How is everybody doing?
California wild-fires.
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~sudsshane
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Palm Springs, California
My Dad lives in the Palm Springs area and he tells me the only thing they are dealing with there is smoke from the Santa Ana winds. Hopefully this firestorm will be contained and not move further inland.
My Dad lives in the Palm Springs area and he tells me the only thing they are dealing with there is smoke from the Santa Ana winds. Hopefully this firestorm will be contained and not move further inland.
oxydolfan1
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Good Lord, it never once occurred to me we might have members, and loved ones of members, in that area!
Please heed any all warnings and err on the side of caution in bugging outta there. No home, worldly possession, or even vintage appliances (gulp) are worth your life or your safety.
Please remember the terrible lessons learned from the horrible images of the desperate individuals and families caught in the nightmarish wildfires in Greece this summer...
Remember the sad lessons we never learned from the New Orleans, and realize that incompetence transcends all economic and socioeconomic boundaries. You CANNOT count on anyone to rescue you, or even assist you.
If we have members or loved ones near the confines of this inferno, please take care, and be safe. You're all in my prayers today.
Please heed any all warnings and err on the side of caution in bugging outta there. No home, worldly possession, or even vintage appliances (gulp) are worth your life or your safety.
Please remember the terrible lessons learned from the horrible images of the desperate individuals and families caught in the nightmarish wildfires in Greece this summer...
Remember the sad lessons we never learned from the New Orleans, and realize that incompetence transcends all economic and socioeconomic boundaries. You CANNOT count on anyone to rescue you, or even assist you.
If we have members or loved ones near the confines of this inferno, please take care, and be safe. You're all in my prayers today.
My first thoughts were harvestgold and golittlesport. Those are the only two on the top of my head.
Scott 55405, but I'm not sure where in the LA area he is. But these 3 I know from wash-ins or have for 6 years.
mayken4now
Well-known member
Stay safe folks. Get out of harms way if you have too, not worth any machine or your life.
Prayers and thoughts,
Steve
Prayers and thoughts,
Steve
My BIL had to evacuate
He is south of Carlsbad and had to evacuate yesterday. He left work (he works in San Diego) at 10AM to get home and pack what he could in the car to be ready for the call to go. Well, they called and he had to go. Luckily he has friends in the SoCal area that he can go to as all the hotels are booked for hundreds of miles around.
It is very scary and I, too, had dreams about the fires last night.
He is south of Carlsbad and had to evacuate yesterday. He left work (he works in San Diego) at 10AM to get home and pack what he could in the car to be ready for the call to go. Well, they called and he had to go. Luckily he has friends in the SoCal area that he can go to as all the hotels are booked for hundreds of miles around.
It is very scary and I, too, had dreams about the fires last night.
Generally speaking, if members live in the flatlands away from any of the mountains and canyons they are probably out of harm's way, but all bets are off with this particular batch of fires. The biggest evacuation in California history is still underway. SoCal fires this time of year are a fact of life but these have been brutal. It's not like residents didn't anticipate this after one of the driest rainfall years on record in the southern part of the state but the scale is still beyond what anyone likely imagined. Weather conditions are much the same as during the disastrous Oakland hills fire that began on 10/20/91. I hope all AW members in Southern California are safe and sound.
maggie~hamilton
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Greetings from Dante's Inferno
We have rec'd a number of calls and emails asking about our safety so am sending this along.
Arlee and I are not in any imminent danger where we live, but we certainly are being affected. The air is smoggy; the traffic is terrible; and a heavy pall of fear and anxiety hovers over the entire Southern California area.
My closest brush with fire is the BBQ grill in the back yard where I am cooking up some barbequed chicken and turkey burgers. Just felt like a good day to do it.
One of my graphics clients lives in Malibu. She and her husband similarly have not been directly impacted in terms of fire, but they are home-bound due to all the road closures, and of course the air up there is just terrible.
It has been reported that several of these fires are arsons. It's impossible for a sane person to wrap his mind around the idea of deliberately starting a fire that the perpetrator knows is going to cause such widespread damage, loss and misery.
I told my client, too bad they can't take these psychotic criminals when they are caught and burn them at the stake - very, very slowly. Just can only be grateful that our civilization as a whole is not as sick and barbaric as these monsters are.
Unless you hear otherwise, all is well at Casa Electrolux.
~
CRL
P.S.: Arlee is in the Philippines - will return Oct. 29.
We have rec'd a number of calls and emails asking about our safety so am sending this along.
Arlee and I are not in any imminent danger where we live, but we certainly are being affected. The air is smoggy; the traffic is terrible; and a heavy pall of fear and anxiety hovers over the entire Southern California area.
My closest brush with fire is the BBQ grill in the back yard where I am cooking up some barbequed chicken and turkey burgers. Just felt like a good day to do it.
One of my graphics clients lives in Malibu. She and her husband similarly have not been directly impacted in terms of fire, but they are home-bound due to all the road closures, and of course the air up there is just terrible.
It has been reported that several of these fires are arsons. It's impossible for a sane person to wrap his mind around the idea of deliberately starting a fire that the perpetrator knows is going to cause such widespread damage, loss and misery.
I told my client, too bad they can't take these psychotic criminals when they are caught and burn them at the stake - very, very slowly. Just can only be grateful that our civilization as a whole is not as sick and barbaric as these monsters are.
Unless you hear otherwise, all is well at Casa Electrolux.
~
CRL
P.S.: Arlee is in the Philippines - will return Oct. 29.
Washinsheen
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We live within the city limits of San Diego, and the city itself is out of the path of the fires. But some of the suburbs and rural areas are a different story. Anywhere east of here is desert-like, and these Santa Ana winds are thethal on the area, not receiving any significant amounts of rainfall since April.
We live about a mile south of Qualcomm Stadium, which is one of the main refuges for the evacuees. Thus, we're living in a safe area, thankfully, this time around. But there are so many in the community not as fortunate. We have not seen regular TV in two days, as there is continuous and round the clock wildfire coverage, and it all is so unbelievable. So many complete losses of homes. Rancho Bernardo and Poway are some of the hardest hit. But the news is reporting time after time incidents of good acts and good deeds done by fellow community members, so many people donating items to refuge locations. It's great to see these acts of kindness.
The fires are still raging, but the good news is that some people are being allowed to return to their homes. The weather forecast for the end of the week promises cooler weather, so we're looking forward to that.
We live about a mile south of Qualcomm Stadium, which is one of the main refuges for the evacuees. Thus, we're living in a safe area, thankfully, this time around. But there are so many in the community not as fortunate. We have not seen regular TV in two days, as there is continuous and round the clock wildfire coverage, and it all is so unbelievable. So many complete losses of homes. Rancho Bernardo and Poway are some of the hardest hit. But the news is reporting time after time incidents of good acts and good deeds done by fellow community members, so many people donating items to refuge locations. It's great to see these acts of kindness.
The fires are still raging, but the good news is that some people are being allowed to return to their homes. The weather forecast for the end of the week promises cooler weather, so we're looking forward to that.
This is not all that unexpected...
Back in mid-summer I remember hearing about the low rainfall of last winter, esp in the southern part of the state. I wondered if this October would bring more big fires to the state, and sure enough it has. Up here in the SF Bay Area we've been spared in large part due to a few rainstorms that moved through here last week. But it's warmed up considerably yesterday and today, with temps in the 70's and 80's, and I heard on NPR today that the fuel moisture content has fallen back down to 5% already. So far the offshore breezes have been missing or moderate; those were main contributing factors in the '91 Oakland hills fire.
Re the Oakland fire. I dislike comparing disasters, but I guess it's a natural tendency. As I recall, nearly 3,000 homes were destroyed in that fire. An entire section of the city was levelled - like an atomic bomb had hit it. Some 50 people perished, due to the swiftness of the fire, the congested roads in the fire areas, and the lack of warning. The current conflagration(s) in Socal are over a much wider, less densely built up area, and fortunately people have had much more warning and are being evacuated in time. Still, I'm sure that doesn't help much when your home and all your worldly possessions go up in smoke.
There was also little question of arson in the Oakland fire. But apparently some of the fires in the south state are arson related. I am reminded of the Japanese attempt to use high altitude balloons to drop incendiaries on the forests of the Pacific Coast in WWII. They were successful in getting the balloons to their targets, but their timing was bad, and the expected conflagrations didn't happen. It makes me wonder if terrorists are not trying the same sort of thing - starting fires at a time and in a place where they will do the most damage.
Back in mid-summer I remember hearing about the low rainfall of last winter, esp in the southern part of the state. I wondered if this October would bring more big fires to the state, and sure enough it has. Up here in the SF Bay Area we've been spared in large part due to a few rainstorms that moved through here last week. But it's warmed up considerably yesterday and today, with temps in the 70's and 80's, and I heard on NPR today that the fuel moisture content has fallen back down to 5% already. So far the offshore breezes have been missing or moderate; those were main contributing factors in the '91 Oakland hills fire.
Re the Oakland fire. I dislike comparing disasters, but I guess it's a natural tendency. As I recall, nearly 3,000 homes were destroyed in that fire. An entire section of the city was levelled - like an atomic bomb had hit it. Some 50 people perished, due to the swiftness of the fire, the congested roads in the fire areas, and the lack of warning. The current conflagration(s) in Socal are over a much wider, less densely built up area, and fortunately people have had much more warning and are being evacuated in time. Still, I'm sure that doesn't help much when your home and all your worldly possessions go up in smoke.
There was also little question of arson in the Oakland fire. But apparently some of the fires in the south state are arson related. I am reminded of the Japanese attempt to use high altitude balloons to drop incendiaries on the forests of the Pacific Coast in WWII. They were successful in getting the balloons to their targets, but their timing was bad, and the expected conflagrations didn't happen. It makes me wonder if terrorists are not trying the same sort of thing - starting fires at a time and in a place where they will do the most damage.
I don't know if it's terrorists as much as failing infrastructure (at least one of these was started by a downed power line) homegrown crazies, or just careless people. We don't get all that many fires up here (thankfully) but the ones that do are usually on I-5 and started by some smoker who threw his butt out the window.
But really, when it's that dry and windy, anything can start a fire.
But really, when it's that dry and windy, anything can start a fire.
Evacuations
I'm so glad that people are getting to safety in time rather than wait until it's too late. Thank God the local officials are making them evacuate because i'm sure there are those that would..."take their chances." Like in Katrina. I feel bad for the animals both wild and pets. A friend told me that she had heard there was a woman that managed to get all of her horses to safety but one and had to abandon it. What a horrible choice to have to make.
I'm so glad that people are getting to safety in time rather than wait until it's too late. Thank God the local officials are making them evacuate because i'm sure there are those that would..."take their chances." Like in Katrina. I feel bad for the animals both wild and pets. A friend told me that she had heard there was a woman that managed to get all of her horses to safety but one and had to abandon it. What a horrible choice to have to make.
Washernut, there were people who didn't leave when they were supposed to. It's been reported in newswire articles those stragglers, who had to be "rescue", ended up taking resources away form trying to fight the fires in order to get the ones who refused for so long out safely. If it's the same story I saw earlier this evening, the lady's neighbor showed up with a trailer and she was able to get that one remaining horse out.
Fuel for the fires
Back before there ever were people living in these places for thousands of years there have been forest fires burning unextinguished. Those fires never got out of control like todays fires because they burned out naturally and left little behind on the ground. Also because there was little left on the ground to burn any subsequent fires themselves were never so bad that they burned the larger trees to cinders and they survived. It wasn't until Smokey the Bear came into being and state/provincial parks started putting out all those forest fires they were actually creating the problems they now face when one does get out of control because of all that undergrowth that in nature wouldn't be there.
Back before there ever were people living in these places for thousands of years there have been forest fires burning unextinguished. Those fires never got out of control like todays fires because they burned out naturally and left little behind on the ground. Also because there was little left on the ground to burn any subsequent fires themselves were never so bad that they burned the larger trees to cinders and they survived. It wasn't until Smokey the Bear came into being and state/provincial parks started putting out all those forest fires they were actually creating the problems they now face when one does get out of control because of all that undergrowth that in nature wouldn't be there.
Well, it's a difficult situation. People want to "save" the forests by preventing forest fires. Controlled burns can be tricky, have been known to get out of control, and can also elicit popular opposition (smoke, charred forest floor, etc). The natural vegetation of many of these areas is called chaparral - which is heavy in high oil/resin containing drought tolerant shrubbery and small trees. This stuff is designed to burn - the seeds of some chaparral don't germinate unless they have been exposed to the high heat of a brush fire.
My gut feeling is that the forest/human interface will continue to burn in California until we've turned our Mediterranean climate landscape into something more resembling Italy or Spain: no longer any virgin forest, heavily managed agricultural land instead. It will be a high price to pay for protecting our dwellings on the edge of eden.
My gut feeling is that the forest/human interface will continue to burn in California until we've turned our Mediterranean climate landscape into something more resembling Italy or Spain: no longer any virgin forest, heavily managed agricultural land instead. It will be a high price to pay for protecting our dwellings on the edge of eden.
eluxomarty
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Shane
Where in Palm Springs does your Dad live? I live in PS proper and the air quality is quite good here. The closest fire to us here is the Big Bear fire which is about an hour from here. Many cabins and homes there have been burned. We had our Fire drama last year with three different fires in the high desert and the major one in the Banning area ( my hometown ) where four firefighters were killed.
My sister who lives in San Marcos which is in north San Diego County says that schools are closed ther due to poor air quality. The fire just south of Escondido and visible from San Marcos has crossed the I15 freeway, closing it. Most everyone is encouraged to stay home from work. Alot of people who work in the city ( San Diego ) live in the north county and cannot commute because the freeway is closed. Pomerado Hospital in Poway was evacuated as well as their skilled nursing facilties. Patients were evac'd to hospitals in the city.
It's amazing how many nutcases go out and start more fires when a fire makes the news. I mean 14 fires in So Cal! For Pete's sake!
Where in Palm Springs does your Dad live? I live in PS proper and the air quality is quite good here. The closest fire to us here is the Big Bear fire which is about an hour from here. Many cabins and homes there have been burned. We had our Fire drama last year with three different fires in the high desert and the major one in the Banning area ( my hometown ) where four firefighters were killed.
My sister who lives in San Marcos which is in north San Diego County says that schools are closed ther due to poor air quality. The fire just south of Escondido and visible from San Marcos has crossed the I15 freeway, closing it. Most everyone is encouraged to stay home from work. Alot of people who work in the city ( San Diego ) live in the north county and cannot commute because the freeway is closed. Pomerado Hospital in Poway was evacuated as well as their skilled nursing facilties. Patients were evac'd to hospitals in the city.
It's amazing how many nutcases go out and start more fires when a fire makes the news. I mean 14 fires in So Cal! For Pete's sake!
oxydolfan1
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This is positively heartbreaking (and, IMHO, unacceptable)...
Perhaps it's time for the government to start spending money at home.
Personally, I prefer the National Guard our taxes help support
to actually help guard the nation....
I've seen comments that at least two of the fires may run into November.
Tuesday, October 23, 2007 9:02 PM
Harris Fire
The Harris Fire has reached 72,000 acres and is 10% contained. Full containment is expected Oct. 31. The cost to date to fight the fire has topped $2 million.
One additional civilian suffered burns and was treated and transported to a local hospital. A total of 21 civilians have been injured and one killed by this fire. Approximately 4,500 people are or have been threatened and evacuated.
Additional evacuations are being ordered. An estimated 200 to 500 homes have been destroyed or damaged. About 1,500 homes are or have been threatened. Over 1,200 personnel are fighting this fire.
Witch Fire
The Witch Fire has burned nearly 200,000 acres and is 1 percent contained.
Twelve firefighters have been injured on this fire, and there currently are nearly 1,500 firefighters assigned to this incident.
The fire is expected to continue to move west and southwest, threatening the communities of San Diego, Poway, Ramona, Escondido, Lakeside, Valley Center, San Marcos and Rancho Santa Fe. It has also spread to the east threatening the communities of Julian and Pine Hills. Current efforts are working towards a more accurate fire perimeter size.
Rice Fire
The Rice fire has burned 7,500 acres and is 10% contained, with full containment expected on Oct. 28, with full control expected Nov. 5.
One firefighter has been injured. Over 200 residences have been destroyed, as well as 2 commercial properties, 40 outbuildings, 91 vehicles and 20,000 avocado trees. The fire is actively burning in the Rainbow Glen area. There has been an evacuation of the Deluz Canyon area.
Poomacha Fire
The Poomacha Fire has destroyed 20,000 acres and is 0 % contained.
There have been 10 injuries to firefighers, 218 firefighters are assigned to this incident. Fifty homes have been destroyed. The fire increased in size substantially due to extreme fire behavior, lack of resources and high winds. Some resources are beginning to arrive at the incident, but no significant perimeter control has been initiated due to structure protection priorities.
Perhaps it's time for the government to start spending money at home.
Personally, I prefer the National Guard our taxes help support
to actually help guard the nation....
I've seen comments that at least two of the fires may run into November.
Tuesday, October 23, 2007 9:02 PM
Harris Fire
The Harris Fire has reached 72,000 acres and is 10% contained. Full containment is expected Oct. 31. The cost to date to fight the fire has topped $2 million.
One additional civilian suffered burns and was treated and transported to a local hospital. A total of 21 civilians have been injured and one killed by this fire. Approximately 4,500 people are or have been threatened and evacuated.
Additional evacuations are being ordered. An estimated 200 to 500 homes have been destroyed or damaged. About 1,500 homes are or have been threatened. Over 1,200 personnel are fighting this fire.
Witch Fire
The Witch Fire has burned nearly 200,000 acres and is 1 percent contained.
Twelve firefighters have been injured on this fire, and there currently are nearly 1,500 firefighters assigned to this incident.
The fire is expected to continue to move west and southwest, threatening the communities of San Diego, Poway, Ramona, Escondido, Lakeside, Valley Center, San Marcos and Rancho Santa Fe. It has also spread to the east threatening the communities of Julian and Pine Hills. Current efforts are working towards a more accurate fire perimeter size.
Rice Fire
The Rice fire has burned 7,500 acres and is 10% contained, with full containment expected on Oct. 28, with full control expected Nov. 5.
One firefighter has been injured. Over 200 residences have been destroyed, as well as 2 commercial properties, 40 outbuildings, 91 vehicles and 20,000 avocado trees. The fire is actively burning in the Rainbow Glen area. There has been an evacuation of the Deluz Canyon area.
Poomacha Fire
The Poomacha Fire has destroyed 20,000 acres and is 0 % contained.
There have been 10 injuries to firefighers, 218 firefighters are assigned to this incident. Fifty homes have been destroyed. The fire increased in size substantially due to extreme fire behavior, lack of resources and high winds. Some resources are beginning to arrive at the incident, but no significant perimeter control has been initiated due to structure protection priorities.
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