Scorched and still blazing. Photo: Tanner Rumsey
Saint Anne is Southern California’s cruel mistress. On one hand, the Santa Ana winds that bear her name have the power to transform the coastline into a surfer’s paradise — complete with perfect barreling conditions. On the other, the very same phenomena have been nicknamed “devil winds” for the dry heat that they carry with them, turning the region’s local fauna into potential fire starting material. Pair this with residential neighborhoods in close proximity, and you have a recipe for disaster.
Last week, Santa Ana winds graced the region with their second off-season visit this month. But, along with creating spectacular conditions for beach-goers, the weather fanned the flames of numerous fires throughout San Diego county. In San Marcos, the Cocos fire charred nearly 2,000 acres, and destroyed 39 homes. Meanwhile, along the coast at Camp Pendleton and at the Naval Weapons Station in Fallbrook, fires blackened approximately 21,900 acres. Over the course of several days, nearly 11,000 people were evacuated from their homes, and faced serious uncertainty about whether they would have something to return to after the evacuation notice was lifted.
“The fires were hectic,” explains J.P. St. Pierre, owner and operator of Surfy Surfy surf shop in Leucadia. “The giant smoke plumes were very visible and ominous from our Coast Highway location. Once the evacuations began, the shop actually got really busy. People headed straight toward the coast and congregated and met in the coffee shop patio and in the surf shop.”
J.P.’s father, Peter St. Pierre, is one of the craftsmen responsible for the many incredible surfboards that have come out of Moonlight Glassing since 1979. Chris Christenson, and Campbell Brothers are just two examples of renowned craftsmen that entrust Moonlight to turn their shaped pieces of foam into the beautiful yet rideable crafts seen in surf shops around the world. Located in San Marcos, though, there was serious concern that the factory could burn to the ground.
“When the San Marcos fire began I got a little nervous,” J.P. added. “Our surfboard factory Moonlight/Christenson was in the direct path of the fire. When the wind really started gusting there was a feeling it might burn all the way to the beach. The factory complex was evacuated and all surfboard building stopped for four days.”
In the thick of battle. Photo: Tanner Rumsey
Across California, 5,000 local, state, and federal firefighters were confronted with the task of battling nearly 12 fires that burned simultaneously. The situation caused Governor Jerry Brown to declare a state of emergency in order to ensure that the region was receiving the proper resources to keep the fires contained.
In spite of everything, however, many were able to find beauty in the conditions. “What was weird was that in between the giant smoke plumes there were pockets where it was a really beautiful day,” says J.P. “Since all the schools were canceled and entire communities were evacuated, a lot of people decided to just go to the beach. The surf was small, but offshore and perfect. Amid the chaos of smoke, helicopters, and sirens, the beaches were packed with families. The evening sunsets were incredible, and all the restaurants were packed with all the displaced people who couldn’t go home.”
Thanks to the numerous firefighters on the ground and in the sky who worked tirelessly for several days in grueling heat, the fires are now completely contained. Investigations are also underway to determine the culprits of those fires believed to be the result of arson. As San Diego collectively seeks to regroup, however, many argue that this could be the beginning of a very long year.
Due to the drought that California is currently suffering, abnormally dry brush is common across Southern California. Another dance with Saint Anne’s devil winds could therefore cause a repeat occurrence very soon. One can only hope that the next bout of offshore winds creates firing surf without any blazes on land.
The work of the devil winds. Photo: Tanner Rumsey
