OK in Tehachapi, So Far

[cessna170bdriver]

We're starting to get calls from concerned members (REALLY appreciate that!) about the fire in Tehachapi. So far it doesn't look as though we're in any immediate danger. The fire is both higher elevation and generally downwind from us, about 5 miles to the southeast. An older couple who are members of our local pilot group who live in the area of the fire are so far not been able to be contacted. Having been away for a couple of weeks, I had to work today, but the several of our group, including Karen, are in the process of visiting the several shelters that have been set up to look for them.

We arrived home from the 170 Convention yesterday, landing in Tehachapi about 12:30 in the afternoon. At that time there was no sign of fire in the immediate area. At least one report I've heard said the fire started about 2:00pm. Two hours later and we probably would have been caught out.

I'll keep you posted, and again, thanks for the concern!

[flyguy]

Miles - -Really glad you and K are alright so far. Is that fire close to the Stallion Springs Resort where Deana and I stayed during the Tehachapi convention"? We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers. gar

[cessna170bdriver]

Miles - -Really glad you and K are alright so far. Is that fire close to the Stallion Springs Resort where Deana and I stayed during the Tehachapi convention"? We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers. gar

Gary,

Actually, Stallion Springs is in the southwest corner of the next valley to the west, about 12-15 miles from the fire, even further away and further upwind than we are. The fire is on a ridge near the southeast corner of the Tehachapi Valley, about 3 to 4 miles south of the hotel we used for the convention.

[Bruce Fenstermacher]

Thanks Miles. This morning my heart skipped a beat when I looked at the TV and they showed a graphic of Tehachapi surrounded by fire as they read the report.

But it seems my wife Teresa has befriended Karen at each others Facebook page and Teresa already knew all was fine with you. Seems there is several networks of association members besides this forum including a good old telephone network working behind the scenes keeping everyone in the loop.

BTW I just inspected the crosswind landing gear loot you brought me with my partner Leroy and he was very happy to see the brake disks and at least one of the wheel cylinders with no wear in the cylinder wall the piston rides in. The entire box of parts has already been assimilated into the parts cash.

[cessna170bdriver]

Here's a graphic from the FAA TFR website. My house is south-southwest of TSP, about where you'd be right after the left crosswind to downwind turn departing 29, just on the edge of the TFR circle over the northwest corner of town. The airport is actually south of Highway 58, just a hair south of where it's shown on the chart

[cessna170bdriver]

An older couple who are members of our local pilot group who live in the area of the fire are so far not been able to be contacted. Having been away for a couple of weeks, I had to work today, but the several of our group, including Karen, are in the process of visiting the several shelters that have been set up to look for them.

Just received this email from our pilot's group secretary:
"Hello TSP Family

As many of you have heard and seen on our local news, there is a major forest fire being fought in the community of the Old West Ranch. This community is home to TSP members Bert and Merle Carnes. The latest information we have recieved, is that they are safe, have evacuated their home and are staying with friends. The fight against the fire is on going and they have not yet been allowed to return to their home. They believe their home has escaped the flames, but the fire continues and is an ever changing situation. This message is to inform you they are safe.
With continued prayers
Reg P. Secty"

Glad to hear they are safe!