Fire on the Mountain

Around lunchtime today, a fire broke out on the mountain above our home. Since I work so close to where I live, I saw its towering flames at its start, saw it spread across the face of the mountain as the day progressed, and now I watch the wind kick up from my porch and I say a silent prayer.

We're OK. We aren't in any danger, nor will we be.

But our mountain is on fire. 60 homes have been evacuated, 200 are in danger. We are grateful that so far no one has been hurt and there has been no structural damage. May that continue.

 _{Photo Paul Milbury}

 _{Photo Tung Nguyen}

  _{Photo Paul Milbury}

This house is about 2 miles from where I live:

 _{Photo Javier Parra}

Nicole and I hiked just south of here this past Saturday. It was so dry in those foothills that we had to wash our legs and feet off with a hose before coming into the house. It hasn't rained much here all summer. And I was thinking absolutely anything, just the slightest touch of a spark and this would all go up in a flash.

And that is what it is doing.

It's dark now. Fiercely glowing fires dot the mountainside and can be seen much easier than they could in the light of day. In the light of day we could see the fire's destruction through the smoky air, the charred hillsides wastelands in the fire's aftermath. But now we see the bright orange flames lighting, rising, and growing  as the wind catches them and feeds them. Not sure which I prefer: seeing the scorched hills through the smoky atmosphere, casting a surreal glow as the sun sets on the valley below or being aware of the bright, hot fire as it shines through the night, flaming up in towers of light in a frightening blaze of conflagratory power.

 _{Photo Nam Nguyen}

That's easy. The answer is none of the above.

Comments

[Joanne Basile]

So sad, but glad to know that you're safe. Be well.

[becky olsen]

yikes.
It was interesting seeing the light filtered through those clouds of smoke and ashes at our house, and worrying about those homes that were in danger of being consumed.
We need some rain to fall.
B-

[Sherry Wright]

How scary, hope things are under control soon. ((hugs)) btw, I hope it's ok I added you to my links. If not just lmk and I'll take it down. Have a great weekend! :0)