In Memory of Those Who Died Tragically
On the Chimineas
1979
On August 15, 1979, a small wildfire burned on the ranch and fire crews were dispatched to fight the blaze. Burning from Highway 166 northward up Carrizo Canyon the fire reached the "grant line" fence. Seemingly a simple and non-threatening fire, it suddenly blazed up in what is called an "area ignition" and killed four Cal Fire firefighters from the Nipomo Station that were stationed on Sycamore Ridge. A small memorial now marks the site. This now infamous fire brought about major changes in wildland fire fighting techniques and equipment.
Rest In Peace:
Captain Ed Marty,
Firefighter Scott Cox, Firefighter Ron Lorant, Firefighter Steve Manley.
1879
In the summer of 1879 a young vaquero was herding horses across the north end of the Chimineas. Unknown to the young man, his step-father had falsely accused him of stealing the horses and so informed the local vigilante group known as the "Coon Dogs". The vigilantes intercepted the innocent young man and based upon the false accusation they hung him from an oak tree in the area now known on the ranch as "Deadman Flat". No one was ever prosecuted for this crime.
Rest In Peace:
Miguel Lugo
