49 replies to this topic

[4thgenFolsomite]

This fire is unreal! It grew 119 % yesterday. I bet it ends up close to 100k acres. Some of the most beautiful areas in the Sierra are burned or threatened already. The visuals even from Folsom are staggering. The loss of wildlife and habitat horrific. And hydroelectric facilities and transmission lines in the way as well. Over 3000 fire fighters up there.

On a local level, If the wind direction changes as predicted, we could get heavy smoke tomorrow and Saturday.

Update...as of 5 am, the fire has already grown to 70k acres, that means nearly 50k overnight! It's all the way to hell hole reservoir! This thing is a monster.

[bordercolliefan]

It is a monster.  What is extraordinary is that with a fire of this size and explosive growth, not a single home has been lost.  That is a tribute to good strategizing by the fire personnel, I think. 

 

I saw a man from Folsom heading off to fight the fire yesterday evening.  I didn't get a chance to talk to him, but if I had, I would have told him that we recognize and appreciate the hard, hard job they do and the courage needed to do it.  That is a job I can't even imagine doing.

[Howdy]

It just crossed over to Tahoe National Forest at Chipmunk Ridge. Its on course for Tahoe City and Truckee right now. Reports of 1-3" pieces of charcoal falling from the sky at Soda Springs. Spot fires are 3 miles in front of the main fire right now. This cold weather system that came in sure helped to push the fire.   

[bordercolliefan]

I thought the change in weather would help firefighting efforts? 

 

I thought firefighters were always glad for higher humidity...

[bordercolliefan]

They are planning to announce the cause of the fire shortly... an arrest has been made.  So.... arson??

[4thgenFolsomite]

Yup, they have arrested Wayne Allen Huntsman on arson, being held in Pville on $10M bail.  They must be pretty sure its him.

 

I am hoping this fire is going to cool down.  Its already into the old Star fire burn and approaching the American fire from last year.  its going to be getting lighter fuel loads.  There is no way its going to hit hwy. 80. 

 

The rumors floating are as follows:  he was being evicted or kicked out of a house and set a tree on fire in retaliation.

[Sandman]

The main reason homes haven't been destroyed is there simply aren't many if any living in this remote area.

I thought the change in weather would help firefighting efforts? 

 

I thought firefighters were always glad for higher humidity...

Yes but the increase in wind and changing direction does not help.  Its a double edged sword...

[Deb aka Resume Lady]

 

The rumors floating are as follows:  he was being evicted or kicked out of a house and set a tree on fire in retaliation.

 

Now he has a home, hopefully for a very long time.

[chris v]

The El Dorado National Forest is where I grew up. I have spent countless days deep in the woods throughout my life since I was a child. I can honestly say I've been places there that are so remote most don't even know they exist. It was my playground. And now it's gone. I am devastated.

[supermom]

Well, at least something good came out of it. 

 

No more bickering between the Bureau of land management, US Dept of Forestry, tree millers, and local environmental nutters.....

 

The forest is now thinned. 

[Steve Heard]

The El Dorado National Forest is where I grew up. I have spent countless days deep in the woods throughout my life since I was a child. I can honestly say I've been places there that are so remote most don't even know they exist. It was my playground. And now it's gone. I am devastated.

 

Wow, that gives us a different perspective. So, sorry.

[cw68]

The El Dorado National Forest is where I grew up. I have spent countless days deep in the woods throughout my life since I was a child. I can honestly say I've been places there that are so remote most don't even know they exist. It was my playground. And now it's gone. I am devastated.

 

Chris, that just sucks. I've been so sad all day and my attachment is nothing compared to yours. I can't begin to comprehend how you must feel. I'm so sorry for your loss.

 

I am so angry that this is happening!

[AMETHYST PRODUCTIVITY]

http://www.nytimes.c...WT.nav=top-news

[sunnyCA]

What a shame. So much beautiful land burned, so many homes at risk, so many firefighters in harm's way.  My heart is heavy...

[4thgenFolsomite]

so much habitat gone.  the area that is burning is some of the best/last stands of wilderness that creates the habitat for the wildlife we love that makes the Sierra magical.  As much as people complain about bears, etc., I think everyone loves that they are still present.  This just cut a huge swatch out of their neighborhood.  Hopefully it comes back in time to give them the space they need to be healthy communities again.  This has also crossed numerous watersheds.  South Fork and Middle Forks of the American, Rubicon River, etc.  There are going to be other impacts to fish habitat as rains come.  this is going to have some long last effects, but it will come back.