"This past spring was considered the driest on record. As a result, low moisture content in the fuels, both live and dead, improved the ability of the fire to spread through the landscape and also increased the fire’s intensity," according to a 78-page damage report of the Martin Fire prepared by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Prevention.
In the aftermath of the Martin Fire, several hundred Bonny Doon residents turned out Sunday, July 13, for a potluck party to honor the community’s volunteer firefighters. In addition to 15 tables covered with food, the gathering included Girl Scouts presenting the colors and a ceremony naming all of the volunteers.
Resident Lisa Palm organized the event, she said, after talking with many residents who were thankful for the volunteers and felt the need for evacuation information.
County officials joined in a ceremony to honor the firefighters, and Girl Scouts, including Morgan Lloyd, above, presented the colors. Chuck Anderson/Press-Banner
The lack of rainfall left plants and trees brittle and created "fire ladders" that helped the fire spread quickly.
The fire began at 2:54 p.m. June 11, and by the time it was fully contained at 6 p.m. June 16, it had consumed 520 acres. It destroyed eight structures and damaged another three, though 45 threatened structures escaped with no damage.
Six passenger vehicles and three trailers were destroyed, and a few others were damaged.
Only 10 of the 52 structures examined after the fire had proper defensible space around them, the report noted.
Only one of the eight structures destroyed had "good" defensible space around it.
On the positive side, firefighters reported good access to the fire on roads and driveways.
County supervisor Neal Coonerty sets up county proclamations honoring Bonny Doon volunteer firefighters at a community thank-you party Sunday, July 13. Also presented was a proclamation from the California Legislature, signed by Assemblyman John Laird and state Sen. Joe Simitian. The Martin Fire destroyed eight buildings in mid-June. Chuck Anderson/Press-Banner
A shaded fuel break along Martin Road that was completed before the fire was helpful in containing the fire and protecting structures along the road. Trees and shrubs had been removed along the road, eliminating potential fuel.
Investigators from Cal Fire and the County Building Department made up the eight-person group that spent more than 250 man-hours gathering data and writing the report.
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