In Santa Cruz County, we think of earthquakes as the central threat to our way of life. In October, we will commemorate the 20th anniversary of the Loma Prieta earthquake that shook the county to its roots.
However, the past two summers have illustrated that fire can be just as potent and just as scary as an earthquake.
In fact, the ash and smoke that blanketed Bonny Doon, the San Lorenzo Valley and Scotts Valley for the past week served as a stark reminder that fire was only miles away. Without fire crews to temper the blaze, our towns and cities could have been consumed by flames.
We salute the firefighters who have battled the blaze for days on end. And despite the immense costs associated with fighting the fire, we feel the fire protection is worth every penny.
When a Cal Fire battalion chief orders more resources to fight the fire, it is important and necessary that they arrive in a timely fashion.
We also salute the hundreds of support people who have taken part in battling the Lockheed blaze. The organization and plan set in place to feed, house and equip the firefighters, evacuees and staff was incredible.
It’s impossible to note all the groups that helped with animal rescue, keeping the roads clear and the information pipeline open, but their efforts were essential. And on behalf of those who were displaced and wound up staying with friends and neighbors in the local area, your efforts were invaluable.
After two summers of serious wildfires, it hardly needs to be said, but we urge residents to keep their properties clear.
The defensible space laws are in place for a reason, and when fire comes, defensible space can mean the difference between the charred remains of your home and a ring of charred pine trees and brush surrounding your unscathed dwelling.
Cal Fire worked magnificently to keep the Lockheed Fire clear of populated areas, but the next time, our mountains and valleys might not be so blessed.
If it takes a neighborhood getting together to clear a field, or steady work every weekend, it’s important that we band together to prepare for the next fire or earthquake.
Preparation will lead to success when the next natural disaster strikes our lovely home.
While clearing around YOUR house is an excellent idea, we need to look deeper into the cause of, and reason for, the extended fires this county has experienced.
An individual has been charged with starting the Summit fire; he had apparently been warned, by Cal Fire, but not cited earlier for his burning practices.
The Martin fire had its origin at a known "party spot". The Ecological reserve and Pineridge had been previously identified, by Cal Fire as being at very high risk for a major fire. No meaningful preventative action was taken in the reserve.
A passing vehicle has been blamed for the fire along Highway 1 at Trabing Road. High, unmowed weeds along the roadway have been suspected as allowing the fire to develop rapidly. Vehicles remain on the highway; hopefully the roadside fuel load is being better addressed today.
It is too soon to drew conclusions about the Lockheed fire, but the lack of access, inadequate water resources, and an apparent inability of Cal Fire to mount an initial attack at night appear to be factors in the ultimate size of the fire. It takes time for resources to arrive from throughout the state.
Help save YOUR house by clearing, but DEMAND that fire risks be address proactively. Preventing fires, and adequate planning protect ALL houses.