In 2015 fire threatened our place. It was started by lightning 10 miles down the valley. It burned slowly for five days before blowing up to a named fire that for weeks put our homes at risk. We were lucky but there were three nights that I was pretty certain we'd lose it.
Fire is not predictable. It doesn't burn in straight line or single direction and varies in intensity. It can jump long distances very quickly.
We did a major fire mitigation project in 2010 and done maintenance, management and expansion ever since. During the fire there was no power. We used generators to power well pumps to run sprinklers. It is a dicey proposition to know exactly when to bail. Wait too long and you don't get out. Leave too early and the generator runs out of fuel before the flames hit.
A number of my neighbors were not as lucky as we were. Both of the men in this picture lost their homes early on yet stayed in the fight with us.
Despite the risk we choose to live in these areas. The beauty and the community make it worth it. They rebuilt.
Fire is not predictable. It doesn't burn in straight line or single direction and varies in intensity. It can jump long distances very quickly.
We did a major fire mitigation project in 2010 and done maintenance, management and expansion ever since. During the fire there was no power. We used generators to power well pumps to run sprinklers. It is a dicey proposition to know exactly when to bail. Wait too long and you don't get out. Leave too early and the generator runs out of fuel before the flames hit.
A number of my neighbors were not as lucky as we were. Both of the men in this picture lost their homes early on yet stayed in the fight with us.
Despite the risk we choose to live in these areas. The beauty and the community make it worth it. They rebuilt.
