The Butte Fire in Amador-Calaveras counties is the topic on everyone's mind here in the foothills. This monster has grown to over 31,000 acres in what seems like the blink of an eye and containment has dropped to 10%. Falling ash has sprinkled my deck. This photo was taken at 11:00 yesterday. By the time I left for town about 2, the sun was completely obliterated by thick black smoke from horizon to horizon. It was eerie on the drive back home to see cars with headlights on at 4:30 in the afternoon, it was that dark.
This is what the sky looked like most of the day. The taste of smoke is constant, eyes water, and breathing is difficult even at this distance. Record heat in the 100s sure doesn't help. Conditions for the true heroes, the firefighters on the line, are unimaginable. It must be like standing at the gates of hell. Mandatory evacuations are in effect for many and there is a scramble to get livestock and pets away. The fire is non-directional so there is no one point of attack.
This is a more "artistic" shot, but doesn't give the same scope as the photo above. I was able to talk with Tinka last evening and was reassured that she is in no imminent danger. Cam came by and we discussed evacuation strategies. Let's face it, no one is safe in fire season.
I can't say it was a good day and will settle for "so far, so good."
1 comment:
I guess "so far so good" is as good as it gets for now. Thoughts and prayers for all.
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