Firestorm

[olroy2044]

We were hiking in Bille Park in Paradise Ca when we received a cell phone call from my wife who told us that she had seen a small fire being fought by the Fire Department near the northeastern side of Chico near Hwy 32. She told us that it looked like they had it pretty well controlled. About 5 minutes later, she called us again, and said, "Oh no, they don't!" Less than 30 minutes later, this is what we saw coming over the top of Doe Mill ridge a good mile from where Mo had first seen it.

XR Rikenon




My apologies for the poor technical quality of the next pictures. Conditions went to ***t in a hurry-extremely high winds, and long, relatively slow lenses don't mix well, and of course, no tripod! 85-205 Viv/Kiron with 2X






The bombers were working about 5 miles from us. We scampered off the ridge just ahead of the road being closed.
These pictures were shot on Wednesday, 6/12/08 at about 1:30 PM. By 6 PM, the fire had traveled about 4 miles and was running wild ahead of strong winds. At its height, it had burned over 30 square miles, 76 homes, and 1 fatality. It was being fought by almost 4000 firefighters, 70+ dozers, and equipment from all over Nevada and California. 9,000 + plus people were driven from their homes into shelters, motels and parking lots in Chico and Oroville. The wind died yesterday, and they got it stopped. This area owes a tremendous debt of gratitude to the firefighters from all over. More pix later, after I get more film processed. Roy

[mickeyobe]

Roy,

Those terrible fires seem to be a constantly recurring tragedy in California.
I hope that somehow a means will be found to stop the aweful carnage.
Stay safe.

Mickey

[olroy2044]

Thanks Mickey! We're OK for now here in the valley, other than the terrible smokey conditions. Hospitals are donating masks to folks who have to work outside, due to the extremely unhealthy air. Take a look at the thread California on Fire for an update. Thanks again, Roy