BS:lightning fire complex inundates state of Calif

Subject: BS: lightning fire complex innundates state
From: open mike
Date: 27 Jun 08 - 03:52 PM

whew! i have been evacuated from my house along with hundreds of others due to fires that started last saturday. I was with the fire fighting effort until i got the evacuation order, now my personal survival is on the top of my list...I have rented a storage unit in town an hour away and have brought several vehicles and trailers full of stuff there. The first load to go out was the R.V. i use at music festivals and the musical instruments. I am at my daughter's house, amped out in the driveway in my motor home, and the cat is in there, too. Laurel

Subject: RE: BS: lightning fire complex innundates state
From: Sorcha
Date: 27 Jun 08 - 04:00 PM

Stay SAFE Laurel!

Subject: RE: BS: lightning fire complex innundates state
From: SINSULL
Date: 27 Jun 08 - 04:12 PM

Laurel - I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. At least you and the kitties are safe. What a nightmare!

Subject: RE: BS: lightning fire complex innundates state
From: Emma B
Date: 27 Jun 08 - 04:15 PM

Wishing you all the best Laurel - wish I could send you some of our rain.

Subject: RE: BS: lightning fire complex innundates state
From: Bill D
Date: 27 Jun 08 - 06:15 PM

wow...glad you had some lead time! Sure hope it misses you.....and all the others, too.

Subject: RE: BS: lightning fire complex innundates state
From: katlaughing
Date: 27 Jun 08 - 07:03 PM

Yikes! REALLY glad you are out of there and safe AND with some of your stuff and kitties. I am giving thanks your place remains safe and you are able to go home soon, for the highest good of all concerned!

Subject: RE: BS: lightning fire complex innundates state
From: Amos
Date: 27 Jun 08 - 07:06 PM

As long as the guitar is safe, I reckon you'll be fine... ;>)

Stay alert!!


A

Subject: RE: BS: lightning fire complex innundates state
From: open mike
Date: 27 Jun 08 - 10:30 PM

thanks, mud friends, for the good wishes.
i meant to say i am camped out in the
driveway, but since i am using the
aid conditioner in my R.V. I guess I
am "amped" out, too.

I was able to help bring food to some
who have taken refuge in a camp ground,
and to others who are at a local school.
there is an animal rescue center at the
school, too.

i also brought cat food and kitty litter to
the center where the critters are being taken
care of. there is hardly anywhere that you
can get away from the smoke...thousands of
acres are burning since the lightning storm
last week.

yesterday i was able to take a cat and 2 birds
out of the area to a place far from the fire.

no such luck for the bears, cougars, deer, etc.
they just have to hope they can out run the flames...
and that they run the right way!

they say there have been no structures lost,
so far, although 60-70 of them were burned in
the fire that happened last week when the wind
was high.

they say we will get more lighting today and
tomorrow..yes, please send any extra rain that
you might have!!!

The fires nearest to me are the Rim fire and the Empire Fire.
these are both in the Concow area, which is named after the
Concow Maidu tribe, the original inhabitants of the area.

here are some Maps:

Updated by NASA twice a day from the Aqua satellite, make sure to open in Google earth:
http://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/NaturalHazards/Archive/Jun2008/California_AMO_2008175_lrg.kmz

Chico ER Map which shows Evacuation areas, receives updates:
http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&oe=UTF8&msa=0&msid=114588530322698785804.000450576c62232cf0482

Map link that shows satellite thermal imaging over the fire areas, with fire event information Note the outlines are not fire line perimeters. They are thermal perimeters. Receives updates:
http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&t=p&msa=0&msid=117233896055527860647.0004504ae7262f3ae7794&ll=39.844658,-121.475487&spn=0.237238,0.359802&z=12

California Governor's Office of Emergency Services Map, also receives updates:
http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?hl=en&ie=UTF8&oe=UTF8&msa=0&msid=110735790609633874400.00044f7bd13c461bb9ba2


News Information and updates:

Cal-Fire:(formerly Calif. Dept. of Forestry & Fire protection..CDF)
http://www.fire.ca.gov/index_incidents.php
Chico Enterprise Record newspaper: http://www.chicoer.com/
Paradise Post newspaper: http://www.paradisepost.com/
KHSL TV Channel 12 http://www.khsltv.com/
KPAY 1290 Newstalk: http://newstalk1290.wordpress.com/
Oroville Mercury Registernewspaper: http://www.orovillemr.com/

Live radio communications from the fire:
http://www.thenet411.net/

Subject: RE: BS: lightning fire complex innundates state
From: Lyrical Lady
Date: 28 Jun 08 - 12:32 AM

No matter how bad things seem, there is always someone who has real problems, much worse than mine. This is a good example. Stay well.
B

Subject: RE: BS: lightning fire complex innundates state
From: Slag
Date: 28 Jun 08 - 01:10 AM

Were still socked in heavy smoke over here in the Coastal Range. It's getting downright dismal, hot smokey, little or no sun, coming upon a week now---but fortunately for us the flames are still way off. God bless you open mike. I hope you will be spared along with all the other who face this threat. I know the folks in the midlands are having it full with the flooding. Different scourges but devastation is devastation. Help your neighbors, Do what you can. God help us all.

Subject: RE: BS: lightning fire complex innundates state
From: The Fooles Troupe
Date: 28 Jun 08 - 08:43 AM

Amped out - I had this image...

Subject: RE: BS: lightning fire complex innundates state
From: catspaw49
Date: 28 Jun 08 - 08:56 AM

Best thoughts Laurel...........You're doing a great job in a tough situation. Much love and stay safe.

Spaw

Subject: RE: BS: lightning fire complex innundates state
From: Alice
Date: 28 Jun 08 - 10:15 AM

When I saw the fires on the news, I guessed they were near you.
Take care of yourself!
Last year we lived with constant summer forest fire smoke hanging in the air here. This is going to be a burning summer.
All the best, Alice

Subject: RE: BS: lightning fire complex innundates state
From: open mike
Date: 28 Jun 08 - 11:54 AM

this is early in the year for things to be so bad fire-wise.
more lightning predictged for this weekend, too!

Subject: RE: BS: lightning fire complex innundates state
From: open mike
Date: 29 Jun 08 - 05:00 PM

LAVENDER SUN: Ignited by lightning, hundreds of wildfires are burning in California, smothering the northern half of the state with thick plumes of smoke. The unusually widespread haze is causing a rare atmospheric optics phenomenon--the lavender sun. Many Californians report seeing the sun, when viewed through the smoke, turn a bright shade of purple. Today's edition of http://spaceweather.com features pictures of the phenomenon and an explanation.

Subject: RE: BS: lightning fire complex innundates state
From: SINSULL
Date: 30 Jun 08 - 09:32 AM

Where are you now, Laurel? Is your home OK?

Subject: RE: BS: lightning fire complex innundates state
From: Alice
Date: 30 Jun 08 - 10:11 AM

My brain had trouble at first when I saw "fire" and "inundated" in the title.
Here's hoping that rain inundates the state and helps put down the fires.

Alice

Subject: RE: BS: lightning fire complex innundates state
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 30 Jun 08 - 11:13 AM

Laurel, good to know you are safe. I hadn't realised how widespread the fires were.

keep safe & return home soon

sandra

thanks for the link to spaceweather & calfire

Subject: RE: BS: lightning fire complex innundates state
From: Donuel
Date: 30 Jun 08 - 12:13 PM

Lauren you sound very grounded, organized and fortunate.

A moment of silence for the Red Woods that burned at thier vulnerable tops

and fields of piney Humbolt pot.


now for the conspiracy theories.

Why 6,000 lightning strikes in 2 hours, when 300 is the norm?
Did someone press the wrong button at the HAARP installation?
Is the melted Artic ocean to blame??

Subject: RE: BS: lightning fire complex innundates state
From: open mike
Date: 30 Jun 08 - 02:15 PM

the mandatory evacuation has been reduced to a pre-cautionary one, and
the cat and i are back home now. the immediate danger has been lessened, but the smoke is still oppressive, and I have been using a mask from the hospital to reduce smoke and particle intake. My friend Dan has been at my house much of this week clearing, watering, mowing, and watching for sparks. There are still fires on two sides and many others in the forest near here...some are thousands of acres...and may be smouldering til it snows..the fires afre called the Butte Lightning Complex and there are some very detailed maps available via goggle earth.
we are right between the West and the Empire fires (which have burned together and become one) and the Rim fire, which i fought on the first night, a week ago.

Subject: RE: BS: lightning fire complex innundates state
From: Donuel
Date: 30 Jun 08 - 02:21 PM

The number of fires reported has gone from 400 last week to over a 1,000 this week. over 500 square miles are said to have been burned thus far.

Subject: RE: BS: lightning fire complex innundates state
From: GUEST,mg
Date: 30 Jun 08 - 06:53 PM

Glad you are OK...do you know if Redwood City is affected? I have cousins there...mg

Subject: RE: BS: lightning fire complex innundates state
From: open mike
Date: 01 Jul 08 - 11:47 AM

http://activefiremaps.fs.fed.us/fireplots/cgb2008179_1900.jpg
no fires in the bay area--as far as this map shows

Subject: RE: BS: lightning fire complex innundates state
From: pdq
Date: 01 Jul 08 - 11:56 AM

Redwood City is a city near the San Francisco Bay. If there are any Redwoods there, they were planted for landscaping. The brush fires have nothing to do with the urban centers. Don't worry.

Subject: RE: BS: lightning fire complex innundates state
From: Donuel
Date: 01 Jul 08 - 01:14 PM

The number of fires reported has fone from 400 to 1,200.

What could cause such a rare display of lighten, the scope of which has not been seen before ???

Last nightI learned that the San Andreus Fault is acting up and doing some new wild gyrations deep down.

Could the mega lightning be a pre curser such as 'earth lights' that have been seen prior to an earth quake ?????????????????????????????????

this is not a prediction or a premonition, this is merely a serious introspection into this unusual phenomenon.

Drought will always make for wild fires but the 6,000 sudden lightning strikes is significant in my opinion.

Subject: RE: BS: lightning fire complex innundates state
From: Donuel
Date: 01 Jul 08 - 01:15 PM

typos

gone

lightning

Subject: RE: BS: lightning fire complex innundates state
From: The Fooles Troupe
Date: 01 Jul 08 - 07:45 PM

Certain rocks, when put under pressure, produce electric charges - the piezo effect used in electronics all around us.

Wonder how it goes on a big scale?

:-)

Subject: RE: BS: lightning fire complex innundates state
From: Donuel
Date: 02 Jul 08 - 04:04 PM

open mike, dude, how are you doin?

How did you fight the fire prior to an evacuation?

Is anybody out there?

Subject: RE: BS: lightning fire complex innundates state
From: GUEST,Peace
Date: 02 Jul 08 - 08:34 PM

Just saw this thread, Laurel. From one to another: keep safe.

Subject: RE: BS: lightning fire complex innundates state
From: JohnInKansas
Date: 02 Jul 08 - 10:15 PM

Fire evacuations ordered for most of Big Sur

National Guard to join battle; wildfire near Santa Barbara adds to spread

NBC, MSNBC and news services
updated 5:41 p.m. CT, Wed., July. 2, 2008

BIG SUR, Calif. - Authorities ordered most of the remaining residents of this scenic coastal community to leave Wednesday because an out-of-control wildfire, one of hundreds in California, had jumped a fire line and was threatening more homes.

New mandatory evacuation notices were issued for a 10-mile stretch along the eastern side of state Highway 1, bringing the total length of the evacuated area to more than 25 miles, emergency officials said.

"The fire is just a big raging animal right now," said Darby Marshall, spokesman for the Monterey County Office of Emergency Services.

Authorities have essentially closed a 25-mile stretch of Highway 1, blocking access to popular resorts, restaurants, shops and art galleries that line the scenic roadway and attract tourists from around the world.

The blaze had destroyed 16 homes and charred about 82 square miles of forest since it was started by lightning on June 21 in the Los Padres National Forest. It was only about 3 percent contained.

/quote

Some military (National Guard) troops have been deployed to help with fire fighting, but the numbers and equipment listings look pretty puny given the very large numbers of fires currently burning.

Los Angeles was talking 117F (47.2C) temperatures today, and no rain in sight. Hospitals are reporting very large numbers of people who just can't breathe with the soot from the fires mixed into the usual smog - even at some distance from any of the burn areas.

John

Subject: RE: BS: lightning fire complex innundates state
From: pdq
Date: 02 Jul 08 - 10:20 PM

"Some military (National Guard) troops have been deployed to help with fire fighting, but the numbers and equipment listings look pretty puny..."

The explaination is real simple. The National Guard ain't trained firefighters.

Subject: RE: BS: lightning fire complex innundates state
From: Little Hawk
Date: 02 Jul 08 - 10:27 PM

This seems to happen again and again in California. I'm beginning to get the feeling that it must be a pretty insecure place to live in. You would want to be darned careful where you chose to build.

Subject: RE: BS: lightning fire complex innundates state
From: JohnInKansas
Date: 02 Jul 08 - 10:32 PM

pdq -

The list of resources in one of the MSNBC articles gave numbers of firefighters (including the couple of hundred NG troops, and larger numbers of professionals from several states), fire trucks, airplanes, helicopters, bulldozers, trenchers and backhoes, etc.; so I wasn't referring just to the added Guard resources.

It still looks like not much to toss up against Maw Nature in this situation.

John

Subject: RE: BS: lightning fire complex innundates state
From: GUEST,heric
Date: 02 Jul 08 - 10:37 PM

The fire risk areas are the most seductive. Other people want fault zones to be near work or relatives. Riot prone areas tend to be economical. Mudslides areas - people just tend to have a mental lapse when locating there - hard to keep in mind.

Subject: RE: BS: lightning fire complex innundates state
From: Riginslinger
Date: 02 Jul 08 - 10:40 PM

One really frustrating development, just a few miles north in Southern Oregon, we were literally drenched with gully washing rain two days ago. As I understand it, not one drop fell south of the Siskiyous.

Subject: RE: BS: lightning fire complex innundates state
From: Alice
Date: 02 Jul 08 - 10:43 PM

Laurel, did you get evacuated again? Saw news of new evacuations today.

Subject: RE: BS: lightning fire complex innundates state
From: pdq
Date: 02 Jul 08 - 10:47 PM

You do not send National Guardsmen into harm's way during a serious fire unless they have the special training required. The small number you hear about is a reasonable percent of the ones trained. Probably half or so. Can you once give the pros the benefit of the doubt?

Next time there is a fedaral budget debate, perhaps some folk here can write Pelosi and Reid, who want all money spent on social programs, and tell them to step it up on Homeland Security, Department of Interior, and National Guard. We lost three fine men here, near the Nevada border, a few years years back becuase their tanker, made in the Korean War, split in half heading to a fire.

Subject: RE: BS: lightning fire complex innundates state
From: katlaughing
Date: 02 Jul 08 - 11:16 PM

Anyway, regardless, people and pets, as well as wildlife need our good thoughts, prayers, what have you. I am sure they don't give a good goddamn just where the help comes from as long as it comes.

Power is out in Santa Barbara and a fire is within sight of the city.

May the Great Spirit bring rain and calm air to assist all two-leggeds and four-leggeds, as well as winged and water-dwellers and may danger cease.

Subject: RE: BS: lightning fire complex innundates state
From: Joe Offer
Date: 03 Jul 08 - 12:24 AM

I was in Europe for two weeks, until Monday. I heard there were fires here in Placer County, but didn't know the location. I came home to a house shrouded in smoke, but the fires are about twenty miles away.
Sure is hard to breathe around here, though.

-Joe-

Subject: RE: BS: lightning fire complex innundates state
From: open mike
Date: 03 Jul 08 - 02:19 AM

i am a fire fighter, and i was on our water tender when it was dispatched to a fire near here. the fire crossed over the fire lines and was heading to my house.

Subject: RE: BS: lightning fire complex innundates state
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 03 Jul 08 - 09:21 AM

again, thanks for the updates on the situation.

We're in drought over much of the country & are heading for a drier winter, so are likely to have lots of fires again later this year.

Australia the land of droughts & flooding rains

sandra

Subject: RE: BS: lightning fire complex innundates state
From: Jeri
Date: 03 Jul 08 - 09:38 AM

Laurel, just please stay safe. I hope the fire didn't want your house. Please let us know how you are when you can.

Subject: RE: BS: lightning fire complex innundates state
From: catspaw49
Date: 03 Jul 08 - 09:46 AM

Ya' know Laurel, if I could send you a bucket of water I would but all I have are good thoughts and I'm sending them instead.......Kinda' pathetic........Be safe.

Spaw

Subject: RE: BS: lightning fire complex innundates state
From: Jeri
Date: 05 Jul 08 - 04:04 PM

I'm watching the coverage on TV. We haven't heard from Open Mike in a couple days, and I hope she's OK. She's probably working her butt off wherever she is.

Subject: RE: BS:lightning fire complex inundates state of Calif
From: katlaughing
Date: 05 Jul 08 - 04:30 PM

Last night my friend in Santa Barbara said it was the now the top priority for all of California and the smoke caused another power outage.

Subject: RE: BS:lightning fire complex inundates state of C
From: Amos
Date: 05 Jul 08 - 04:56 PM

Joe, Laurel, and any one else within 500 miles of San Jose, keep alert, and stay safe. We're rooting for you. Down here in San Diego we know what it is like, and we've sent what we can to help out with the fire-fighting.


A

Subject: RE: BS:lightning fire complex inundates state of C
From: Alice
Date: 05 Jul 08 - 05:14 PM

Even here in Montana, we have hazy skies from the California fire smoke.

Subject: RE: BS:lightning fire complex inundates state of C
From: open mike
Date: 05 Jul 08 - 06:19 PM

our former chief, john hawkins was head commander of the san diego fires during th4e cedar fire, and he transferred down there after that. we have fire fighters now from L.A., oakland, ventura (yellow engines) hollywood, and other areas here helping us.

there is a cool google earth map thatyou can find that shows the fires superimposed on google earth maps.

we saw sun, stars and sky for a couple of days when the wind was just right...probably blowing the smoke towards montana.

now it is eery dark,,,the sun looks amber/orange and shadows are brown.

there is not ash in the air as it has been previously. strange to see it look like snow. some ashes are skeletons of leaves.

Subject: RE: BS:lightning fire complex inundates state of Calif
From: Bee
Date: 05 Jul 08 - 07:25 PM

Keep safe, and I'll hope for rain aplenty.

Smoke from great fires block sunlight. We'd like global warming to slow, but not at the price of burning down half the forests along with peoples' homes!

Subject: RE: BS:lightning fire complex inundates state of Calif
From: Joe Offer
Date: 05 Jul 08 - 10:12 PM

Well, Bee -
It's not likely California will get rain until October.
-Joe, still in the smoke in Colfax, California-

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.