Early start to California fire season

[evangilder]

We've had the worst conditions for a fire the last couple of days. 90+ degree temperatures, 40 MPH sustained winds and single digit humidity. As I was on my way to work yesterday morning, I heard about a "small brush fire in Camarillo" that was about 10 acres. By the time I got to work, it was 100 acres, then 2000, 6500 and growing.

The high winds grounded the fixed wing fire fighting efforts but the helo guys brought their A game. As of this morning, the fire is only 10% contained and going into the Point Mugu State Park area, which hasn't burned in a long time, and we have a serious drought condition. There is plenty to burn there. But fortunately, there are no homes in that area and it is burning toward the ocean, which will stop it if they can keep it within the firelines. That's a daunting challenge since the conditions for today are likely to be as bad, or worse than yesterday.

The link below shows the map of the burn area. You can see Moorpark in the map area north and east of the burn area, where I am. I can see the smoke cloud from here, that gives you an idea of how much smoke there is (about 10 miles away, with mountains between). Camarillo Airport is near the label "Freedom Park". I am sure they are getting plenty of smoke there, but the airport is safe, and open for now. Photos are from various news agencies around the web.

https://maps.google.com/maps/ms?hl=...52408&spn=0.241583,0.384521&z=11&source=embed

 

[evangilder]

There is also a fire burning near Banning that is better contained that broke out the day before the Camarillo fire started. Having only had 1/3 of the rain we normally get during the winter, this could be a smoky summer.

 

[michaelmaltby]

Great shots ..... frightening reality. My thoughts are with you. Canadians are no strangers to massive wild fires ... but not in the heavily populated areas.

MM

 

[Readie]

I wish you all a safe summer.
Those fires look truly frightening

Cheers
John

 

[vikingBerserker]

That never ceases to amaze me.

 

[syscom3]

Unfortunately, decades of aggressive fire control has disrupted the natural cycle of frequent small and manageable fires. Now they are all big and dangerous fires.

 

[Gnomey]

Yeah, it certainly seems that way syscom. Stay safe over there guys.

Impressive pics though!

 

[GrauGeist]

We have two fires up here too, Eric

Similiar weather conditions in Tehama and Shasta counties are helping these fires grow. The "Panther Fire" (Tehama county, just to the south) is really growing fast and the "Wildcat fire" ( just to the east of town here) are the early heralds of a long fire season

 

[Shortround6]

Stay safe.

 

[Wayne Little]

Amazing stuff...

 

[evangilder]

I think California is in for a bad fire season. NASA posted this pic of the burn scar area in Camarillo.

 

[syscom3]

From the ashes comes rebirth. Fire plays a key role in renewing the plants and tree's.