Posted on July 4 at 8:45 p.m.

Basically, the DC-10 is a large tanker that is able to be loaded up and put a very very large amount of retardant down ina single pass. I do not remeber the exact numbers, but it soemthing like a 20' wide 1/2 mile strip in a single pass. This can give help slow an advancing line quickly, but because a DC 10 is such a large plane it cannot drop down into canyons like the smaller aircraft so its use is limited.

Independent,
Thanks again for providing the needing news coverage of the event unfolding in front of us. It is clear who the real news outlet is in town!
Jay

On Gap Fire: Report From Earl Warren

Posted on August 24 at 8:07 a.m.

I rode Romero to the trail intersection on Wed and while Ray is correct saying there are debris and rocks all over, for the most part I did not think it was any worse than it was before, but has the potential for being much better. I did have to stop frequently and throw tree limbs and cuttings over the edge, and there were still plants that should be trimmed back as they now protrude into the trail since it is wider, but I was also one of the first riders through so I expected there to be issues. With all of the looseness of the rocks/debris, now is the perfect time to grab some shovels and as J'Amy says make a community project to clean it up in a friendly manner. I know that many people will continue to complain that the single rack is gone, but living close to Romero I frequently hear the helicopters hovering in the canyon trying to find the latest victim that has gone over the edge, and this is a major step to reducing those occurrences. To anyone heading up there to ride (or hike), take a set of pruning shears and a shovel if possible and lets start the rehab!

On Romero Canyon Single Track Receives a Facelift

Posted on August 16 at 9:47 p.m.

Ray,
Thanks again for the clear assessment of what is going on, glad your out there for us. I hope all things come together Fri for those fighting the fire so they can keep it north of Monte Arrido and gain the upper hand. SuzNMC, the wind in Toro Canyon is blowing SE (as evidenced by the smoke/ash), so if it the same on the other side of the hill, the fire should not be moving back at this time.

On Battle to Hold Monte Arido Ridge

Posted on August 16 at 8:37 a.m.

Ray, Any word on what is happening on the SE flank of the fire? There have been no map updates since Tues and the firefighters I have talked to in the front country say that is the most active area right now, and has been since Tues.
Thanks

On The Fire and the Wild

Posted on August 14 at 11:11 a.m.

Ray,
I live at the very top of Toro Canyon (first property the fire will reach if it comes over the top) and early last week we were inundated with smoke from the fire. Knowing that if the smoke is blowing our way the fire probably was too, I went to the other local news sources (and I use that term very loosely as they do not seem to realize they are supposed to be news sources) and could find nothing as to what was going on. Inciweb was having problems, and when I did access it, it was about 36 hrs behind, and 961-5770 was always busy. To say my wife and I were a bit concerned was an understatement and we were unsure what to do; bolster the defenses and get the fire hoses out, or pack up the animals and head for the flatlands. I then found your articles on the Independent web page and instantly had the insight I needed to plan what I needed to do. You have provided clear, concise assessments of what is transpiring on the other side of the hill, and I have been using it to decide on a daily basis what I should be concerned with. If I had to rely on the other sources for my information, I would be operating with out essential facts and could easily make decisions that could make the entire situation worse. Thanks again for the reports and providing the information that is REQUIRED for many of us to make informed decisions in this dynamic situation. As far as I am concerned, there cannot be too much information, but having too little is a major problem.

On How Much Info Should the Public Know? (Zaca Fire Bulletin Board)

Posted on August 13 at 8:20 p.m.

It seems odd to me that while the other media outlets report that the fire may be coming to SB and everyone should be ready to pack up and leave, public agencies criticize Ray for sensationalizing and scaring people. They have it backwards! Ray, you (and the Independent) have been providing the community a invaluable service while the other media outlets have fallen flat on their faces. As a person living in the foothills I was very upset about the lack of information until I found your stories. Now I can make plans for what needs to be done based on facts, not on the drivel from the other sources. Thank You for providing the information we need as opposed to what agencies think we need. We can all think for ourselves if provided the facts.

On How Much Info Should the Public Know? (Zaca Fire Bulletin Board)