Vegetation Fire I15 - Blue Cut Fire - 2016

[Jim Wilkins]

Jim Wilkins, I always love your informative posts.  Can I ask:  What is the legitimate reason for not letting us back in at this point?  I would understand if the fire had actually come through Wrightwood, with downed power lines and other hazards, hot spots in the area, etc.  Makes sense for West Cajon ... But it didn't, and that little area of heat around Gobbler's Knob doesn't seem threatening at all ... far less than just the Sharp Fire a few years ago.  I'm starting to feel frustrated, and would rather not feel that way.  We evacuated as soon as the call came, hoping to stay out of everyone's way, and I'd like to keep thinking that as the right choice.

I share your pain.  I sit with my horses and dogs down at a safe place in Phelan.  I actually had been dispatched to the fire as a PIO when it blew up and we got out.  It is frustrating.  The sky is clear and no smoke seen.  I would share that there are so many factors involved before you release an evacuated area back in.....all of them involving safety.  They won't open the hiway until all the powerpoles and roadside guards are replaced.  The management team and the Sheriffs are working to get all the roadblocks open.  They honestly do know how these things affect residents.  Look for something sooner then later (how's that for hedging a bet)

I will tell you I have been on 6 fire where we had significant civilian fatalities which occurred when folks stayed behind and were caught or died on roads congested with those "who knew when it was time to get out" and by 100 foot flame lengths and they died in their cars.  I have been on three fires were firefighters were severely   burned going in after folks who had snuck around the roadblocks and the fires  blew up.  Be frustrated....I am.  But know you made a good and reasonable call.  In the almost 50 years I have lived in Wrightwood, fire has not come into the village as a fire storm but it can and if it does, it will be hell on earth.

[SkierBob]

I think the longer it takes to allow folks to return to their homes will cause fewer people to evacuate next time. 


I have guests in my spare bedroom waiting to return to ww and I don't think they will evac when asked next time.   

[TimG]

Thanks, Jim Wilkins, that helps.

[ChrisLynnet]

Great response Jim, thank you. I decided not to be mad at the people who stayed, what good does it do? And a number of them are helping as best they can, including looking after my cat! But it's impossible to explain to them why "knowing when to get out" may be the wrong, wrong decision. I do wish that so many of them would stop saying that they stayed because they are firefighting families. They should know better than anyone what can and does happen. Ah well.

[Porch_potato]

I will tell you I have been on 6 fire where we had significant civilian fatalities which occurred when folks stayed behind and were caught or died on roads congested with those "who knew when it was time to get out" and by 100 foot flame lengths and they died in their cars.  I have been on three fires were firefighters were severely   burned going in after folks who had snuck around the roadblocks and the fires  blew up.  Be frustrated....I am.  But know you made a good and reasonable call.  In the almost 50 years I have lived in Wrightwood, fire has not come into the village as a fire storm but it can and if it does, it will be hell on earth.

Jim,

Thanks for the insight.  Definitely good points to consider as I weigh whether to stay in the future. I'm certainly not as experienced as most here and wouldn't feel confident to stay.  I do appreciate the discussions regarding this here, and the passionate debate.

[Leftfield]

There are no down power poles and guard rails on Largo Vista/N4!!  Let us back in!!!

[Bob C]

I will tell you I have been on 6 fire where we had significant civilian fatalities which occurred when folks stayed behind and were caught or died on roads congested with those "who knew when it was time to get out" and by 100 foot flame lengths and they died in their cars.

Remember a few days ago, when some truck driver decided to take Hwy 18 eastbound, east of I-15, and got stuck on "hair pin turns". Well, that closed Highway 18 for a while over there.

We already have lost 2 of the 3 ways in/out of Wrightwood, with SR-2/Big Pines to our west being the only way in and out. What if, during this "we know when its finally time to leave" moment, someone had an accident, or stalled vehicle, that blocked that only remaining way out of town. That would be bad.

Yea, I can see why it's probably better to have the majority of traffic gone, before it's too late.

[ezzpete]

I think the longer it takes to allow folks to return to their homes will cause fewer people to evacuate next time. 

True.

[tcaarabians]

Jim, Chris..

Great points.  (Chris.. I have it on good authority that you do look like Jim.. without the mustache.)

I understand the frustration that folks here are expressing.  It's one thing to be away from home on a vacation. It is vastly different in this situation.  You have very little time to pack up everything that is important to you. And, there isn't room for everything.  You're worried about your home and property.  You're worried about livestock and pets you had to leave behind.  You're worried about looting. Your adrenaline works for awhile and then you're just drained from anxiety. You can't sleep so you're even more drained. (I'm talking about myself here.)  Social media becomes an outlet for the frustration.  Sometimes some of us.. express that frustration in ways we shouldn't.  It's human and understandable.  We all react to a crisis in different ways.  So, lettuce give one another a bit of room for our various meltdowns. (This does not mean we can't give a smack-down to someone that needs it.)

Let's stay focused.  WW hasn't lost any homes that I've heard about.  The folks in the WCV have a whole world of hurt to deal with.  Our community will need to reach out to them .. however we can.  And, when this is over and everyone is home.. those that still have a home.. we should debrief a bit about this whole experience.  One thing I know for sure is that this site is golden.  best to everyone, cheryl o7o

[Jeremy]

Trail cam footage recovered from fire, pay attention to the time stamp

http://schoutdoors.com/threads/trail-cam-goes-out-in-a-blaze-of-glory.10011/

[Nolena]

I agree with Jim's post.
I'm a retired CalFire Captain, with a lot of fire experience.
I evacuated with my dogs and cats.
If a crown fire took off, there would not be time to get out.
I feel that everyone should evacuate, and that people who don't endanger firefighters, but I'm not going to argue about it. Those currently in, or retired from, the fire service should know this, and be examples, and the first to evacuate.
But I'm not going to argue about it.
I'm as frustrated as anyone else about not being home.
But I have faith in, and respect for, those in charge of battling this fire and keeping us safe.
I'll play by the rules.

[Chuck]

Words of Wisdom from people who know and have fire fighting experience.  Okay Nolena you owe me $20 for saying something good or positive about you (and Jim).

[ezzpete]

Remember a few days ago, when some truck driver decided to take Hwy 18 eastbound, east of I-15, and got stuck on "hair pin turns". Well, that closed Highway 18 for a while over there.

We already have lost 2 of the 3 ways in/out of Wrightwood, with SR-2/Big Pines to our west being the only way in and out. What if, during this "we know when its finally time to leave" moment, someone had an accident, or stalled vehicle, that blocked that only remaining way out of town. That would be bad.

Yea, I can see why it's probably better to have the majority of traffic gone, before it's too late.

It would probably be a jam up caused by all the news crews. There seemed to be more news vans driving around then residents. 

[ChrisLynnet]

Jim, Chris.. Great points.  (Chris.. I have it on good authority that you do look like Jim.. without the mustache.)

 

[Bob C]

It would probably be a jam up caused by all the news crews. There seemed to be more news vans driving around then residents.

The solution is simple! We all need to apply for Press Passes, so we can ignore the signs

(just kidding!)

[3PinkRoses]

Ok...such a curve ball here, but If I can get up to the Mtn High West Lot (and still blocked) would I be allowed to ride my bike into WW and attend to my home?

[Mike Casey]

Come up largo vista. Lots of cars parked in MH that did exactly that.

[ezzpete]

Ok...such a curve ball here, but If I can get up to the Mtn High West Lot (and still blocked) would I be allowed to ride my bike into WW and attend to my home?

There was a blockade at Jackson Lake the other day, so probably not from that direction.

[BabyEagle]

I'm sure that I represent a large number of people who are simply thankful for the continued efforts of everyone involved in saving the town of Wrightwood from destruction, regardless of any personal inconvenience.  While we may miss our homes, we are grateful beyond words for having homes to return to...whenever that time arrives.

This is a microwave generation where people seem to expect everything to happen at video-game speed. I blame the zeitgeist of this age and an overinflated sense of entitlement to having things go one's personal way in nearly every situation.  Those of us who are older, and have seen how things often spiral out of control in the blink of an eye, are more willing to wait and be content with knowing that we will soon have the joy of coming home.

During this brief time of waiting, I urge those anxious to return to our beautiful little town to spend some of your time in prayer for those whose lives have been forever changed by the enormity of their losses. It will turn your focus to where it ought to be and perhaps move you with compassion to assist them in some way in the days and weeks to come.

At the very least. ..it should help you wait a little longer.

[Mikeswave]

Hearing a rumor that was coming from I guess in front of the hardware store from fire crews that at noon they were going to let voluntary return with ID any thing on this?