Out-Of-Area Fires

http://cbs2.com/local/Wildfire.Angeles.National.2.709435....

Videos on this site about the fire mentioned by Castine. Why do these newspeople look like they're drooling???

What started this?

I feel like we are a target for terrorists listening to this.

I don't think they know what started it yet. There were a LOT of hikers up there as well as some boyscouts. All it takes is that carelessly thrown cigarette.. I just feel like we're all sittin ducks all summer long.

One road in and out of that place. Terrible.
Sitting ducks is right.
They really need to repair all the roads leading out of here.

The media contributes to the problem as well. I have been watching the news and heard, "We have dry winds today and the vegetation out there is dry from the hot weather. It is going to be a dangerous mix for potential fires out there." Then they insert the names of places at risk.

Why not just say, "Calling all arsonists we need something newsworthy to report, now is your chance." Someone needs to shut up the reporters about fires conditions exsisting.

Amen, Sister!!!! Every time I hear them do that on the news I want to scream!

"Come one, come all! Arsonists welcome!!!

Anyone living in this area already KNOWS fire risks. All media does is get the wacko's salivating. It's like handing them a porn magazine.

There is a blog at the bottom of this website page:

http://www.sierramadrenews.net/

"Fire update - 12:15pm

I just got off the phone with PIO Elisa Weaver who informs me that the wedding party discussed in the press release below has been located and they are safe.

Fire update 12:13pm -
<snip>
We have new reports of a wedding party of approximately 50 people 3 ½ miles from the Chantry Flats Ranger Station. Fire officials are looking at ground evacuation; otherwise they will be flown out. This wedding party will be out of the Chantry area by noon today. Sierra Madre Search and Rescue will be the lead on this operation coordinating with LA County Sheriffs...."

From the same site:

" Plea to those in the evacuation area, particularly those in the canyon:
While everyone understands the desire of people to stay to protect their homes until the last minute, there's a critical element that we hope all those in this situation will consider, especially those who live in the canyon. If you wait until the danger is imminent, you will be attempting to leave (along with all the others) down narrow streets which at that point in time would be better left open so that fire and rescue equipment can make it up the hill. The last thing anybody wants is for fleeing homeowners to be delayed by fire equipment, or worse yet, homes to be destroyed because fire equipment couldn't get up the hill because of the last minute evacuees. Please, leave your homes now, while there is no immediate necessity for the equipment to be traveling on those roads."

Before the Old fires the LA Times published a freeway map showing how to get to the highest fire danger areas. The firs season is not handled properly at all by the media sometimes, most of the times. It makes me so angry.

Old Fire

fire
not firs
Okay, nap time. I am going down hill fast....

Chantry Flats, if I remember correctly, has always had only one way in and one way out by car.

The closest I ever got to getting bit by a rattler was on a hike in Chantry Flats as a Cub Scout. A few years ago..

Chantry Flats, if I remember correctly, has always had only one way in and one way out by car.

Yep lion, there is only one way in and out. That is my old stomping grounds and had friends actually get locked in one night cause they didn't get out in time, back in the day. One of my friend's parents still lives up that way.

This is not good news...and so early in the year!

No Jam BG?
On my way home I saw 3 fires, 2 in Rancho Cucamongs(sp) and the one by pasadena

My prayers for those in Sierra Madre. Lived there in the 70s and remember friends evacuating from the canyons for fire back then. Beautiful community. Loved hiking Chantry flats with my dogs.

I lived in Sierra Madre as a young boy, my Mom worked at the Sierra Madre Medical Center for some time. Cool little town.

Inciweb: http://www.inciweb.org/incident/1233/

Updated at approx 10:30 pm:

Basic Information
Incident Type Wildland Fire
Cause Under Investigation
Date of Origin 04/26/2008 at 1500 hrs.
Location City of Sierra Madre and Angeles National Forest (Los Angeles County)
Incident Commander Dave Fiorella
Current Situation
Total Personnel 900
Size 400 acres
Percent Contained 30%
Fuels Involved

Brush, chapparal and light timber.

Fire Behavior

Slow to moderate rate of spread. Fire is terrain-driven, burning uphill into the Angeles National Forest (San Gabriel Mtns).

Significant Events

Significant progress has been made protecting homes on the southern end of the fire. There is still considerable work to be done constructing fireline to reach full containment.

Progression map on Inciweb:

http://www.inciweb.org/incident/maps/full/1233/0/

So it has moved into the National Forest... Far too early in the year to be dealing with this.

Thanks for the update Vicki. As always, heck of a job Lady!