2024 Line Fire Update #13
Line Fire Update 10/9/24
Dear Camp Supporters:
I got an exciting phone call last evening from our USFS Permit Officer stating that all camps on the south side of highway 38 are free to resume hosting retreat groups!
Today I drove up to camp from Redlands to assess what type of cleanup is required to get the camp ready for Pine Con, October 18 – 20. Daisy Doodle was so excited to be back in camp. She darted out of the Jeep and headed straight for her toy piles. She has a stash of balls, rubber squeakers, and an old stuffed monkey that she hides in spots around the Directors cabin.
The scene along the way to camp is stark in some places. It’s heartbreaking to see that the fire hopped hwy 38 here and there. Seeing the charred bushes and trees makes the heat and drama of the fire come to life in my mind. And seeing the burn around Angelus Oaks, one can’t help but realize just how close this town came to becoming the next Paradise to burn to the ground.
For all the residents of Angelus Oaks, I am so glad you still have your homes and cherished possessions. My deepest thank you goes out to the Cal Fire crews, USFS crews and personnel, and fire fighters from towns across southern California and beyond. Without your heroic efforts, our forest lands would be completely gone.
Barton Flats is intact. Our Camp is intact. Jenks Lake is intact, although the water level is much lower than a month ago. I am glad the lake was full of water to help fight the fire.
The evacuation order has been lifted and we are now downgraded from a red to yellow zone. Yellow means to remain cautious and vigilant and ready to leave should it be necessary.
YOUR camp looks perfect. Thousands of acorns fell in our absence. Squirrels were chattering, birds were flying, and even a few coyotes crossed through camp. I can only imagine their upset and ordeal through all of this.
Aircraft continue to put out hot spots in the northern Santa Ana River drainage, and containment is now at 89%.
When I last looked at the numbers, close to 44,000 acres of national forest land had been consumed by the Line Fire. Edison helicopters were flying today and plans to replace the burned electrical poles are already in place. We are still running on our backup generator, so I was thankful to see Amerigas deliver fuel today. Camp staff members have begun the cleanup process.
(Click on the map for larger view)
This was a close one, folks. The firefighters managed to stop the fire’s rampage 3 miles from Barton Flats. You will return to a camp that is thriving and beautiful — and you will be nourished by its lifeforce.
Thank you so much for all the heartfelt emails I have received from so many of you. They bolstered my spirits and kept me focused on serving this loving camp family. Jeanne and Dave S. shared a kind thought after getting the Line Fire newsletter #12:
Best wishes and hoping you’re feeling better, Daisy Doodle. And soon you and Janet will be on the camp site. Enjoying the sun shine, clean mountain air. And running around with the squirrels and birds.
Much Love ♥♥♥♥
— Jeanne and Dave S
I hope to see you in camp this fall. It’s not too late to make plans to come up. Click here to view our calendar of events and select a retreat and join us for a nurturing meal and meaningful time with others. Come fill your soul and rejoice in this sacred place, your home on the mountain top.
Janet James
Executive Director
director@uucamp.org