Yesterday afternoon, there were a series of lightening strikes in the Morgan Hill/San Martin area. There are about 70 fires throughout the area, some are still uncontained. One in particular is very close to the winery, but at this time (8:30 am on Sunday morning) it has not threatened any structures.
Here is an account of how it all started by Kathleen Tebb, winemaker Stephen Tebb's wife and resident of Morgan Hill (they live about 5 miles from the winery). She sent this early evening yesterday, about 7pm.
"An incredible lightning storm triggered the 'Hummingbird Fire' today. Thankfully the winds were in our favor. Stephen and I still feel a strong desire to help out as volunteers even though we retired our firefighting gear in 2003. Here are some pictures taken around 5pm. There was a strong wildlands firefighting crew who ascended the terrain on the west-side of the vineyards and they received prompt back-up/support from a buldozer as well as an ariel team dropping retardant. It's 7:45pm now. The road is closed at Watsonville Rd and Santa Teresa. All we can see is from the driveway of our home -- plumes of black smoke along the ridge. We can also see a helicoptor has joined the efforts dropping water on the flames. We're hoping the winds die down and firefighters can contain this before long as we all know too well the damage that has faced so many families and firefighters in this region already and so early in the 'fire' season."
The first 5 pictures were taken at the winery yesterday afternoon. The last photo was taken at the intersection of Watsonville and Santa Teresa at 9pm.
The roads have been closed since late yesterday afternoon. Tom hiked in last night at about 2am and was able to report that the fire was on the ridge and didn't seem to be heading towards the winery. CordeValle had to evacuate last night (during a wedding).
Right now, the roads to the winery are closed. Bill, CLC's owner, got through and is at the winery right now. There is no immediate threat, but we are holding tight. The Tasting Room will be closed today. The fire departments are watching it burn as no structures are immediately threatened. They are very strapped for staff right now as there are so many fires, and have to focus on the biggest threats to people and structures.
To all our San Martin neighbors, you are in your thoughts. We hope your families and homes are safe. To the brave fire fighters, thank you so much for everything you do. I can't imagine that fighting a fire in 100 degree heat yesterday was very comfortable.
A few links to more news about the Hummingbird Fire:
http://www.nbc11.com/news/16675901/detail.html
http://gilroydispatch.com/news/245994-hummingbird-fire-erupts-in-northwest-gilroy
We will keep you posted. Also, to all Clos LaChance staff, hang tight for news about whether or not we are open tomorrow.
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