The Piru Fire, which started on October 23rd, burned across Hopper Mountain National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) on Sunday October 26. Three U.S. Forest Service engine crews from Los Padres National Forest and Angeles National Forest set backfires in front and behind the Refuge Compound, successfully saving it from the flames. The Refuge Compound consists of a 70 year old ranch house and various outbuildings for additional housing and equipment storage. These buildings serve as the base of operations for California condor reintroduction and management in southern California.
Biologists were not allowed to return to the Refuge full time until Sunday, November 2, due to the continuing danger from hot spots, fallen power lines and falling trees. They were escorted up each day since Tuesday to take signals and put out food for the condors. "The condors seemed to have weathered the firestorm and are back to business as usual," remarked Marc Weitzel Project Leader for U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
