Once upon a time California’s “Fire Season” usually lasted from August through December (with the highest incident of fires in September and October). These months coincide with the onset of the Santa Ana winds. That was in the past, however; nowadays “Fire Season” seems to last year round.
Yesterday (May 5), a fire began to burn on the hills above Santa Barbara. Today, the wind-driven fire continues to burn with no immediate end in sight. The “Sundowner” winds are pushing the flames making life miserable for the firefighters who are battling the fires.
As of this writing, over 8000 homes are threatened by the fire and their residents have been ordered to leave. Injuries, so far, include firemen and civilians. I will update this portion of the post as more information becomes available.
UPDATE: As of 10:30 p.m. SLT, more than 20 homes have been destroyed, 8000 evacuated and three firemen, all from Ventura County, are being treated for serious injuries. They are expected to recover, however.
A few weeks ago we worried about news of the spreading swine flu, last Friday night a mild earthquake hit the area, and now we have fires – what's next? Flights of locust? Frogs falling from the sky?
In spite of plagues, fires and earthquakes, life is good in California. We are, after all, the “Golden State.”
At Between Homes our thoughts and prayers (for those of us inclined to pray) are with the brave firefighters risking life and personal safety to fight these destructive fires. Our thoughts and prayers are also with all the fire victims.
The photos below were taken from the L.A. Times and Ventura County Star websites, respectively. The Times and the Star own the copyright to these photographs. All rights are fully reserved.
(Click on individual image for a full view.)
A view of the fire spreading over the hills.
A beachgoer taking a dog for a walk on the beach - the fires burn on the hills above.
A dangerous night drop from a helicopter.
Air tanker making a drop over the hills.
Another view of an air drop. Because of the steep terrain and gusting winds, these drops are very dangerous to the pilots who fly the air tankers.
A firefighting chopper - thick smoke makes these operations dangerous.
Even animals need rescuing - goats being rescued.
Evacuated horses are safely boarded up at the local Fair Grounds.
Fires and palm trees - a typical Southern California combination.
Here is a link to community resources available to those affected by the JESUSITA FIRE (Santa Barbara).
COMMUNITY RESOURCES
