Friday, August 10, 2018

The fire

Click on graphic. The Reb's place and my place are indicated by the green dots at left.
The fire has spread eastward and northward. From our perspective, it is "behind"
Santiago Pk. and the north end of Trabuco Canyon (i.e.. Holy Jim Canyon).
The fire can seem quite menacing, especially at night, but that is owing to various
illusions mostly. For instance, last night, Santiago Peak was weirdly aglow, and yet,
according to the map, the fire was well behind and below the peak. We've been dealing
with such illusions since Monday.
At night, it's best not to look at Mr. Fire.
He looks like the Hellmouth.
Hellmouth, OC.
Updated map: the fire is spreading quickly
The wind continues to blow about 10 mph to the east/northeast, which is bad for
Corona/Elsinore but good for us in OC
As you can see, despite the wind, the fire has crept up the slope toward the top of
Santiago Peak, but, at the top, the winds will be favorable for containment.
I think.
Hope so.
Most recent map (see secondary red area)
Here is the latest update from the US Forest Service:

Holy Fire Evening Update
August 10, 2018, 1800

Trabuco Canyon, CA (August 10, 2018) – The fire remained active today and is currently estimated at 19,107 acres and containment increased to 10%. The combination of air resources, dozers and fire crews made great progress along the fire edge to control the fire spread and provide structure protection. Containment lines have been strengthened on the northwest side of the fire in Coldwater Canyon, north of the North Main Divide Road. Air resources continue to drop fire retardant around structures to create a fire break while firefighters work to strengthen lines east and southeast of the fire. A dozer line has been constructed around El Cariso Village to keep fire from entering the community.

Steep terrain, dry fuels, and inaccessible areas continue to be a factor in fire spread. Expected high temperatures, low humidity and easterly monsoonal moisture aloft will continue through tomorrow and gradually decrease through the weekend. This weather pattern could result in critical fire behavior and large column development. Air quality in the surrounding areas may be impacted.

Suppression efforts remain focused on community defense, and limiting the spread south towards Hwy 74. Firefighting efforts will continue overnight with 2 night flying helicopters and multiple ground crews. Currently, a total of 5 firefighting personnel have been confirmed injured.

A damage assessment team began assessments this afternoon. The number of structures burned remains at 12. More than 20,000 people have been placed under mandatory evacuations with others under evacuation warning. Residents are asked to evacuate as early as possible so as not to hinder firefighting operations. 


Roy's obituary in LA Times and Register: "we were lucky to have you while we did"

  This ran in the Sunday December 24, 2023 edition of the Los Angeles Times and the Orange County Register : July 14, 1955 - November 20, 2...