La Brea Wildfire

The La Brea Fire, which started yesterday at 2:50 pm, continues to burn in an area of the San Rafael Wilderness that is very steep and difficult to reach on the ground.

Heavy fuels (vegetation), long range spotting and moderate to rapid rates of spread continue to hamper fire fighters in their efforts to contain the fire. Extreme fire behavior was observed, as the fire made major runs throughout the day and was fuel driven. Flames from the fire could be seen on the ridgeline from areas along SR-166 this afternoon.

The portion of the forest from the intersection of SR-166 and Sierra Madre Road east to McPherson Peak, south to the Sisquoc and west to the forest boundary is currently closed due to the fire emergency. Campgrounds in the area have been evacuated.

As I responded in to the La Brea incident today the fire made a very long run to the west up to the Sierra Madre fuel break. I met with Captain Gavin Schwartz and his crew from LPF Engine 35 and the day Operations Section Chief Jamie Coppell. Jamie was the IC in charge of the fire in the early stages; he immediately ordered more resources when he saw the large column of smoke. Fire behavior became extreme with long range spotting between 5 and 6 pm today as it did late yesterday afternoon. The fire continued to push to the west in dense chaparral in very steep terrain. Large plumes of smoke were clearly visible from miles around.

I made access to the head of the fire and was lucky enough to get some great air tanker shots just before sundown. Unfortunately it started to get very dark on the ridgetop so I had to use a much Higher ISO than normal.