Summary
Zeke Lunder provided updates on several fires, starting with Dragon Bravo in New Mexico, which is spreading slowly and interacting with previous fire scars. The fire is expected to hit the Cane fire area, potentially being contained there. Monroe Canyon’s fire, driven by drought and wind, is being managed with firing operations. The Gifford fire in Santa Maria, California, is rapidly spreading due to dry fuels and high winds, with no immediate control measures in place. Lunder expressed frustration with the current fire management policies, advocating for natural fire cycles to maintain ecosystem health. He also mentioned the Big Cliff fire, hoping it would burn out the area naturally.
Cover photo: Hurricane Valley Fire & Rescue Facebook Page
Lookout Livestream
Dragon Bravo Fire Update
- Zeke Lunder begins by describing the persistent large-scale weather patterns and their influence on both the Dragon Bravo and Monroe Fires.
- He explains the infrared imagery showing the fire’s spread over the past 24 hours, highlighting the active fire on the Valhalla plateau.
- Zeke discusses the fire’s behavior, including the flanking fire and the impact of previous fires in the area, which can both make the current fire less severe.
- He describes the fire’s progression, including the fire’s interaction with the Cane Fire from two years ago and the potential for firefighters to pinch off the fire’s head.
Monroe Canyon Fire Update
- Zeke shifts focus to Monroe Canyon, mentioning the governor’s visit and the fire’s expected behavior due to drought and wind conditions.
- He explains the firing operations conducted to hold the fire at Highway 24 and the fire’s activity over the past few days.
- Zeke highlights the fire’s progression on the north end, including areas where the fire has stopped and areas where it is still active.
- He discusses the fire’s interaction with previous burns, and their potential impact on the fire’s behavior and severity.
Santa Maria Fire (LPF Gifford Fire)
- Zeke introduces the LPF Gifford fire in Santa Maria, California, and its similarities to the Madre fire from earlier in the year.
- The fire will be prevented from moving too close to the coast by the influence of the ‘marine layer’ / daily fog intrusion into inland valleys.
- He describes the fire’s intensity and speed, noting the challenges of controlling fires in California’s fire-adapted landscapes.
- Zeke explains the role of webcams in monitoring the fire and the natural barriers to fire spread, such as the marine influence and fog.
- He discusses the fire’s potential size and the historical context of fire behavior in the area, including the influence of past fires and geographic features.
Big Cliff Fire and Fire Management Philosophy
- Zeke addresses the Big Cliff Fire near Scott Valley.
- He shares his frustration with the current fire management philosophy of putting out every fire, even those that are beneficial for the landscape.
- Zeke recounts the tragic “Iron 44” helicopter crash which killed 10 firefighters in 2018, highlighting the risks of firefighting in high-risk/remote areas.
- He emphasizes the importance of allowing fires to burn in certain areas to restore areas damaged by recent fires, and reduce future fire risks.
- He acknowledges the risks of pursuing such strategies, and the unavoidable smoke impacts to local communities from large fires.