The Mountain Security Ledger.



In this area I'll attempt to let the property owners know in summary a few of the problem areas that we face.

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2007 Report

2007 Fire season not over yet

Sept. 13th.
ARIMO - Despite the lifting of many area fire restrictions recently, Joanna Wilson said a wildfire that broke out in Arimo Wednesday and burned more than 100 acres within a few minutes is proof the fire season is far from over. Wilson, a fire information officer with the Eastern Idaho Interagency Fire Center, said the fire, dubbed the Smith Canyon Fire, is about three miles east of Arimo and was reported at about 3 p.m. Within an hour, roughly 100 acres were already scorched. ''It's burning on private land and (Bureau of Land Management) land,'' Wilson said. ''There's a lot of rolling hills with juniper bushes and some farms.'' Firefighting efforts Wednesday afternoon included a bulldozer, four engines and three air tankers. The cause is still under investigation, Wilson said. The fire comes just days after BLM lifted its fire restrictions on Friday. ''Lifting the restrictions doesn't mean we aren't going to have fires,'' Wilson said. ''It just means we are not in extreme fire danger any more. We felt comfortable with easing fire restrictions.'' The stage one restrictions previously in place meant no campfires or smoking outside designated areas. Wilson said the restrictions weren't lifted because fires are no longer possible, but rather, it was a reflection of the heavy rains that came through the area last week and the cooler temperatures. She said campfires still pose a serious fire danger. ''This time of year, we typically have more escaped campfires,'' Wilson said. ''Because it's cooler, people aren't as attentive to putting the fire out as well.''

" Spring 2007 Multiple Properties on Meadow Crest Vandalized. "

" June 30th ATV accident. Big Buck and Mountain Goat. Single vehicle rolled trying to make turn. Speed WAS an issue. Accident was witnessed by myself and one other person. Driver would not accept help, and left before I was able to gather additional information. "

" July 14th AM .... A dog on Elk Pass was attacked by a bear. Attack witnessed by owner. Required 45 stitches to close wound on dogs back leg. Fish and Game trapping bear.

July 17th AM .... Bear WAS captured and removed from area. See Story "

" July 16th approx 5 pm .... Lightning strike caused a fire near Arimo. West of Lava Ranch Property. By July 18th fire had burned approx 1400 acres but becaues of efforts of many fire crews as well as Air Tankers and Cat's working the fireline, it has NOT spread the the property yet. "

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2006 Report

" Between May 31 and June 8" Someone broke into a trailer and took items also attempt entry into a shed with some damage to door and wall''. "

" June 24th" Cabin door kicked in to gain entry, with damage to inside... also party held inside. Some people have been caught, case still open''. "

" July 18-21" Lock cut off gate at Big Bear damage over $100 to repair''. "

" July 21-23" A couple 'accidents' involving ATV's with minor injury, and some property damage to lots because of riding ATV's through private property ... also roads damaged by ATV's''.

"July 27" The Gate Lock on Big Bear was cut, and the 'new' temporary chain' provided by a property owner was also cut 2 days later ... "

"August 12 after 7:15 pm and before the 13th early" There were 10-12 places broken into and trashed on Thunder Mountain property ... "

"First Week of September..." There were Two Dogs killed. The owners found them both dead on the porch when they returned home. "

"Approx October 15th..." There were numerous LARGE fir trees cut and hauled away from a property on Pine View Loop. "

"October 2006 open hunting season..." There were numerous hunters escorted off the Lava Ranch Property. The gates we have in place that might have prevented the hunters from hunting on the property were left open numerous times with some gates never closed and locked. ... "



What IS Security at Lava Ranch? : WHAT is it going to take to get "YOU" involved in the security at Lava Ranch? What type of emergency...vandalism...abuse of roads and property...tragedy?!?

The Security person for Lava Ranch can do only so much...and cannot be everywhere and see everything! Many cities and communities have learned the value of using "Neighborhood Watch" to watch for potential problems or "strangers" with devilment in mind...should WE as part of our mountain community, be less watchful? Less helpful to our neighbors and surroundings? Less protective of the prevention of tragedy?

We are supposed to be a "gated community", yet our gates are seldom closed! The gates are to provide control of persons and vehicles entering and exiting ... thereby providing 'some' control of vandalism, abuse of roads and property, and 'some' fire prevention safety.

So, what about "YOU"? Are you ready to step up and do "YOUR" part to help Lava Ranch be a safe and enjoyable area? With everyone "CARING" and "SHARING", the responsibility should not be a burden, but the safer enjoyment of the area should be available to all!

So...WHAT ABOUT YOU? What about the Safety and Security of Lava Ranch? Will "YOU" help?

Val Larsen
Lava Ranch Security
Lava Ranch Property Owner



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