Source: Massive fires in Napa and Sonoma burn hundreds of homes and businesses, force evacuations, close hospitals - SFGate.com Several massive wildfires burned out of control in Napa and Sonoma counties early Monday, destroying an untold number of homes and businesses, forcing the evacuation of thousands of people and shutting down major roadways as firefighters sought to halt the advance of infernos that were driven by powerful winds. There was no immediate estimate of the damage or the extent of injuries — nor an explanation for the sheer number of fires — but structures were burning in both counties, according to authorities and witnesses. One blaze in and around northern Santa Rosa had burned at least 20,000 acres by 6 a.m. . . . Not too long ago, @austingreen posted about poor California air quality and at the time, Oregon smoke was the immediate source. But reflecting on West Coast fires, they have had a bunch. There was a drought that rains caught up last year. With the rains, ground cover grows that in a normal California summer dries out to be a burn risk in the Fall. It is a familiar pattern, In the past I didn't pay much attention to California fires beyond remembering when it was common in Oklahoma to 'burn off the fields.' We had some pretty horrible, mass accidents when people drove into the smoke and even the last time I was on Turner Turnpike, they still had signs to not drive into the smoke. Interesting read: https://www.arb.ca.gov/carpa/toolkit/data-to-mes/wildfire-smoke-guide.pdf Smoke rolls into town, blanketing the city, turning on streetlights, creating an eerie and choking fog. Switchboards light up as people look for answers. Citizens want to know what they should do to protect themselves. School officials want to know if outdoor events should be cancelled. The news media want to know how dangerous the smoke really is. Smoke events often catch us off guard. This guide is intended to provide local public health officials with information they need when wildfire smoke is present so they can adequately communicate health risks,and precautions to the public. This guide is the product of a collaborative effort by scientists, air quality specialists and public health professionals from federal, state, and local agencies. So this begs the question of how to quantify wildfire effects, short and intense, versus the long term trends from CARB regulations. Bob Wilson
"The Fountaingrove Inn burned, as did the Hilton Sonoma Wine Country, a Kmart, a McDonald’s, an Arby’s and an Applebee’s." Wow. I used to stay at the Fountaingrove Inn when visiting Santa Rosa for business.
They are beginning to evacuate the west side of the Fairfield / Green Valley Highlands. When driving toward the area this evening on the way home from the south, you can see the orange glow in the sky. This is the Atlas Fire which has burned a total of 25,000 acres so far with little containment. Currently 10 miles away from our house. Hoping they get a handle on this soon.
For any members that are in an evacuation area, the Monterey aquarium is offering free admission today. The wife found this out and we are taking advantage . Good way to get away and save $$$ .
