Keeping Sea Ranch Safe from Raging Northern California Wildfires

(2015) Keeping Sea Ranch safe from the northern California wildfires raging across thousands of acres is of utmost concern today. The triple-digit heatwaves in neighbouring counties, coupled with gusting winds and the added threat of lightening strikes in the mountainous regions of northern California is the perfect alchemy with which to start our ubiquitous fire season. At the time of this writing there are 20 wildfires burning the sun-baked California countryside, many still struggling to be contained.  Thousands of drought-stricken acres in California have been destroyed, lives disrupted¹, and loss of life² all of which prompted Governor Brown to declare a state of emergency³.

Most frighting is the Rocky Fire,  east of Sea Ranch in the Lake County’s east Lower Lake area. Currently, this fire is 12% contained. It is threatening 6,300 homes. destroyed 24 residences and 26 outbuildings and damaged 3 other structures.  This explosive fire has burned 60,000 over acres. As a result, Cal Fire announced⁴: 

A Mandatory Evacuation order has been implemented for all residents on Ogulin Canyon Road. Law enforcement is currently in the area and informing residents of the mandatory evacuation. All of Ogulin Canyon road will be closed to traffic. A Mandatory Evacuation order is in effect for all of Spring Valley. Law enforcement is currently advising Spring Valley residents of the mandatory evacuation. The Highway 20 corridor will be closed from New Long Valley Road to Highway 53. The Mandatory Evacuation includes Paradise Canyon, New Long Valley Road, Old Long Valley Road, Salt Canyon, Indian Hill Road, Flaming Hills Lane, Benmore Canyon, Red Rock Road, Red Rock Court, Round Mountain Road, North West of Highway 22, Fern Way, Juniper Way, Holly Way, Golden Red Way, Shasta Road, Cougar Road, Jeep Trail, Smith Lane, Pueblo Trail, Quail Trail, Ogulin Canyon Road, Meadow Creek Road, Cache Creek Road, Wolf Creek Road, Spring Valley Road, Riverview Road, Rocky Ridge, Chalk Mountain Road, Lakeview Campground, Cache Creek Winery, Noggle Winery, Elm Way, Dogwood, Cedar, Blue Berry, Acacia Way, Acacia Street, Doe Trail, Madrone Way, Peach Way, Quince Way, Redwood Way, Sequoia Way, Tamarack Way, Weeping Willow Way, Yucca Way, Coyote Way, Elk Way and Fox Way. An Advisory Evacuation is in effect from Highway 53 west to Sulphur Bank Road along Highway 20.

 National Forest Fires

Tamra Schmidt of the National Forest Service announced the Mendocino National Forest fire crews are still searching for and identifying fires sparked by lightning from storms that occurred late last week and through this weekend.

Schmidt stated⁶:

Of the approximately 15 fires located on the Forest, only three on the Upper Lake Ranger District remain active, with the other fires declared either contained, controlled or out.

How Does Sea Ranch Prepare for Fires?

The Sea Ranch has not been left untouched by the drought conditions in California. We are very aware of the need to not only conserve our water resources, but also be ever vigilant that our beautiful grasslands and trees do not become tinder for the next fire. For this reason Sea Ranch does not allow for any open flames on the property.

This means in short: 

• No Smoking,
• No Fireworks,
• No Open Flames (including fire pits, open barbecues).

Smoking is prohibited year ‘round on all trails, common areas and restricted common areas of The Sea Ranch.  Dry forest and grasslands are an extreme wildfire hazard. 

We strictly follow The California State Legislature requirements for creating “defensible space” around our home of 100 feet or more. This includes:

1. Mowing grasses to within 30 feet of Abalone Bay
2. Clearing brush, excessive duff and deadwood
3. Trimming off low tree branches to prevent fires from spreading up into the canopy.

Our lovely environment in these dry conditions continue to pose an extreme wildfire hazard. Always know your potential evacuation route no matter where you are.  And be aware of how to get to Highway One, preferably by two different ways.

Sea Ranch Fire Protection Against Northern California Wildfires

Sea Ranch has two fire departments available for our protection…

 The Sea Ranch Volunteer Fire Department⁷ manned by local Mendonoma area volunteers, and…

the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection station located in Annapolis,  manned year round by Cal Fire crews⁸.

If  Northern California Wildfires Approach Sea Ranch:

Visit our website for emergency procedures⁹ including these for wildfire.

General Procedures

• Park your vehicle facing out, pack your vehicle according to your checklist and keep keys, cell phone and flashlight easily accessible.
• Secure your pets, prepare them for transport.
• Close all windows, heavy drapes, blinds and shutters if present.
• Remove any sheer window coverings.
• Place a ladder against the house on side away from oncoming fire, this will provide easy access to the roof for firefighters.
• Move any combustible yard furniture into garage or away from home.
• Leave garden hoses (hooked up) and full buckets of water around home.
• Leave electricity ON and turn on porch light and some interior lights.
• Dress in long pants, long sleeved shirt, goggles or glasses, a bandana to cover face and a baseball cap. Wear 100% cotton if possible.
• Use phones (cell and house) only when necessary, circuits can become overwhelmed potentially causing emergency calls not to go through.

During Evacuation:

• Leave a door of your home unlocked.
• If firefighters make a stand at your home they will need to gain access for their own safety in the case of an unexpected fire blow up.
• Drive slowly and safely; turn headlights and flashers on.
• Be aware that emergency vehicles are likely on their way in.
• If you are trapped by fire, park as close to the inside of the road as possible without driving off the road and disabling your vehicle, stay inside your vehicle and keep engine running, close vents, cover yourself with a blanket and get down as low as possible.
• Call 911 and let dispatcher know that you are evacuating from a fire on the Sea Ranch and you have become trapped.
• Give  911 dispatcher as exact of a location as possible-
• When staying at Abalone Bay your address is: 36905 Green Cove Drive, The Sea Ranch. Unit 18…Lot 78. 

Learn More About Fire Safety in Sea Ranch:

Sea Ranch Fire Safe Council http://www.firesafecouncil.org/
Fire Safe Sonoma http://www.firesafesonoma.org/
CalFire http://www.fire.ca.gov/index.php
The Sea Ranch Volunteer Fire Department

News and Information Resources Featured:

1.  Rocky fire victim describes losing home (Video)
2. Firefighter Dies in Wind-Fueled Northern California Wildfire
3.  California fires lead Gov. Brown to call state of emergency
4. Rocky Fire Incident Information
5. Current California Fire Information
6. Update on Mendocino National Forest lightning fires
7.  The Sea Ranch Volunteer Fire Department
8. California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire)
9. Emergency Information: Abalone Bay and Sea Ranch