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Yahoo!Under the glow of the red moon, reporter Gretchen Wenner is watching the fire activity around Painted Cave with Craig Konklin, a battalion chief from Tuolumne County, who is in charge of the fire line from Painted Cave to Hwy. 154.
Konklin and his crew-which consists of four hand crews (with four more on the way) and 15 engines-are battling the northwest flank of the Jesusita Fire. Up on the ridge, there are 70- to 80-foot flames shooting skyward, but those don't concern Konklin. He's worried about the spot fires on the canyon wall across from Painted Cave. The spot fires, which aren't visible from downtown Santa Barbara, would be the priority if there weren't homes at risk in other areas, Konklin said.
The spot fires are troubling because if weather patterns change and big winds come up, they could quickly threaten homes on Painted Cave. Fortunately, the winds are working in their favor at the moment. And if the good luck continues, Konklin believes his crew can keep the flames under control until reinforcements arrive tomorrow, at which point they'll be able to "stomp them out."
View Jesusita Fire map in a larger format (current as of 9pm, May 10)
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If anyone (especially with pets) needs a place to stay and is willing to make a drive, my mom in Visalia, CA (about 3.5 hours from Santa Barbara) can take people. Pets must like cats (she has some cats), but she has a pet-safe yard, plenty of food, two extra bedrooms, and wants to help! Call Megan at (559) 679-4234.
Meganace (anonymous profile)
May 8, 2009 at 10:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)
so Far things look better than last night. Hope this holds.
will give the crews a chance to keep things maintained and not lose progress made today.
CGerlach (anonymous profile)
May 8, 2009 at 11:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I am living in Washington state now, but I spent many happy years in Santa Barbara, and have good friends and family there. The Independent's coverage of this fire is remarkable, as is the photography. These are the most amazing photographs of a fire that I have ever seen. I do have to admit that they made me cry though. My heart goes out to all of you, as do my prayers.
DharmaFox (anonymous profile)
May 9, 2009 at 2:45 a.m. (Suggest removal)
the calmer weather and cooler weather seems to be holding, thanks to the Divine and all the wonderful fire fighters, this is a wonderful break.
CGerlach (anonymous profile)
May 9, 2009 at 4:08 a.m. (Suggest removal)
The Call center had to take a break ..they will be open again soon. Call 211 if you have questions or need help until then.
CGerlach (anonymous profile)
May 9, 2009 at 4:32 a.m. (Suggest removal)