Zeke Lunder provided a detailed update on the Garnet Fire, noting its progression and the potential for it to be contained. He discussed the impact of recent rains and the fire’s activity near the Tea Kettle Experimental Forest, where a carbon-focused forestry project just got nuked. Lunder also covered other fires in California, including the 6-5 Fire in Chinese Camp, the 27 Fire in Murphys, and the Blue Fire and Dillon Fires in the Klamath. We also take an aerial tour of an enormous pot-growing subdivision in Trinity County.
Lookout Livestream
Garnet Fire Overview and Initial Observations
- Zeke Lunder introduces the California Fire report, mentioning the busy day for firefighters and the lack of significant new developments on active fires.
- The Garnet fire is described as being socked in, with a friend predicting it might go out soon due to rain (up for debate, we’ll have to wait and see).
- Zeke shares a satellite image taken at noon, 9/2/2025, showing the fire’s activity and the impact on the Teakettle Experimental Forest.
- The fire’s progression and the potential for some trees to survive are discussed, with a focus on the fire’s impact on long-term carbon storage capacity of the old-growth trees there.
Detailed Analysis of Garnet Fire
- Zeke explains the fire’s activity on the east side of the fire, near Sugar Pine Hill, and the strategy to keep it south of McKinley Grove Road.
- The fire’s behavior is observed, with the fire backing downhill and potentially providing beneficial fire effects in some areas.
- The potential for the fire to spread and the challenges of managing it are highlighted, with a focus on the steep, gnarly canyon of Dinkey Creek.
California Fire Map and Weather Conditions
- Zeke discusses the state of California fires, noting the passage of a low pressure system in over the NorCal Coast, and how this created the dry lightning.
- The interaction of the low pressure system with the Sierra Nevada mountains is explained, leading to lightning storms and fire activity.
- Specific fires in Tuolumne, Calaveras, and Fresno Counties are highlighted, with a focus on their impact and the firefighters’ efforts to contain them.
- The importance of firefighters’ skills in managing low elevation fires is emphasized, with a focus on the organization required for effective firefighting during chaotic events like the one we had on 9/2.
Fire Activity in Yuba and Butte Counties
- Zeke discusses the fire activity in Yuba and Butte counties, noting the impact of rain on some fires and the ongoing fire starts.
- The importance of fire history in the Sierra Nevada is highlighted, with a focus on areas that haven’t had fire for 100 years.
- The potential for large fires in areas with significant fuel loads is discussed, with a focus on the challenges of managing these fires.
Fire Management Strategies and Geographic Considerations
- Zeke discusses the notion that we should consider the potential for applying different fire management strategies in various parts of California, with a focus on the unique geography and fire history of each region.
- The importance of strategic fire management in areas like the Klamath and Mendocino National Forests is highlighted, with a focus on the opportunities to let fires burn if they are in the right locations.
- The challenges of managing fires in areas with significant fuel loads and limited fire history are discussed, with a focus on the need for strategic planning.
Fire Activity in the Klamath and Northern California
- Zeke discusses the fire activity in the Klamath and Northern California, with a focus on the Blue Fire and its impact on the landscape.
- The importance of fire ecology and the role of past fires in shaping the current landscape is highlighted, with a focus on the potential for future fires.
- The challenges of managing fires in remote areas and the importance of local knowledge and experience are discussed.
- The specific tactics being employed on the Dillon Fire are discussed.