It happens every summer. Count on it. It happens usually no more
than a handful of times, and if that, consider us lucky.
When it does, we watch from afar. We hope for the best. Wonder
where the smoke is coming from. How big? Lives, homes, pets,
livestock lost? We hope it doesn’t get out of control.
It happens every summer. Count on it. It happens usually no more than a handful of times, and if that, consider us lucky.
When it does, we watch from afar. We hope for the best. Wonder where the smoke is coming from. How big? Lives, homes, pets, livestock lost? We hope it doesn’t get out of control.
When a brush fire ignites the burnt- brown hillsides, it doesn’t affect the majority of us, but we all draw concerns. For those in its path, it’s a harrowing experience that can turn to tragedy in an instant.
For those who battle on the fireline, the firefighters from the city, county, CDF, for those who battle it from the air, it’s a job. But after two very recent brush fires, it has to be more for these men and women.
Just this Saturday, an electrical short in power lines jump-started a fire near the San Justo Reservoir and along Union Road.
Five fire engines, one bulldozer, one air-attack plane, one bomber carrying flame retardant, two helicopters and two hand crews were called. A section of Union Road was closed.
Before it was extinguished, more than 100 acres were charred black from the fire, whipping into a frenzy by winds.
But more important, though homes, a few structures and barns were threatened, none was destroyed. And, no livestock that is a constant scene among the rolling hills was killed.
Just a few weeks before, a puff of smoke rose to the skies in the Cienega Valley and then turned into a blaze. The fire came close to two homes, but ground crews, a plane carrying fire retardant and a helicopter making water drops quickly snuffed it out.
These firefighters, from the ground to the air, know summer brings more than the threat of fires. Summer seems to attract them. Some, unfortunately, spread out of control before they’re contained.
Yet, from these two recent incidents, the firefighters’ actions proved decisive. Their quick response time and practiced skills were proof positive.
We should consider ourselves lucky to have these men and women, because a seemingly small brush fire can turn quickly without them.
To respond to this editorial or comment on this issue, please send or bring letters to Editor, Hollister Free Lance, 350 Sixth St., Hollister, Calif. 95023 or fax to 637-4104 or e-mail to
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