King Fire

[2LZ]

Hey ya'll. As usual, Nor Cal in a towering enferno again for this fire season. Last year we were caught between the Rim fire south of us and the American fire north of us. While we were fortunate enough not to be in eithers path, there was zero relief from the smoke. It didn't matter which way the wind blew.

This year, we saw the King fire boom to life within a few hours last Sunday off of our porch. It started about 25 miles from us, as the crow flies and it's been devastating to those poor folks in it's path. Many towns and rural areas are now under evacuation and it's not getting any better. Fortunately for us, it's been heading the opposite direction for now. It doubled in size overnight to 71,000 acres and is only at 5% containment. The windy conditions haven't helps the fight. Last night after dark, the fire has now become so violent that it's created its own weather within itself and we could see the lightning flashes inside the smoke plume. Pretty wicked looking.

The far north state has seen a little rain come in from the ocean but nothing here, as of yet. Long story short, if this thing decides to change directions, it wouldn't bode to well for The Humble 2LZ Abode and all in the new path. Believe me, there's nothing more ominous looking than a massive DC 10 skirting the pine tips dumping fire retardant.

Here's a pic I took with my phone last night about dusk off our back porch. It was actually darker out than the camera picked up but it's the first time we've seen the red hue or glow of the fire in the smoke. Apologies if the pic may be too large. It's what I have at the moment.

Lets toss some prays "northward" for the brave men and women who put their lives on the line to do the best they can to help keep us safe. Many of us think we have pretty important jobs but these people are true heros and I've personally seen them work relentless hours on steep terrain in the worst of conditions. They concider it "just doing their job". Many of our local areas are all volunteer and they do a bang-up job, as well.

Let's hope for some relief and some good news soon.

[Weldangrind]

Good Heavens! I sure hope they get that Santa Ana Winds device up and running soon. Apparently, it will help to predict the severity of fires for the season.

Prayers sent for the fire fighters.

[SpudRider]

X2; prayers are being sent for you, and the noble firefighters.

[2LZ]

30% contained as of this morning. At least they caught the guy.

[SpudRider]

The fire was set intentionally?

[Weldangrind]

That's awful! I wonder how they figured out who the culprit / terrorist is.

[2LZ]

Not sure how they caught the guy. He's not even from around here! Must have been up here partying or passing through. Has a rap sheet though.....
The good news is it's up to 38% containment today but the bad news is it's grown to over 93,000 acres. If the winds today don't cause too much trouble, at least they're somewhat starting the get a handle on things.

[SpudRider]

I hope your home is not still endangered.

[2LZ]

Thanks Spud but fortunately for us, it was mostly heading north east away from us. We dodged the major "wind/direction-shift" bullet this time around. Fire is ALWAYS a threat here in Nor Cal. Just something you learn to live with, I guess.

Great news everyone! Call it odd chance weather, answered prayers, stroke of luck, science of professional firefighting or divine intervention, we've had a fluky 1.25 inches of rain and downright cool weather since last Thursday afternoon.....right in the middle of a severe drought! It was absolutely POURING at our house on Saturday! I just stood out in it in my driveway lookking up like a stupid farm turkey...but loving every drop.
The fire is 92% contained as of this morning, and it's spread has all but slowed to a halt. Looks like it's soon to be history, thank the Lord!
Thanks everyone for your well-wishes and prayers! :-)

[SpudRider]

Thanks for posting the good news, 2LZ.

[Weldangrind]

Great news! Thanks for letting us know.

I have exhibited the same farm turkey stare.