The Mountain Security Ledger.

In this area I'll attempt to let the property owners know in summary a few of the
problem areas that we face.

Wilson, a fire information officer with the Eastern Idaho Interagency Fire Center, said the
fire, dubbed the Smith Canyon Fire, is about three miles east of Arimo and was reported at
about 3 p.m. Within an hour, roughly 100 acres were already scorched. ''It's burning on
private land and (Bureau of Land Management) land,'' Wilson said. ''There's a lot of
rolling hills with juniper bushes and some farms.''

Firefighting efforts Wednesday afternoon included a bulldozer, four engines and three air
tankers. The cause is still under investigation, Wilson said.

The fire comes just days after BLM lifted its fire restrictions on Friday.

''Lifting the restrictions doesn't mean we aren't going to have fires,'' Wilson said. ''It just
means we are not in extreme fire danger any more. We felt comfortable with easing fire
restrictions.''

The stage one restrictions previously in place meant no campfires or smoking outside
designated areas. Wilson said the restrictions weren't lifted because fires are no longer
possible, but rather, it was a reflection of the heavy rains that came through the area last
week and the cooler temperatures.

She said campfires still pose a serious fire danger. ''This time of year, we typically have more
escaped campfires,'' Wilson said. ''Because it's cooler, people aren't as attentive to putting
the fire out as well.''

" Spring 2007 Multiple Properties on Meadow Crest Vandalized. "

" June 30th ATV accident. Big Buck and Mountain Goat. Single vehicle rolled trying to make
turn. Speed WAS an issue. Accident was witnessed by myself and one other person. Driver
would not accept help, and left before I was able to gather additional information. "

" July 14th AM .... A dog on Elk Pass was attacked by a bear. Attack witnessed by owner.
Required 45 stitches to close wound on dogs back leg. Fish and Game trapping bear.

July 17th AM .... Bear WAS captured and removed from area. See Story "

" July 16th approx 5 pm .... Lightning strike caused a fire near Arimo. West of Lava Ranch
Property. By July 18th fire had burned approx 1400 acres but because of efforts of many
fire crews as well as Air Tankers and Cat's working the fireline, it has NOT spread to the
property yet. "

"

What IS Security at Lava Ranch? : WHAT is it going to take to get "YOU" involved in
the security at Lava Ranch? What type of emergency...vandalism...abuse of roads and property...tragedy?!?

The Security person for Lava Ranch can do only so much...and cannot be everywhere
and see everything! Many cities and communities have learned the value of using
"Neighborhood Watch" to watch for potential problems or "strangers" with devilment
in mind...should WE as part of our mountain community, be less watchful? Less helpful
to our neighbors and surroundings? Less protective of the prevention of tragedy?

We are supposed to be a "gated community", yet our gates are seldom closed! The
gates are to provide control of persons and vehicles entering and exiting ... thereby
providing 'some' control of vandalism, abuse of roads and property, and 'some'fire
prevention safety.

So, what about "YOU"? Are you ready to step up and do "YOUR" part to help Lava
Ranch be a safe and enjoyable area? With everyone "CARING" and "SHARING", the responsibility should not be a burden, but the safer enjoyment of the area should be
available to all!

So...WHAT ABOUT YOU? What about the Safety and Security of Lava Ranch? Will
"YOU" help?

Val Larsen
Lava Ranch Security
Lava Ranch Property Owner