Former ANF District Ranger Cid Morgan may have changed job assignments but the work she accomplished in the Wrightwood area definitely showed today.
Cid's push for a Big Pines Fuel Reduction started in 2003. By early 2004 a proposed plan, map and scoping letter had been issued. Cid met with the Big Pines Camping Association and Wrightwood Fire Safe Council on numerous occasions explaining the need for this fuel modification project.
Her emphasis was on protecting people, property, historic values and decrease fireline intensity.
In Nov 2004 crews began marking trees for removal along Big Pines highway and in Dec 2004 ANF fire crews from Valeyermo started reducing dense areas of scrub oak and chamise 2-3 miles below Jackson Lake.
Work has continued on the Big Pines project with the better part of the fuel reduction work already accomplished.
The high winds this morning caused power lines to go down resulting in a vegetation fire a short time later. Close by organizational camps had structures threatened and were preparing to evacuate.
Due to a quick response from LA County Fire and USFS crews the wind driven fire was quickly knocked down.
Crews from LA County Engine 79 said that the fire stayed on the ground and did not get into the trees as ladder fuels were not present. This was primarily a ground fire with pine needles and leaves the only fuel that was there to burn.
I don't want to take anything away from the great job firefighters accomplished this morning but
if it wasn't for Cid Morgan's forethought and perseverance we might be evacuating the community of Wrightwood as I write this.
The Wrightwood Fire Safe Council and community members would like to thank District Ranger Cid Morgan for the work she accomplished while in the ANF! We dodged a major fire today and you are the reason the fire intensity was minimal.Cid continues to be an active forum member and adds a great deal to this community even though she now lives and works out of state.
