Woolsey Fire

[Muddslide]

This is terrible, tragic news.

Chin up, California. We love you!

[hairpuller]

Originally Posted by Jeff Scott

California used to do controlled burns to prevent, or at least, minimize, these things from getting out of control. Why did they stop doing so? I don't want to hear the obvious: MONEY. I am surprised the insurance industry has not stepped in to ensure this type of thing doesn't occur. They certainly have the MONEY.

From what I understand it’s policy to not cut back or control burn now. Ironic thing is native Americans had the good sense to burn dead and potentially dangerous trees
scott

[buddyhu]

Originally Posted by hairpuller

From what I understand it’s policy to not cut back or control burn now. Ironic thing is native Americans had the good sense to burn dead and potentially dangerous trees
scott

Not true. Controlled burns have been used in recent years, and in the past three years or so, the amount of acreage that has been scheduled for controlled burns has been increased dramatically.

It is true that controlled burns were used less frequently for a number of years, sometimes out of concern for air quality, sometimes because of postponements and cancellations because of unfavorable weather conditions, sometimes because a lack of trained staff to supervise the burns,,sometimes because of intergovernmental squabbles, etc, etc.

And, throughout the USA, there are MANY more people living in urban-wildlands interface areas...which changes the dynamics of forest management, and of wildfire fighting.

As is often the case, this is a complex situation that should not be subjected to simplistic analysis, nor should there be a hasty and one dimensional assessment of blame.

[Jeff Scott]

All I know is that they were actively doing controlled burns in the '80s when I lived in So Cal. I'd watch them do it up in the San Gabriels when we'd go hiking up there.

[Dirk Hofman]

Terrible accounts of the destruction and fear the residents must have felt here: https://www.kptv.com/dead-in-cars-an...4da437997.html

What an incredible tragedy.

[ifret]

Devastating....the best word I can think of. The firefighters are true American hero's. Hoping they get these contained as quickly as humanly possible. Sending prayers, California!

[Dirk Hofman]

My wife went to Chico State University, which is just down the road from Paradise. She's heading up there to deliver a bunch of goods to the people and animals who have been displaced.

My work matches any donations, which is awesome. There are good corporate citizens out there!

[Dirk Hofman]

Air quality in the bay area is still horrible. Colleges are closing today it's so bad. Typically for this time of year there is little wind and most of it offshore. First time in my life I've been hoping for onshore winds...

Supposed to last at least through Sunday. Getting really old.

[Joseph Hanna]

The first series of really accurate photo’s are now filtering in. As of last night Malibu is still closed so I’d guess the pictures are coming from emergency utility crews and the like. The destruction is simply unfathomable.

[muscmp]

still terribly windy here in ventura county. hope they are able to contain it by sunday as they claim.

play music!

[Pura Vida]

Originally Posted by Dirk Hofman

Air quality in the bay area is still horrible. Colleges are closing today it's so bad. Typically for this time of year there is little wind and most of it offshore. First time in my life I've been hoping for onshore winds...

Supposed to last at least through Sunday. Getting really old.

The air quality was 404 here in Elk Grove. As you mention, the winds are light and not coming onshore, so the smoke is just filling the valley. I was feeling pretty sick the last two days (difficulty breathing, clawing my eyeballs out).

They did not cancel school, and the district caught a lot of feedback for that decision. But they did cancel PE and any other outdoor activities. Lunches are being held inside, as they do on rain days.

That being said, the poor air quality is nothing compared to what so many others are going through. Hope they get these fires contained soon. Possible rain next week.

[Joseph Hanna]

Originally Posted by Pura Vida

The air quality was 404 here in Elk Grove. As you mention, the winds are light and not coming onshore, so the smoke is just filling the valley. I was feeling pretty sick the last two days (difficulty breathing, clawing my eyeballs out).

They did not cancel school, and the district caught a lot of feedback for that decision. But they did cancel PE and any other outdoor activities. Lunches are being held inside, as they do on rain days.

That being said, the poor air quality is nothing compared to what so many others are going through. Hope they get these fires contained soon. Possible rain next week.

I had to drive down to Newport Beach early Saturday morning. On the way back I got near the airport and the smoke was overwhelming. Then suddenly I was having trouble getting air into my lungs and I panicked beyond panic. I just couldn’t get any air. I tried to self calm myself but nothing was getting in my lungs. I pulled over and put my nose direct into the A/C and it subsided but not before I was physically shaking. It took hours until I settled down.

Horrible event...

[Pura Vida]

Oh, my... I'm sorry to hear that. I was out at lunchtime, and I was having some breathing issues, while driving... that's really scary! Glad you're ok now.

[Dirk Hofman]

Originally Posted by Pura Vida

The air quality was 404 here in Elk Grove. As you mention, the winds are light and not coming onshore, so the smoke is just filling the valley. I was feeling pretty sick the last two days (difficulty breathing, clawing my eyeballs out).

They did not cancel school, and the district caught a lot of feedback for that decision. But they did cancel PE and any other outdoor activities. Lunches are being held inside, as they do on rain days.

That being said, the poor air quality is nothing compared to what so many others are going through. Hope they get these fires contained soon. Possible rain next week.

That is for sure, can't imagine what some folks are dealing with.

[ManyMartinMan]

Originally Posted by buddyhu

..As is often the case, this is a complex situation that should not be subjected to simplistic analysis, nor should there be a hasty and one dimensional assessment of blame.

Too true. Even with some controlled burning the way property is spread out, and crammed in, in different areas makes real controlled burns very hard to do. Then, when fires do occur, sundowners and Santa Annas kick up the fires and spread them faster than anything, or anyone, can control. The Painted Cave fire missed my house by about 200 yards when I was still living in Santa Barbara back in 1990. That fire was horrible taking over 400 homes and one life and doesn't remotely compare to the Camp or Woolsey fires.