The so-called Morgan Incident Fire, in chaparral southeast of Clayton, California, on the eastern flank of the north peak of Mount Diablo put at least four Amateur Radio repeaters off the air September 8. These include the K6MDD D-Star repeater, the W6UUU MotoTRBO repeater, the recently relocated W6CX APRS digipeater and the W6CX ATV repeater. Mount Diablo Amateur Radio Club President Jim Siemons, AF6PU, says the condition of the equipment is unknown. The W6CX APRS digipeater was moved to the north peak of Mount Diablo after vandals toppled the communications tower on Rocky Ridge.

“MDARC seems to have gone from the proverbial frying pan into the fire,” Siemons said earlier today. He said the fire, under tinder dry conditions, grew rapidly and raced to the mountaintop. “Currently, the fire is out of control and moving towards the south peak of Mount Diablo,” he said.

“Bottom line, hams live to deal with adversity and overcome problems. Whatever happens to our repeaters, we will fix or replace them. What is truly important is that no one gets injured and as little real property gets damaged as is possible.”

The National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC) reports the fire, only 10 percent contained, has threatened residences in the area and that evacuations are in effect.