Sun Valley Fire - Lateral-g Forums

**GregWeld** · #1 09-13-2013, 07:28 PM

Some of you know I'm building a house in Sun Valley -- and we've been spending a lot of our time over here. The other day while mtn biking - I went down "Greenhorn Road". I had seen on the news that it (the fire) was pretty bad down there... I was shocked but I didn't have my phone -- and I left my camera in Seattle. So today I drove back down with my iPhone to get some shots. Sorry I only had the iPhone....

There are signs all over the Wood River Valley thanking the firefighters! When you see this you understand.... they made a stand on these houses and only lost one! These homes are LARGE and very valuable..... in the 8 and 9 and 10 million dollar range or more. I know, I know... but it's Sun Valley... and these are the cheap seats! HA!

I stopped to talk to a couple homeowners -- the fire (they're saying) is NOTHING compared to the mess the barren land is going to cause them for the next 2 to 3 years --- you can see slides all over --- and it's not even rain season yet! WOW! Is all I can say.

AND THE SLIDING HAS BEGUN!!! WOW!!!!

**Sieg** · #2 09-13-2013, 07:40 PM

Hope you don't get Colorado's rain!

They've gotten hammered.

Track Junky · #3 09-13-2013, 07:41 PM

Thanks for posting those pictures Greg. I remember hearing about the fire and wondering if it affected you or not. Glad it didn't.
If you get a chance to talk to the neighbors with homes that may be affected by land slides have them look into any company out there that places erosion and sediment control devices.

**Sieg** · #4 09-13-2013, 07:55 PM

I could see where these could be handy in certain areas and easy to remove after the vegetation has re-established.

**GregWeld** · #5 09-13-2013, 08:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Track Junky

Thanks for posting those pictures Greg. I remember hearing about the fire and wondering if it affected you or not. Glad it didn't.
If you get a chance to talk to the neighbors with homes that may be affected by land slides have them look into any company out there that places erosion and sediment control devices.

Hey buddy!

So this is actually an area "down valley" -- so south of Sun Valley/Ketchum -- and just north of Hailey...

You wouldn't know there was a fire from Ketchum/Sun Valley. It burned kind of a kidney shaped area around behind the mountains when it got up here. They said the 2007 fire actually is what helped them get some control on the fire as it slowed a bit with the lack of fuel (comparatively).

So here's what the guys I talked to said --- the hillsides belong to BLM... and they're not the least bit interested in "helping" to control the erosion.... and the county isn't in control and so far has just pointed them to various agencies - each of which points them to some other agency.... and or, asks for so much paperwork and proof of first born etc. It's (sadly) typical government "help". Worst words to ever hear --- "HI! We're from the government and we're here to help!".

Of course the "government" also knows that these homes are worth big bucks.... so the owners can manage to help themselves - yet - you can't just go around messing with government land -- so they're kind of in no mans land.

Track Junky · #6 09-13-2013, 08:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sieg

I could see where these could be handy in certain areas and easy to remove after the vegetation has re-established.

Sieg, I could see how someone would think the k-rails might help but a big enough slide will just take the k-rails out.
A typical application that might possibly remedy what Greg has pictured would be to hydro-mulch. The hydro mulch is sprayed on the ground through large hoses and a lot of ground can be covered in a day. The idea behind the hydro mulch is that it sticks to the ground and acts as a sheet over the dirt and cannot be penetrated by rain water. Obviously it would have to be applied throughout the entire hillside from top to bottom but you get the idea.

Track Junky · #7 09-13-2013, 08:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GregWeld

Hey buddy!

So this is actually an area "down valley" -- so south of Sun Valley/Ketchum -- and just north of Hailey...

You wouldn't know there was a fire from Ketchum/Sun Valley. It burned kind of a kidney shaped area around behind the mountains when it got up here. They said the 2007 fire actually is what helped them get some control on the fire as it slowed a bit with the lack of fuel (comparatively).

So here's what the guys I talked to said --- the hillsides belong to BLM... and they're not the least bit interested in "helping" to control the erosion.... and the county isn't in control and so far has just pointed them to various agencies - each of which points them to some other agency.... and or, asks for so much paperwork and proof of first born etc. It's (sadly) typical government "help". Worst words to ever hear --- "HI! We're from the government and we're here to help!".

Of course the "government" also knows that these homes are worth big bucks.... so the owners can manage to help themselves - yet - you can't just go around messing with government land -- so they're kind of in no mans land.

Well we all know whats going on there. The home owners are just going to have to cover their own butts and take care of business. I know if I was in there shoes I would be on the horn searching for some reputable erosion and sediment control companies.
I think its a bit late for flood insurance.

**GregWeld** · #8 09-14-2013, 09:42 AM

If you've never seen one of the firefighting helicopters.... THEY ARE JUST HUGE!!!! And they come with their own fleet of mechanics -- fuel -- spare parts etc. Each of the three here in this field had it's own support staff... No wonder it cost 25MM plus to fight this fire! WOW!

toy71camaro · #9 09-16-2013, 09:58 AM

Insane!

Glad you're safe, and glad everyone's homes are safe. Hope they can keep it under control the next couple years til some vegetation grows back.

My parents took a "day trip" yesterday in the 65 Chevelle and went up to the RIM fire and snapped some pics from a few of the Viewpoints/parks up and around there (about a 1.5-2 hr drive from where we are).

She has some pictures where it just looks like there is snow on the ground. But its actually a few inches of ash from the fire.

Pics are on facebook or i'd post em up. Nothing spectacular (just her iPhone too). but something to see none-the-less.

My GF's dad used to be Helo Mechanic for Cal-Fire (before i dated her). Now he works for a different Helo outfit. But yeah, those things are beasts.

**GregWeld** · #10 09-16-2013, 05:38 PM

Thanks Albert!

Sometimes they make stuff on TV seem worse than it really is/was.... but when you see the burn areas here -- they were BAD! Oh my!

I can't imagine having to be hiking up and down these mountains packing tools and wearing fire gear -- and doing actual work! Just take me out to the graveyard and push me in!

Thank gawd they do what they do - and they do it well!