BS:lightning fire complex inundates state of Calif

Subject: RE: BS:lightning fire complex inundates state of C
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 06 Jul 08 - 11:04 AM

good to hear from you both, Laurel & Joe

sandra

Subject: RE: BS:lightning fire complex inundates state of Calif
From: Bee
Date: 06 Jul 08 - 12:08 PM

"California's a Garden of Eden, a Paradise to live in or see..."

Joe, I just looked at Colfax, and California, on Google Earth. The earthquake data layer happened to be up. The biggest feature close to Colfax is called Burnt Flats. It's July and you don't expect rain until October.

You're a brave bunch!

Subject: RE: BS:lightning fire complex inundates state of Calif
From: GUEST,Peace
Date: 06 Jul 08 - 11:23 PM

Keep safe, Laurel.

Subject: RE: BS:lightning fire complex inundates state of Calif
From: SINSULL
Date: 09 Jul 08 - 09:43 AM

The new3s reports are not good. Have you been foced to evacuate again, Laurel?

Subject: RE: BS:lightning fire complex inundates state of Calif
From: Bee
Date: 10 Jul 08 - 11:33 PM

Any updates? Everybody on the shaky coast okay?

Subject: RE: BS:lightning fire complex inundates state of Calif
From: Slag
Date: 11 Jul 08 - 12:33 AM

Joe, open mike and all the rest of you fellow sufferers, greetings from Lake Co. I consider myself and our community very blessed to be safe so far as none of our fires have threatened any of our communities, so far. God speed to you guys. I hope the flames miss you all.

BUT THE SMOKE! Man, is it ever going to clear out? Weeks of this stuff. We're lucky if we get two mile visibility from time to time. In the evenings we do get a strong breeze that sometimes lasts the might be it in no way clears out the smoke. Rather it seems to bring more in from farther north. Air quality is abysmal and many with breathing problems are having serious difficulties. There is supposed to be a marine push this weekend but I'm STILL going to hold my breath until I see the blue or the stars.

Hey if none of you fellow cats are going to write a song about this tragic mess then I WILL! Then we can REALLY suffer!

By way of personal note, my PC is in for repairs so I'm limited on my posting but I am checking in from time to time on alien 'puters. Keep posting!

Subject: RE: BS:lightning fire complex inundates state of C
From: open mike
Date: 11 Jul 08 - 01:50 AM

just got confirmation that my house was burned....all gone.

Subject: RE: BS:lightning fire complex inundates state of Calif
From: Joe Offer
Date: 11 Jul 08 - 01:55 AM

I'm so sorry to hear that, Laurel. There's really nothing anybody can say. It's just such a shock. I suppose you're kind of numb right now. It shakes me to think of it. I hope the best for you, and I'm glad you're safe.


We're sufferering here in the smoke, but not in any danger. I do worry about my 93-yr-old mother-in-law, who lives with us. She's suffering from both the heat and the smoke.

-Joe-

Subject: RE: BS:lightning fire complex inundates state of C
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 11 Jul 08 - 02:31 AM

Laurel, like Joe I don't know what to say. words are really inadequate.

sending love to you

sandra

Subject: RE: BS:lightning fire complex inundates state of Calif
From: Bee
Date: 11 Jul 08 - 08:13 AM

Oh dear! I certainly sympathise, having had a home burned out once myself, with only a few things salvaged. It is a shock, and means a lot of starting over. Take care of yourself.

You as well, Joe.

Subject: RE: BS:lightning fire complex inundates state of C
From: The Fooles Troupe
Date: 11 Jul 08 - 08:21 AM

My sympathies Open Mike.

Subject: RE: BS:lightning fire complex inundates state of Calif
From: SINSULL
Date: 11 Jul 08 - 08:31 AM

You're safe.
Now take a deep breath. You have friends who will help you through this.
I am sorry.
Mary

Subject: RE: BS:lightning fire complex inundates state of Calif
From: katlaughing
Date: 11 Jul 08 - 10:41 AM

{{{{{{Laurel}}}}} What Sins said. PM sent.

Grateful you are safe,

kat

Subject: RE: BS:lightning fire complex inundates state of C
From: kendall
Date: 11 Jul 08 - 10:43 AM

Laurel dear, what is your mailing address?
This is awful news...

Subject: RE: BS:lightning fire complex inundates state of C
From: jacqui.c
Date: 11 Jul 08 - 10:43 AM

I am so sorry Laurel. Having had the priviledge of visiting your home I know what you have lost and how much it meant to you. Were you still parked at your daughter's house when it happened?

Subject: RE: BS:lightning fire complex inundates state of Calif
From: Donuel
Date: 11 Jul 08 - 11:10 AM

"just got confirmation that my house was burned....all gone"

I'm so sorry.
Conflagration is the worst form of chaos.

Houses come and go but your home will always spring from your life force.

When the time comes, the glorious opportunities in this buyers market could make this disaster a blessing in disguise.

Subject: RE: BS:lightning fire complex inundates state of Calif
From: ClaireBear
Date: 11 Jul 08 - 11:43 AM

I am so sorry, Laurel, though that doesn't begin to say it. As a once and now again Santa Cruz Mountains gal myself, I spend six months of most years dreading that this will happen -- picturing it, dreaming about it, preparing for it -- but that is nothing compared to living it.

((((Laurel))))

Claire

Subject: RE: BS:lightning fire complex inundates state of Calif
From: michaelr
Date: 11 Jul 08 - 07:55 PM

Laurel, my and Patti's thoughts are with you. That was a nice house.

My best friend lives in Georgia. His house burned down two years ago after a lightning strike. We visited him last month and watched the final coat of paint applied to his new house. Hang in there!

Best wishes,
Michael (in smoky Sonoma County)

Subject: RE: BS:lightning fire complex inundates state of Calif
From: JohnInKansas
Date: 11 Jul 08 - 09:21 PM

2,000 more guardsmen for Calif. fires

Body found inside destroyed home; Washington state also sees outbreak
MSNBC staff and news service reports
updated 4:03 p.m. CT, Fri., July. 11, 2008

PARADISE, Calif. - With crews exhausted by hundreds of wildfires and the season only beginning, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger on Friday ordered 2,000 more National Guard troops to prepare for fire duty.

/quote

The somewhat encouraging part of the additional NG troop deployment is the statement:

"...once these new troops are trained and certified, they will be ready to pitch in at a moment's notice throughout the fire season."

While it doesn't actually say that the necessary training and certification will precede sending (some of them?) to the fire lines now, that certainly seems to be implied.

The full report at the link indicates some reduction in the number of individual fires, but still many places in harm's way. Almost a footnote, new fires and damage in Washington state are reported.

John

Subject: RE: BS:lightning fire complex inundates state of C
From: Alice
Date: 11 Jul 08 - 09:29 PM

Laurel, I'm so sorry to hear your news.
check pm

alice

Subject: RE: BS:lightning fire complex inundates state of Calif
From: katlaughing
Date: 11 Jul 08 - 10:50 PM

We have about 1200 acres which have burnt on the western face of the Grand Mesa. Laurel, if you are reading this, some of it is near Kannah Creek, BUT all in remote area where they were thinking of a controlled burn anyway. It was a lightning strike started this one. One house and outbuildings are somewhat threatened but being protected according to news agencies. They issued an air quality warning, today, for anyone with asthma/respiratory problems. They say they have it mostly controlled and intend to let it burn itself out. Fortunately, they say there are pockets of deep snow and wet terrain which will stop it going up the top and over.

Laurel, remember Night Owl? She lost everything when lightning struck her home several years ago. She had rebuilt her home by herself and had lived there for many years. It may not seem like it, right now, but there is life after such devastation. Hang in there and stay safe, please. We all care, very much.

luvyakat

Subject: RE: BS:lightning fire complex inundates state of C
From: The Fooles Troupe
Date: 11 Jul 08 - 11:50 PM

Aussie crews going to battle US blazes
July 12, 2008, 11:54 am
http://au.news.yahoo.com/a/-/latest/4783774/aussie-crews-going-battle-blazes

A contingent of Australian and New Zealand firefighters is preparing to head for the United States to help battle devastating forest fires.

More than 60 blazes are ravaging the US, with about 1.2 million hectares falling victim to fire this year - almost the yearly average in just six months.

NSW emergency services minister Nathan Rees on Saturday formally farewelled 10 emergency personnel, including five firefighters and five national parks and forest workers.

They are among a team of 44 Australians and New Zealanders scheduled to leave for California this weekend.

"The US National Interagency Fire Centre formally requested the assistance the Iemma government had no hesitation in agreeing to the request," Mr Rees said.

The team will relieve local fire crews in remote areas, and provide expert advice on tactics and strategy.

Australian firefighters were last deployed to the US in 2006, when they were responsible for coordinating thousands of fire personnel.

NSW heads the contingent with 10 personnel, followed by Victoria's nine, Western Australia's eight, the ACT's four, Tasmania's three, one from South Australia and nine from New Zealand.

California is the worst-hit area, with 24 bushfires, while a further four are raging in the neighbouring desert state of Arizona.

One person was found dead overnight inside a burned-out house after a wind-fuelled wildfire swept through a rural community in California's Sierra Nevada foothills.

Investigators believe the person died in the fire in the town of Concow, but an autopsy will be needed to confirm the cause of death.

Subject: RE: BS:lightning fire complex inundates state of C
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 12 Jul 08 - 07:32 AM

then in a few months our fire-fighters will be busy here, with very a dry winter forecast across the country.

how are things in your area, Joe?

sandra

Subject: RE: BS:lightning fire complex inundates state of C
From: Sorcha
Date: 12 Jul 08 - 09:51 AM

Oh damn, Laurel. At least YOU and the animals are safe. Did all your neighbors places go too? At least you all still have the land and can re build.

Subject: RE: BS:lightning fire complex inundates state of Calif
From: katlaughing
Date: 12 Jul 08 - 11:06 AM

And our thanks to the Aussies, too! I remember them coming to WY to help out, before.

This from Laurel's area: The wildfire in Butte County destroyed at least 50 homes earlier in the week and has sent as many as 10,000 residents fleeing.

And, if you'd like to help out with a donation for the pets which are being looked after, apart from their families, look at what PetSmart is doing:

"We received a request for assistance from Butte County Animal Control in northern California, where two temporary shelters have already been set up to house hundreds of companion animals evacuated because of the fires," said Susana Della Maddalena, Vice President and Executive Director of PetSmart Charities. "Disaster situations such as this one are the very reason that we created our Emergency Relief Waggin' program in 2007. Its purpose is to assist the animal victims of natural and manmade disasters."
More than 500 companion animals are being housed in two temporary shelters in the fire zone -- one at a high school in Oroville and another at a church in the city of Chico, 23 miles northwest of Oroville.
"Many of these animals evacuated with their families at a moment's notice, so the need for items such as bowls, bedding, crates, leashes, litterboxes, kitty litter and other basic supplies is great," Della Maddalena added. "In addition, the Emergency Relief Waggin' has supplies on board that will assist the human responders in operating the temporary animal shelters, including an air conditioning unit, a generator and lights."
Valley pet lovers who want to help animals in need during this and future disasters can make a tax-deductible donation in one of two ways:

-- Make a credit card donation via the PetSmart Charities Web site at:
    www.PetSmartCharities.org
-- Mail in a check donation directly to: PetSmart Charities, Attn:
    Emergency Relief, 19601 North 27th Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85027 (Please write
    "Emergency Relief" in the memo section on the check.)


Phoenix-based PetSmart Charities provides immediate emergency relief funding and supplies to assist pets affected by hurricanes, earthquakes, fire and other natural disasters throughout the United States. PetSmart Charities also provides emergency relief for pet victims of man-made emergencies including pet hoarding situations and puppy mill rescues. Funds raised will be used to aid pets affected by this rescue effort and other future disasters.

Subject: RE: BS:lightning fire complex inundates state of Calif
From: Joe Offer
Date: 12 Jul 08 - 02:27 PM

Here is the latest update report on "our" fire, the American River Fire Complex. The fire is not expected to be completely contained until the end of July, and they expect to have 1,000 firefighters working it by early next week.
The weather has gotten better, with high temps expected to be 90 degrees fahrenheit, instead of 105 that we had through yesterday. The smoke has lifted a bit so breathing is easier. Apparently, the lifting of the inversion layer also gave fresh air to a portion of the fire and made it flare up.
"Our" fire is about 20 miles away, so we're in no danger - but the heat and smoke has kept us pretty miserable. This is the time of the year when Christina and I love to take wildflower hikes in the Sierra. I guess that won't happen this year, since it's hard to breathe up there.
But we're safe. We're in an area that's subject to fires and we've had many fires closer to us in the past - but this is the most smoke I've experienced, and it's nasty.

I can't find an update on Laurel's fire because I don't know the official name of the fire.

-Joe-

Subject: RE: BS:lightning fire complex inundates state of C
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 13 Jul 08 - 08:30 AM

thanks for that info, Joe.

In our big fires in 1996? the smoke was so bad that it travelled to my place approx. 100km east on the coast & I wasn't the only person to call emergency services thinking the fires had broken out near us. I still have some burnt leaves I found in the ocean that weekend.

During the same fires, sparks did travel that distance & a roof in the next suburb caught, but it was easily put out.

scary stuff & I wouldn't want to be any closer to that type of fire.

sandra

Subject: RE: BS:lightning fire complex inundates state of C
From: Sorcha
Date: 13 Jul 08 - 10:15 AM

I thought it was the Butte complex, but I'm not finding that name. So, maybe the Canyon complex?

Subject: RE: BS:lightning fire complex inundates state of Calif
From: katlaughing
Date: 13 Jul 08 - 12:33 PM

Well, there is the Butte County Fire with some good news, today. 10,000 people get to go home.

Subject: RE: BS:lightning fire complex inundates state of C
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 13 Jul 08 - 09:21 PM

thanks for the links -

is anyone in contact with Laurel?

sandra

Subject: RE: BS:lightning fire complex inundates state of C
From: Alice
Date: 13 Jul 08 - 09:36 PM

in PM from Laurel she told me she was able to put some guitars and recordings in a storage place in town, but all stuff that was still in the house... gone.

alice

Subject: RE: BS:lightning fire complex inundates state of Calif
From: Beer
Date: 14 Jul 08 - 12:03 PM

Terrible thing to go through. Hope your days ahead will get easier.
Adrien

Subject: RE: BS:lightning fire complex inundates state of Calif
From: Bobert
Date: 14 Jul 08 - 08:23 PM

Wow!!!

What a complete bummer...

I am so sorry, Laurel, for your loss... I know it doesn't mean much but havin' yer petes and yer instruments will one day be looked back upon as such a blessing...

But the rest is just a nightmare...

I am so sorry...

Bobert

Subject: RE: BS:lightning fire complex inundates state of C
From: maeve
Date: 14 Jul 08 - 08:28 PM

One way to help Laurel/Open Mike

Subject: RE: BS:lightning fire complex inundates state of Calif
From: catspaw49
Date: 14 Jul 08 - 10:30 PM

I am sorry Laurel......You've been in my thoughts a lot and I had hoped for a better outcome......but know you have friends here and are willing to help as we can........Its a Mudcat tradition!

Spaw

Subject: RE: BS:lightning fire complex inundates state of C
From: topical tom
Date: 15 Jul 08 - 06:30 PM

So sorry to hear of this disaster.Courage! There IS light at the end of the tunnel.

Subject: RE: BS:lightning fire complex inundates state of Calif
From: JohnInKansas
Date: 15 Jul 08 - 11:17 PM

While some of the fires are still burning, the "usual aftermath" is noted in Southern California:

Mudslide, flooding hit Calif. after fires

50 homes hit with mud 3 feet deep in town that saw fire last year

The Associated Press
updated 8:38 p.m. CT, Mon., July. 14, 2008

LOS ANGELES - More heavy rain was forecast Monday in Southern California, where crews were still clearing debris from weekend flooding and a mudslide that damaged more than 50 homes and blocked a highway.

The National Weather Service posted flash flood watches for the mountains of Los Angeles, Santa Barbara and Ventura counties, saying scattered showers and thunderstorms capable of producing heavy downpours were likely Monday.

Weekend thunderstorms over the southern Sierra Nevada range set off a mudslide that measured 300 yards wide and up to 3 feet deep, officials said.

The mudslide damaged more than 50 homes in an area scarred by wildfires last year near Independence, a remote, small town on the east side of the Sierra Nevada. It also blocked a state highway that is a major north-south route along the eastern side of the Sierra.

/quote

The mudslides reported are in areas that burned last year, which seems to be a fairly usual timing/happening. Freshly burned areas are, however, much more susceptible than before if sufficient rain comes along, and runoff more rapid than accustomed can drastically change the flood/mud-prone locations from what people are used to.

John

Subject: RE: BS:lightning fire complex inundates state of Calif
From: Joe Offer
Date: 18 Jul 08 - 04:18 PM

The Sacramento Bee newspaper says the Website giving the best Northern California fire reporting is http://www.yubanet.com/.
We had a few days of almost-blue skies, and now it's getting smoky (and hot) again. As it gets hotter, the inversion layer traps the smoke and keeps it here.
Cough, cough....



If you have broadband Internet, take a look at this PDF map (click) of the Northern California fires. As you can see, there are many, many fires. They were almost all caused by lightning strikes - the date was June 20-21. I'm in Applegate, on the lower right-hand corner of the map. There are no fires really close to me, but the Government Westville (American River Complex) fire is giving us a lot of smoke and is predicted to burn until the end of July. Laurel's house was burned in the huge complex of fires east of Chico, along California Highway 70 and the Feather River Canyon. It's still unclear to me, but I believe this is what is called the Butte Lightning Complex of fires. It has burned 50,700 acres, or approximately 79 square miles. This is (or was) an absolutely beautiful area. The old Western Pacific (now Union Pacific) Railroad, Highway 70, and the Feather River follow this canyon from Oroville to Quincy, the quaint old county seat of Plumas County. It has been one of my favorite scenic drives in California. You can pull of the highway in any number of spots and watch the river cascades and wildlife and wildflowers. The Pacific Gas and Electric Company has a series of small, old hydroelectric dams and power plants along the way. Purists may not like them, but I really like the architecture of thse old buildings. I can't tell from the map how much of the fire damage will be visible from the highway. Oftentimes, the highways are protected and most visitors never see the damage caused by fires.

-Joe-

Subject: RE: BS:lightning fire complex inundates state of C
From: Alice
Date: 18 Jul 08 - 09:19 PM

The smoke from CA fires is, amazingly, still filling our valley up here in Montana. I could see a blue haze just 2 blocks away looking down the street. The mountains are covered with smoke haze.

Subject: RE: BS:lightning fire complex inundates state of C
From: Sorcha
Date: 18 Jul 08 - 11:07 PM

So far, no smoke in Wyoming, or any bad fires. A few 'small' ones near Big Sandy, but nothing major. I'd prefer to KEEP it that way.

Subject: RE: BS:lightning fire complex inundates state of C
From: open mike
Date: 19 Jul 08 - 11:23 AM

the fires nerest my (former) home were in the Butte Complex--the Rim fire and the Empire. they had been more or less contained and controlled when the Camp fire from the Canyon Complex rose up and jumped all the lines.

the smoke was so thick that the fire was not spotted until it was 1,000
acres. no planes could fly or see the ground, and soon it was 2,000 then 2500 acress. the actual fire was increased greatly by back fires set to try to control the fire.