A Day From Hell!

[Richard Crowe]

Yesterday, there was a major fire just south of us that burned 850 acres but due to efficient firefighting there were no buildings destroyed or lives lost.  When we woke up this morning, we got the news that the fire had been surrounded and was well under control.

Then...

Wildfires began breaking out all over the county...

I went to fill up my vehicles with gas and saw smoke.  

I drove about 7-8 miles to find this fire.Which was threatening homes and other buildings...

 

Fires were breaking out all over the county.  I strongly suspect arson - either by individuals or by a group...

We got a call from our daughter's mother-in-law who was dog sitting while the couple is vacationing in Mexico that there was fire in her vicinity.

I went to the top of a peak that has an all over view of this area and saw this...

Their home located on the spit of land jutting out into the lagoon between the two highways was safe.  However, the fire which is causing the smoke at the right of the image destroyed 30 homes.

Soon after I left the peak, a fire broke out on the road I used to leave.  It is going crazy now.

The problem is that with every new fire, the fire fighting resources are being spread thinner and thinner.

Luckily the strong easterly winds which have been fanning the blazes over the last two days is beginning to dissipate.

[Richard Crowe]

The fires have subsided and we are back to our normal temperatures and humidity.  It's in the 70's now with about 40% humidity.  Last week it was in the triple digit temperatures combined with single digit humidity and strong Santa Ana type winds sweeping in from the desert areas.  That is the perfect formula for wildfires.  Add a couple of arsonists to the mix and it becomes terrible.

I noticed smokle from a different direction and went to investigate it...

I shot these images from in front of the groomers where I take Holly. The fires were just across the freeway form the groomer.

These men were on their roof with garden hoses ready to interdict any flying embers...

This is what they were looking at...

Airpower was the deciding factor in fighting the fires.  Luckily, there were not that many other fires in Southern California and we drew assets from as far away as Oakland. This chopper was from Orange County which is the next county to the North...

The Marine Corps contributed 22 helicopters until Camp Pendleton began burning and most of those choppers were diverted to fighting the fires on base.  Last that I heard, 10-20% of the base has burned.

The air quality has been horrible and Judy and I have been experiencing respiratory problems.  Gobbling antihistamine tablets seem to help a bit.  

Today has been clear, cool and moist.  It is a wonderful change.

But, we still have the normal fire season to look forward to...

[Rose Coward]

hmmm, it makes me wonder
http://publicintelligence.net/homeland-security-warns-of-terrorist-...

[Pat and Traveler]

Stay safe!  So scary.

[Brittney & Cally]

Wow. Please stay safe!

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

I am so glad that you were okay.  Your pictures were very informative.

[Lynn D.]

We had some pretty horrible fires in the past couple of years, here in Colorado. Some got within a couple of miles of our house, if the house was about 500 feet further west we would have been in the evac zone. It gave us pause to really think about the very most things that were important to us and how to plan to get out. Because I worked 35 miles east of Evergreen and the police/fire would likely cut me off from the house we packed all 3 cars in the event that the evac order was expanded.

I hope you and your family stay safe and fire free.

[Cheryl and Finnegan]

Concerned for all affected by these fires. Praying that you, Judy, and all the dogs stay safe.

[Carol and Banjo]

Such devastation.   Have been watching the news and praying for all of those affected.   Stay safe Richard.

[Gail and Bailey]

Richard, we are praying that you and Judy and all the dogs stay safe....and the fires are under control soon!!

[Leslie and Halas]

So scary!  Stay safe!