A RIDGE CHECKLIST IN CASE OF A FIRE THREAT TO FLWO

Created 08-Jul-02 EF
Updated 11-Jul-05 EF

Brush was removed in the vicinity of the Ridge telescopes in March 2004, as per Forest Service recommendations. That should reduce the risk of fire, to some detriment of the views and increased dust levels (which we will attempt to mitigate by mulching). However, facility users must remain vigilant, especially during the drier months starting in the Spring, until the monsoons arrive.

Determine how urgent it is to evacuate. If there is sufficient time, proceed with the checklist below. Spend only as much time as will not endanger you or others.

  • Before anything else, communicate with the basecamp, announce your intentions, and request instructions if necessary.

  • If the fire is already on Mt. Hopkins and an evacuation has been called, follow evacuation procedures and spend no time protecting equipment.

  • If the fire is expected to approach but not directly threaten Mt. Hopkins, use the checklist below.

    Cover primaries with plastic shrouds at 1.5m, 1.2m and 2MASS.
    Close all doors and windows in control rooms, chambers and kitchen, as well as connecting doors between buildings. Ensure that fire doors are closed.
    Turn off chamber air conditioners.

    Leave, if instructed to do so by fire authorities.

  • If the fire is in close proximity to Mt. Hopkins but fire authorities expect the road will not be threatened for at least several hours, use the checklist below as long as fire conditions remain unchanged.

    Cover primaries with plastic shrouds at 1.5m, 1.2m and PAIRITEL.
    Power down all electronic equipment, including telescope racks, cameras, spectrographs.
    Shutdown and power down all computer equipment, including CPUs, disk and tape drives, and printers (remember the HAT PCs).
    Close all doors and windows in control rooms, chambers and kitchen, as well as connecting doors between buildings. Ensure that fire doors are closed.
    Turn off chamber air conditioners.
    If time permits, hose down surrounding areas as much as possible.
    Check around the outside of the buildings and remove any obviously flammable materials.

    Leave, if instructed to do so by fire authorities.

    • RECENT FIRES

  • Views of the small Salero fire (May 2005).
  • Views of the huge Florida fire (July 2005).
  • Views of the medium-sized Mansfield fire (June 2007).