Who We Are
Members of the Big Sur Volunteer Fire Brigade at the Fire House
January 29, 2013. We are pleased to announce that our recent quilt raffle was a huge success. Hundreds of tickets were purchased for a chance to win the wonderful donated quilt. The drawing was held at Sierra Mar at Post Ranch on January 27, 2013. We are thrilled to announce that the winner of the quilt was our own Jaci Pappas! Jaci has served the fire brigade as the bookkeeper for nearly 30 years and was overjoyed when her winning ticket was drawn. We want to thank everyone involved in making our quilt raffle a tremendous success and a special thanks to everyone who purchased raffle tickets. Proceeds from the raffle will to go towards the purchase of a much needed new mobile water tender that will increase the firefighting capability of the fire brigade in the Big Sur Community. Thanks again for making this fund raising effort a huge success!
Effective May 1, 2013, the Big Sur Volunteer Fire Brigade has stopped issuing residential “backyard” burn permits. Per regulations from the Monterey Bay Unified Air Pollution District, the last day for residential “backyard” burning of vegetation was April 30, 2013. Based on seasonal weather outlooks, burn permits will not be available until the beginning of the burn season on, or about, December 1, 2013. The Big Sur Volunteer Fire Brigade wishes to thank all the local residents for their cooperation in our first year of issuing “backyard” burn permits.
The latest Big Sur Volunteer Fire Brigade News! Read it here in the May 2013 Round Up
The Big Sur Volunteer Fire Brigade was formed in 1974 to provide structure fire protection for the residents and businesses in the Big Sur area. Our response area covers 60 miles of coastline, along Highway One, from Hurricane Point on the north end to the Monterey/San Luis Obispo County line on the south. We were then, and still are, an all-volunteer Fire Brigade, currently with about 40 members. Our organization now provides both structure and wildland fire protection to the Big Sur community. Additionally, we respond to medical aid incidents, vehicle accidents, high angle rescues, coastal and hazardous materials incidents, and we provide management and mutual aid for major incidents such as large wildfires and emergency road closures which can isolate the entire community.
How We Are Funded
We are funded almost entirely by grants and donations from fundraising activities such as our Big Sur River Run, our annual BBQ and Firefighter’s Muster, the Big Sur Marathon, and the Nepenthe Halloween Bal Masque. We also send out a fundraising letter each year requesting support from our local residents. We welcome any and all donations as we are continually trying to upgrade our equipment and emergency response capabilities.
Contributions such as cash, appreciated stock, in-kind professional services, and used vehicles and equipment have in the past helped us build our capabilities for emergency response. If you would like to contact us about making a donation, our address is:
Big Sur Volunteer Fire Brigade
P.O. Box 520
Big Sur, CA. 93920
Phone: 831-667-2113
As a non-profit, Internal Revenue Code Section 501(c)(3) organization, tax-exempt number 94-2840361, and registered to solicit donations in the state of California, your donation will be gladly accepted. To make a tax deductible donation to the Big Sur Volunteer Fire Brigade by credit card or using Pay Pal, click on the “Donate/Shop” tab above.
Big Sur Volunteer Fire Brigade’s Opposition to the State Responsibility Area (SRA) Fire Prevention Fee on Local Parcels:
Informational Letter from Chief Karstens Concerning the SRA Fee – October 1, 2012
Opposition to the SRA Fire Prevention Fee from the California Farm Bureau Federation – March 7, 2012
State Lawmaker Repealing Fire Fee – KION 46, January 17, 2013
Rural Fire Fee Debate Ignites in Legislature – Associated Press – February 18, 2013
Fire Fees Delayed – Lucerne Valley Leader – March 28, 2013
California Fire Fee – The Latest News About California’s Illegal Tax
Information about wildland fire, vegetation clearances, and creating a defensible space around residences and buildings:
General Guidelines for Creating Defensible Space
California Public Resourses Code 4291 – 4299
Firewise Community – National Fire Protection Association
American Red Cross – Wildfire Preparedness
Two local business where you can purchase Big Sur Volunteer Fire Brigade clothing and apparel:
Big Sur River Inn & Restaurant
A comprehensive article by Gary Koeppel on the founding of the Big Sur Volunteer Fire Brigade:
Founding of the Big Sur Volunteer Fire Brigade – Gary Koeppel
An article about a recent vegetation fire near Gorda earlier this year featuring one of our own, Jon Knight, on the USDA Blog:
News and updates from the Big Sur Community Emergency Response Team: (Big Sur CERT)
Big Sur Community Emergency Response Team
Register your home or cell phone with “ALERT Monterey County” to receive vital messages during emergency situations:
Information and local events in the Big Sur Community from the Big Sur Chamber of Commerce:
Information and news from the Coast Property Owners Association (CPOA):
Coast Property Owners Association
Highlights from our Fund Raising Firefighters Muster and Barbeque held on June 8, 2013 at Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park. Thanks to all that attended, thanks to everyone who helped out, and thanks to the fire service agencies that participated in the firefighters muster. Mark your calendars now, and join us next year for our 40th year anniversary celebration on June 14, 2014 at Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park!
Big Sur Volunteer Firefighters in Action:
Big Sur Volunteer Firefighters assisting CALSTAR air ambulance at the Post Ranch landing zone for a patient with a severely injured hand about to be flown to a trauma center in the Bay Area on the morning of May 28, 2013:
The Big Sur Volunteer Fire Brigade operating at a vegetation fire near the Old Coast Road on Monday September 17, 2012. Engines from the USFS and CAL FIRE also responded to the incident. The photos were taken by Fire Chief Martha Karstens.
CHP Helicopter H-70 landing at the Post Ranch during a mission for an injured hiker in the Los Padres National Forest on September 15, 2012:
