[pct-l] Kennedy Meadows Store closing?

[Donna "L-Rod" Saufley]

Travis,

That's a difficult one to answer because there are variables that could change that answer.  I haven't received any updates from the Sequoia NF yet this morning, but it was anticipated that they would get some containment on the blaze yesterday.  What is really troubling is that the fire, which had been relatively low acreage (less than 2,000) expanded to over 13,000 acres literally overnight. There was talk on the front porch that a backfire had gotten away from the crews, which is how it jumped the river and headed toward 395 (but no official information confirming that).  On the positive side, the heat wave has broken down here in Agua Dulce, and the wind has subsided. Hopefully the same is true up in KM and it is helping the firefighters.

The store was open on Monday, with nothing posted or indicated that it would be closed. I am aware that the fire crews were focusing their efforts on the flank of the fire near the homes and ranches of Kennedy Meadows, which includes the campground and the store.  On other fires, the store was the fire command post and was set to be vigorously defended.  The store is a lifeline and the heart of KM for everyone in the area. 

The young woman behind the register said that Al and Leona were planning to be at the store on Tuesday. Their packing for evacuation was prepatory, not ordered. If the fire came to within four miles of me, I'd be doing the same thing. 

L-Rod



-----Original Message-----
>From: Travis Beals <trbeals at berkeley.edu>
>Sent: Jun 24, 2008 6:27 PM
>To: pct-l at backcountry.net
>Cc: Donna L-Rod Saufley <dsaufley at sprynet.com>
>Subject: Kennedy Meadows Store closing?
>
>Donna,
>
>Thank you again for all the fire information. I don't know how you do  
>it, but you know more than is available on any of the websites or even  
>by calling the fire information line.
>
>You mentioned that the Kennedy Meadows store owners were packing to  
>evacuate. They seem like very nice people, and I hope nothing happens  
>to their house. Do you know whether they're likely to have to close  
>the store because of the fire? That may be the deciding factor for me  
>as to whether I start my section hike from Walker Pass or just skip  
>north to Lone Pine.
>
>-Travis