Blue Cut Fire

[Desert Spyder]

Most of us have seen on the tv or read on the net or newspaper about the Blue Cut fire in Southern Calif. It shut down the I-15 freeway and railroads in the Cajon Pass for two days. This is a vital link in and out of Sou California. The fire is still burning after scorching nearly 36,000 acres, over 50 sq mi, many, many homes have been destroyed or damaged. Over 30,000 homes and 82,000+ people have been evacuated including the entire communities of Wrightwood and Lytle Creek. Many chose not to evacuate. Among those whose homes were in the evac zone were 6 members of the Spyder Ryder of America-Inland Empire Chapter. One lived in Wrightwood and lived in the house she and her husband bought just months ago. Her husband had his birthday the day of the evacuation. Another lived in Pinion Hills just off Hwy 138, across the highway from Phelan. This couple escaped damage but Phelan did not. The number of homes damaged and destroyed have not been released yet. Still another couple lived on the other side of the mountain at a RV resort called Mountain Lakes in Lytle Creek. There is only one road in and out of Lytle Creek. I remember seeing the video from the news chopper of the fire coming over the ridge and then come down towards the resort. I did not know my friends rig was there. Because the area is still under evacuation they do not know the status of their place. Many places of the US is still in a disaster (Louisiana flooding); have had or will see a disaster. Or, you may be out ryding and the disaster is in your path. Water is the MOST important element to your survival. In a hot climate you will need 1 gallon per person per day. Try to carry a small umbrella for shade or cover if you break down or traffic comes to a stand still as it often does in the Cajon Pass. Without shade or water on a very hot day, you can die in 3 hours. I should know. I was in search and rescue for 13 years.

The picture you see is one of many that is seeing the rounds on Facebook by a professional photographer. Living in Barstow for nearly 50 years I often hear "Where in the hell is Barstow?". Now we can answer "Barstow is 50 miles from hell.".

 

[Highwayman2013]

Feeling for those affected by this fire. I hope everyone is okay.

 

[Bob Denman]

:agree: Kind thoughts and prayers are going out to ALL of them... ray:ray:

 

[Chupaca]

Prayers for all...

ray:ray:'s to all affected and the firefighters doing all they can to stop it under extreme conditions....

 

[MRH]

I ride to Wrightwood all the time - it's my favorite ride from L.A. The country is beautiful, and the riding is world class, at least in my book. I don't know anybody well, but the waitresses at Grizzly Cafe recognize me, and we catch up whenever I'm in.

I'm concerned on so many levels.

(On another note, good tip on the umbrella - I'm going to start bringing one.)

 

[ARtraveler]

Our daily thoughts and prayers are with you folks. :bowdown:

 

[Stumpy6Guns]

My family and I have been through two wildfires; we lost our attached garage in 2003, and then in 2007 we spent a week at the local high shool after a mandatory evacuation.
It is no fun. The stress of loading up vehicles with kids, pets, and important documents in five minutes, driving through flames, and not knowing if you have a home, and then dealing with the aftermath is terrible.
I never want to go through it again. These folks will need a lot of help.

 

[Desert Spyder]

My family and I have been through two wildfires; we lost our attached garage in 2003, and then in 2007 we spent a week at the local high shool after a mandatory evacuation.
It is no fun. The stress of loading up vehicles with kids, pets, and important documents in five minutes, driving through flames, and not knowing if you have a home, and then dealing with the aftermath is terrible.
I never want to go through it again. These folks will need a lot of help.

thanks for sharing. I hope lightning don't strike twice.

 

[Desert Spyder]

This just in: at least 96 homes were destroyed in the fire

 

[Tango]

ray:ray: to all involved. :thumbup: Tom :spyder:

 

[Retired 2012]

They updated it to 105 homes and 212 out buildings destroyed.
I had just guided a small group though there the day before the fire erupted.
There was a fire the week before on the East side of the 15 at Cajon Pass, the 173 was closed.
Lots of damaged done by that one as well.
We ride through there a lot and it is sad to see things all burnt up.
Prayers to all that live in this area. Thanks and prayers for the brave firefighters who always do a great job. Their job is extremely dangerous but they step up and put their lives on the line for others.