Dear Mountain Ember Team and Community,

Happy Thanksgiving to all on the one year anniversary of the Cave Fire. When that plume of smoke appeared at 4:15pm on November 25, 2019, MET members quickly assembled and organized to evacuate those in need, deploy equipment and establish watch posts to monitor the fire as the night wore on. We dodged the Cave Fire bullet and have been fortunate to be spared from any nearby fire activity so far this year. Something to be thankful for.

We are also thankful for the many volunteer hours put in by dedicated MET members to organize, plan and prepare for emergencies, and to mitigate fuel via weed whacking, brush chipping, and maintenance of our properties. The MET Community Defense Team has made tremendous progress over the past year to prepare, equip and train for fire protection. We are thankful to our many dues paying members and donors who have provided funding and in kind donations of equipment, PPE, and fire hose. We especially thank Santa Barbara County, Calaveras County, Montecito and Hollister Ranch Fire Departments and Laurel Spring Ranch for donations of equipment. Our momentum continues to build.

Personally I am thankful to live in a community of kind and giving people who make this beautiful mountain such a great place to live. Wishing you a safe and happy holiday.

Sincerely,

Dennis Clegg,

President, Mountain Ember Team