BY JUNE 1 of every year, Meher Mount must clear away brush and tall grasses at least 150 feet from every building for fire protection.
THE NEW REALITY OF CALIFORNIA WILDFIRES
“Virtually everything related to fires is on the rise: acres burned, lives lost, cost to fight the blazes. The state has 78 more annual ‘fire days’ now than it had 50 years ago.” (“Tracking California’s deadly wildfires” by Julie Cart and Elizabeth Castillo, CAL Matters, accessed online December 20, 2018)
WILDFIRE GROWTH in California is “the new abnormal” according to Governor Jerry Brown. (Source: “Wildfires Continue to Be More Devastating in 2018,” by Sarah Feldman, Statista, November 13, 2018)
The year 2018 was the deadliest in recent decades. According to Cal Fire, the state firefighting agency, more than 100 people perished in fires in 2018.
On November 11, 2018, California’s Governor Jerry Brown described the deadly, prolonged California fire seasons as “the new abnormal” likely to continue for the next 10 to 15 years.
HELP PROTECT MEHER MOUNT
ONE PERSON CAN’T DO IT ALONE. Sam Ervin at Meher Mount in the weeds to be mowed as part of the ongoing fire prevention effort. (Photo: Margaret Magnus, May 19, 2018)
Meher Mount has been hit by fire twice in the last 32 years. The Ferndale Fire — or what Meher Mount calls the New Life Fire — October 14, 1985, burned Baba’s Tree and destroyed all the buildings and equipment on the property. The Thomas Fire on December 4, 2017, severely damaged Baba’s Tree and hit Meher Mount’s water and electrical infrastructure. The damage to the buildings was minimal because of all the previous efforts for fire abatement.
BRAD SPURR using the electric weed whacker to trim around the swimming pool/water reservoir at Meher Mount. (Photo: Margaret Magnus, May 19, 2018)
Each May, there is a concerted effort at Meher Mount to mow, weed, rake and generally reduce the possible fuel for fires around Baba’s Tree and near all the structures — including those of Meher Mount’s neighbors. Protecting around the wood harvested from Baba’s Tree has been added to the list.
Come volunteer for the Fire Prevention Volunteer Weekend to clear away brush and help prevent wildfires from growing.
All fire abatement work must be accomplished before June 1, 2019, in preparation for inspection by the Ventura County Fire Department.
You will feel a sense of accomplishment and joy in helping to preserve this place made sacred by Avatar Meher Baba's presence.
FIRE PREVENTION VOLUNTEER WEEKEND
Fit your volunteer time to your schedule. Meher Mount will be open for two days of volunteer work. Pick a time that works for you and join the group for another fun and productive volunteer event.
DATE: Saturday, May 18, 2019
TIME: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
PLACE: Meher Mount, 9902 Sulphur Mountain Road, Ojai
DATE: Sunday, May 19, 2019
TIME: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
PLACE: Meher Mount, 9902 Sulphur Mountain Road, Ojai
WHAT TO BRING
KHUSHNAM CRAWFORD clears the garden area of weeds after the winter growth. (Photo: Margaret Magnus, May 19, 2018)
Bring layers, including a windbreaker, as the temperature changes throughout the day
Wear work clothes and sturdy, close-toed shoes that can get dirty
Bring a hat, work gloves if you have them, and sunglasses
If you have pruning shears or loppers, mark your name on them and please bring them
Please bring your own lunch and water
TRAVEL GUIDELINES
If you are coming from out-of-the area, staying at Meher Mount is not possible, even camping. There are nearby camp grounds and motels in Santa Paula and Ojai. See Area Information.
NO-HOST DINNER - SATURDAY, MAY 19, 2018
For those who are interested, there is a no-host dinner at Boccali's restaurant in Ojai on Saturday, May 18, 2019, at 5:30 p.m. Please bring cash. The bill is totaled with tax and tips added, and then divided evenly between the members of the group.
WHAT TO TAKE AWAY
When Meher Mount passes inspection with flying colors there is the sense of a job well done. As a valued volunteer, you have helped to maintain this semi-wilderness area in honor of Meher Baba, been a good Ojai neighbor, and helped preserve the habitat of the wildlife - not to mention help prevent the spread of wildfire.