Fire!

[John]

We didn't take very many photos of the fire but this one shows how it is close to NF. This is from Rd 200 coming into town..

[susan]

So stressful how out of control the fire still must be. Our thoughts are with the fire fight and fighters and all those who have had to evacuate. Sounds like very rough conditions.

We were so down on Saturday as we went from commenting how much we love the forest and views which always seem so pristine there in the grayhood, to wondering what all the helicopter activity was about this time, only to suddenly know because we could smell the smoke before seeing it. Soon smoke filled the surroundings, and it was hard to tell where it originated... We must have guessed first from the east, then south and north before seeing the plume due west turning the sun and everything red.

I worried it must be close because of all the ash falling, but John encouraged that ash fallout could come from very far away. Well, it didn't seem far though. And as the crow flies, what is only 10 miles or so? There's a half an hour drive along Minarets of burned watershed from the French fire. Anyway, I know there are heroic efforts going on right now... and all I am doing is sitting here again helplessly hoping for the best.

[susan]

Inciweb states, "the Willow Fire is located on the northern edge of the  2001 footprint of the North Fork Fire. As the fire moves into this previously burned area, resistance to control increases due to heavy brush and dead woody materials."

Shouldn't there be a plan to reduce this sort of flammable debris? Has not been one there in 14 years.

The 20 or so miles on Minarets Road of waste left from the French Fire and on-going timber harvest is 13,837 acres of burn.

[John]

Holy craps it was arson!! Little shit.
http://sierranewsonline.com/willow-fire-human-caused-juvenile-identified/

[NateD]

A spot fire has started from this Willow Fire just a few hours ago, further north closer to Central Camp. We can see it clearly from my inlaws place across Bass Lake, where I've been visiting for the past 4 days. I think they are just now getting planes on it, but it looks very strong and formidable. Don't know if they will name this fire something else or just an extension of the Willow Fire. It is so incredibly hot, and breezy today, so conditions are terrible. 

[susan]

Thinking of you all out there Nate. Hoping to hear better news of containment imminently.

All this by another child arsonist. Wonder what the real story is with this, and all the other recent years' rash of area fires. We heard one teen was already paroled after serving only a year. Ought to be way more severe consequences widely known. 

[NateD]

Thanks Susu. Looks like the Willow Fire has been mostly contained and under control, without any bldgs/neighborhoods affected, despite the evacuations. Good work firefighters!

Here is a pic just 5 hours or so after it started, from across Bass Lake. Lucas said, "Dad, it looks like a volcano!"

[YETI]

YOWZA

[John]

Nice shot Nate! Glad your all OK.


I'm not sure what to think about these guys...

[mungeclimber]

Looks like Central Camp road reopened.

[John]

I just looked at the perimeter of the Rough Fire and it appears to have reached the Obelisk. Sad.

http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/4456/

[susan]

Omg that's huge

[mungeclimber]

That is probably smoking out Hoffman, Wishon, Courtright.  The whole state is loaded with smoke. ugh

[susan]

Yeah huh. Fires throughout the west meanwhile "the Blob" off the west coast grows.

[mungeclimber]

meanwhile "the Blob" off the west coast grows.

I don't know why you gotta call me names.