California is on fire again.

[Randi]

One report from FOX NEWS said that the Firemen were too busy trying to get people to evacuate to get to the fires.

And I just read somewhere that these people who won't be evacuated, are slowing the firefighters down a lot. Isn't that sad!!

STAY SAFE!!

[phesina]

Praying for all of you in the path of these awful fires...

[BC_MoM]

How scary.

Craig, I hope you're alright.

All that smoke (nevermind the fire) must be so horrible for your health and the environments!

I hope everyone that needs to get out safe.

[AdoreMyDogs]

Prayers on the way to all the people effected by these terrible fires. What scary shots those were of the neighborhood. So scary

[RICHARD]

P2 neptune water dropping plane.




The sky crane.

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Other news?

My niece and her brood are OK.

One sis is still 50/50. The other is was out of town so we haven't heard from her still.


My niece told my mom that people who have prepacked their cars last night woke up to find them burglarized. Computers and high end items were taken.
Her hubby told her not put stuff by the door but not to pack....sage advice.

The wind has started to pick up here in the valley which means nothing.
to other areas.


The news reported that it's estimated that 250,000 people will be evacuated when all is said and told....


----------------------

[DrKym]

Stay safe all of you!

RICHARD that is so awful! Burglurizing cars when this is all going on! Im glad your sister didn't take a chance!

[lizbud]

After reading all this I've decided I'd rather take my chances with the
occasional tornados we have here for those raging fires everywhere.

With the winds you are getting, fighting the fire has to wait till they calm
down. That would be so scary. Please take care everybody.

[i love my piggy]

I live in southern CA. yesterday (sunday) the smoke was terrible. The fire is nowere close to the house but the air quality is terrible. today is much better

[RICHARD]

The fires are mostly in the hills and areas that butt up against it-there really sisn't a problem it you live on the flat lands!

Most of the firefighting is done with the winds blowing.

Those guys are studs.


------------

A few years ago a fireman was poking thru the remains of a fire when he looked at an item that wasn't burned...he picked it up and found out that it was a DIAPER!

He investigated what was in the diaper that kept it fireproof.
The innards of the diaper-the padding- absorb water.
The fireman then brainstormed a system that a homeowner could use in a fire.

Apparently there is a $300.00 system that can be bought to use in case of a wildfire.

Some of the homes where these fires are burning are 800,000 to one million dollars....I can't believe that no one would invest a few dollars in a system that could help.

----------------------------

The National Guard are sending troops and helicopters to help.
Nevada, Oregon and Arizona have been asked to help out.

[KYS]

My Aunt told me one of her co-workers apartment was robbed by another neighbor.
She and her husband came home unexpectedly to get some of their belongings because of the evacuation in Santa Clarita.
During evacuations you have to also worry about crime, but from
your own neighbor???

[RICHARD]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:C-130_Hercules.jpg

Air Force C130 water dropping planes.

http://www.metacafe.com/watch/340241...e_crash_video/

Crash of a C-130 fighting a fire in Northern California.

The reason why these guys are more than worth their weight in salt.


A specially equipped DC-10 is dropping fire retardant on the Big Bear Lake fire.

--------------


Yep, there are scumbags who do take advanatge of the situation.

That makes it really tough to protect your belongings and your ownself....
The cops are busy trying to keep the evacuees safe and roads open.

[Pam]

Gosh Richard and all of you California PTers, stay safe! I have been watching the coverage and it is incredible. The pictures posted here are amazing. I hope the winds begin to die down soon so that some progress may be made in fighting the fires.

[cmayer31]

What a day. I'm back at the house, but were on notice that we might get evacuated again. After the huge Cedar fires a few years ago the county put in a reverse 911 system where 911 actually calls land lines in the house to alert of evacuations. It's quite smoky, but can't see the fire right now. The sheer number of houses that have burned down is disgusting.

I wish we had any kind of fixed wing air support, but they won't let any fixed wing aircraft fly due to the extreme wind conditions. We've only had a hand full of helicopter dropping water; no foam, no planes, no help from the military yet. The stupid thing is that it is all available and our system is so broke that the bureaucratic jerks won't even let the pilots try. Every single one of them wants to get in the air, but command won't let them. The military has support coming in and that will include fixed wings, but they won't arrive until early afternoon tomorrow.

I doubt there will be much sleep tonight, but hopefully morning will bring better news.

[Karen]

So glad to hear you are safe, I hope it stays that way, and the fire is brought under control somehow. You will still be in our prayers - you, the dogs, birds and all your neighbors as well. Do they tell you things like putting a damp clothe over your mouth to breathe through to help keep some of the smoke from your lungs?

[cmayer31]

So glad to hear you are safe, I hope it stays that way, and the fire is brought under control somehow. You will still be in our prayers - you, the dogs, birds and all your neighbors as well. Do they tell you things like putting a damp clothe over your mouth to breathe through to help keep some of the smoke from your lungs?

Thanks so much for the good thoughts Karen and everyone else. We had respirators earlier but they turned black and are no good. I've had a bandanna on hand and will remember to wet it with water the next time I go out. The birds are in a safe house, away from the bulk of the fire, but the dogs are still with me. We have power, so have the A/C cranking to try and filter the air a bit. According to most recent maps we're on evacuation again, so we might be visiting the birds again tonight.

I hope everyone else in CA is doing all right. I've heard about some of the burns in Los Angeles and Orange, and they sound nightmarish as well. I hope everyone is safe and well.