Basin Fire: View from Hastings 7/17

   Again, we have structure protection engines stationed at Hastings. These are the same crew from Los Angeles. They are driving from Tregea, through Hastings, including the Hallisey House. Firing was largely successful yesterday in the upper Anastasia Canyon and today they are burning nearer our boundaries (lower) adjacent to the Trout Pond and Carmel Valley Road. The back fire on the Arnold is complete, and Jaime reports that the dozer crews labored mightily on that last night. So, all is well on our western front. Today additional firing will continue south and east of Hastings along the Carmel Valley road between Hastings and the Cahoon summit. A dozer line then continues south and east toward Miller's Camp at Arroyo Seco. Additional fire fighting will be done along that front. To the west (south of Carmel Valley Village) the fire is moving slowly north to the primary bulldozer line that comes up from Los Padres Dam. So, we expect heavy smoke today and for quite a while, and reports on the fire fighting effort all appear positive. A huge camp (2000 people) has sprung up over night and extends from Corral Viejo to the Tassajara Road along Carmel  Valley road. This operation is fully illuminated at night. A gallery of images of the fire camp can be found here. 

     Here are some fire photos from Eric Walters and some by David Gubernick. Too bad David can't get out to photograph this epic fire. They would be spectacular.  Again, check in with "Life in the Fire Lane" for other views and news.  Photo above by David Gubernick.