 05:14 AM

Barry-- sorry for your loss- and yes you should rebuild. I lived in Carson City for 13 years and the firefighters who fight forest firres are a special breed. There are crews from the Nevada State Prisons that fight fires and it's an honor assignment- not one without danger. While I lived in CC a crew from the prison was trapped by a fire in a canyon just west of CC and all were killed. A monument stands in that canyon as a permanant reminder of the sacrifices of those brave, if somewhat flawed men. Unfortunately the growth of CC has been to the west up that canyon and now houses occupy areas that used to be a buffer from the sierra foothills and the fire danger posed in a typical Nevada dry season. People speed by the monument without ever knowing what it represents both in the sacrifice and the danger it implies.

God bless and best wishes to your family.-- Norm

Cypress - 7-9-2007 at 05:46 AM

Those firefighters are brave. :) In '94 fourteen of 'em were killed on Storm King Mountain in Colorado. Wiped out nearly a whole crew from Prineville, OR. Fire is the only thing that goes uphill faster than it goes downhill. Never get on the uphill side of a forest fire.:o

Sharksbaja - 7-9-2007 at 12:04 PM

Sorry Barry. I know the feeling of loss. You WILL come out on top. You've got a good handle and attitude on life.:yes:

Barry A. - 7-10-2007 at 10:25 AM

Soulpatch------------THANK GOD!!!!!

Thank you for reporting this--------we certainly were concerned, and could not find out how they were doing.

Still have not heard the results of the "investigation".

We did learn that "friends" of our relatives (relatives were away from the ranch on vacation) decended on the residences at the ranch and got many small portable valuables OUT hours before the flames took over the place, including most of the vehicles, and all the pets-----------many blessings are forthcoming, and friends are sure valuable in a time like this. We were not even aware of this "happening" until yesterday------God bless our friends.

Hook - 7-10-2007 at 10:40 AM

Yes, the OC Register outdoors reporter stated injuries were minor but that six of them were taken to the hospital for treatment of smoke inhalation.

Alan - 7-10-2007 at 06:33 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Barry A.

Still have not heard the results of the "investigation".


On a conference call yesterday for the Operational Area it was reported that it is anticipated it will take several weeks before a "Green Sheet" (Investigative Report) will be issued by CalFire (CDF).

Two engines were burned over and 3 FF's were airlifted. Actual injuries were reported as minor but they were also treated for smoke inhalation. (Definitely not a fun process!)

Alan - 7-11-2007 at 05:30 PM

For all those that were following this fire, it sounds like they finally have everything under control and the Management Team will be transitioning command back to the local forest tomorrow.

Gadget - 7-11-2007 at 06:14 PM

Thanks to all the brave men and women who do this for a living. They are compensated poorly for what they risk, but as our son Ryan says, "it's not even remotely about the money." Heck Barry's son is a volunteer! Our thoughts and prayers will continue to be with you all and so sorry for your property loss.