Big Sur Fire Update
01:25 PM July 15, 2008 3 comments »
[July 14 Update] Hwy 1 has re-opened, and all the inns and tourist attractions along the coast have re-opened, with the exception of the state parks. The biggest threat now facing Big Sur is mud slides, once winter’s rains return. But that’s a story for another time. For now, we can all breathe a sigh of relief.
[July 4, 6pm Update] Firefighters have chainsawed the brush on either side of Hwy 1 to keep it from jumping the road. For the very latest, read blogs from those who are there. (NB: Though egregious posts are being removed, none of the information is being filtered or verified.) Here are the best links for current Big Sur/Ventana Wilderness fire information.
[July 2, 2pm Update] Alas, the town of Big Sur has been totally evacuated and firemen are everywhere. Flames are licking the ridgelines above town. HOWEVER, once the evacuation orders are lifted—which can happen at a moment’s notice—hotels will immediately reopen (assuming the fire moves east, not west). Wait till tomorrow and check back with the resorts. But the news isn’t all bad. Read on…
[July 1] The bad news is, the Basin Complex fire in Big Sur is still burning and only 3% contained. The good news is, no inns, restaurants or attractions have burned. If you’re willing to brave the eeriness of a town on high alert, it’s a stellar time to score a rock-bottom rate. The winds have shifted, blowing coastal fog inland, and the postcard-perfect viewshed has been 95% restored.
More good news: The Henry Miller Library came close to burning down when the fire reached the ridge immediately behind the property, but firefighters managed to stop it from incinerating this California treasure. Archivists evacuated Mr. Miller’s art, books and personal effects to a concrete room at Post Ranch, but are now returning them to the library.
If you’re worried about wildlife, you’ll be thrilled to learn that eight California condors have been successfully airlifted via helicopter from Ventana Wildlife Society’s sanctuary—which by the way desperately needs donations. All free-flying condors—43 in total—have also been reported alive via the radio-telemetry devices implanted in their wings.
Hwy 1 south of Nepenthe Restaurant remains closed, as do Esalen Institute, Deetjen’s, and most of Big Sur’s state parks. Keep your eye on the forecast. July 4th is scheduled to be hot and sunny—more bad news for firefighters, but good for intrepid travelers looking for a rarefied experience this weekend. Just don’t expect to go hiking.
If you’re a big tipper in search of a cheap room, I dare say the locals would love to see you right about now.
July 2nd, 2008 at 2:15 am
Imagine, a fireside front row seat can be had at the gorge in the Big Sur State Park. No need to worry about dinner reservations - walk ins welcome. Want to experience what it is like to be on the set of MASH? Do you enjoy watching bombers and helicopters dodge each other as they rush retardant and sea water to hot spots that are fingering down the western slopes to Highway One? It is an amazing time to be Big Sur. The weather has been spectacular. The locals are friendly and welcoming and all at a discount during what is typically their high season. AND, the air quality is not bad despite the smoke. Bring your binoculars!
July 2nd, 2008 at 5:23 pm
Amazing - you can get a steal of a deal on a posh room - but may risk your life doing it.
And to watch all the beautiful scenery & animals go up in flames. And to think - as a bonus you can watch all those locals cry over becoming homeless. I’m not sure what kind of person could really enjoy that “exquisite view” for a cheap price of a room.
Did you even think before you wrote this column? Or are you that shallow?
July 2nd, 2008 at 5:39 pm
Hi Liz,
Thanks for your note. In fact, I did think about it before writing it. I used to earn my income in the service industry, and I know what happens to one’s income when suddenly occupancy drops to zero.
Think about it: If a family member of yours, say your mom, had lost everything in a fire and you had only your job to rely on for the necessary income to help her rebuild her life, don’t you think you’d be desperate for people to come and empty their pockets into your tip jar?
I wrote this piece to help the citizens of Big Sur, not to attract rubber-neckers. Read the last line again: “If you’re a big tipper in search of a cheap room, I dare say the locals would love to see you right about now.”
Thank you for raising this important question. I have a severe distaste for morbid curiosity-seekers, and I’m grateful you helped me clarify my point.
All the best,
John