Fire just north of Anne

[Cudedog]

Update:

We didn't have much smoke here yesterday, most of it was blown to the San Francisco area. However, today as I write this (2:30 p.m.) there is now a heavy smoke overcast, including light ashfall. Looking outside, it is quite dark - almost twilight - one might think that it was 5:00 or 6:00 p.m (and not 2:30 in the afternoon).

Have just learned that the Butte County Superintendent of schools has announced that all Butte County schools will be closed until Friday, November 23 (two weeks from now!) due to the effects of the fire. It is difficult to get solid information regarding what is actually going on in Paradise and Chico, but things must be grim for the Superintendent to have taken such action.

Current acreage burned still stands at 70,000 acres (which is likely to increase) with an estimated 2,000 structures (including homes) burned, with an additional 15,000 structures threatened.

The Los Angeles Times is now reporting that five people, trapped in their vehicle, have been killed in this fire.

Anne

[OregonLuvr]

This is just so sad. The fire was so fast an furious I am sure there will be more deaths for sure. These were not people unwilling to leave they were trying but overtaken by the fire. One ambulance with a nurse and paramedics were engulfed in flames and they broke into a house and watered it down including the roof and miraculously they survived. The owner of the house said she was so happy her house was able to save lives. Heartwarming story amidst all the devastation. I loved the town of Paradise, such a quirky little town now reduced to rubble.

I have been outside raking leaves (and understand I dont even have a tree) but with the wind yesterday they all came to roost at my house. Front patio and back carport but they are all gone for the moment. Emma was a big help.....NOT.

A neighbor that moved gave me a houseplant (live) I only had artificial before LOL This is an Antherium with lots of blossoms on it BUT I think it came with hitchhikers as I have had those teeny tiny black flies kicking around. So usually I am into chemical warfare LOL but read online to put vinegar in a dish with a couple drops of dishsoap to break the surface tension. Well I had some Apple Cider Vinegar (that is NOT fit for human consumption) that I kept after thinking I could choke it down, as it gets rave reviews for various ailments but that was not to be. I found one in my coffee cup and one in the sink so last night I set out my new trap.............there were about 6 of the little buggers in it this morning. So happy I have found a use for the ACV. Reloaded and will see what happens now. Going to pick up some decorative sand to put in the top of the plant and only water from the bottom and they say that should get rid of them...time will tell.

[Cudedog]

This is just so sad. The fire was so fast an furious I am sure there will be more deaths for sure. These were not people unwilling to leave they were trying but overtaken by the fire.

One of the difficulties in Paradise (maybe Velda has mentioned this?) is that Paradise is a semi-isolated small town/city in the Sierra foothills, with only two roads in and out (I think these are also just two-lane roads, but I forget). Paradise has about 27,000 residents. The evacuation order was given, all 27,000 people tried to evacuate at the same time, down these two narrow mountain roads. Instant gridlock.

Anne

[bluepinecones]

Thank you all for checking in and the updates. Photos I've seen on TV are heartbreaking.

[snowball]

I've seen some of those pictures black bear diner burger king and a couple of churches...so sad ... it is hard to combat fire when the humidity is so low...in Utah several years ago we had that and the trees would almost be an internal combustion because of the lack of water in the tree it's self...prayers go out to those affected
sheila

[Cudedog]

Fire update 9:07 p.m. Pacific Standard Time, 11/9/18:

Butte County Sheriff's Office confirms 9 fatalities
Size (acres): 90,000
Percent Contained: 5%
Estimate of Containment: Nov. 22, 2018
Personnel: 3,323
Structures Destroyed: 6,713 (estimate)

The fire is still active, although the winds (which, at 40 mph and above, were driving the fire for a time) have currently died down. The city of Oroville will possibly be threatened with the return of strong winds to the area.

The National Weather Service is predicting the return of strong gusty winds to the fire area (30 - 40 mph) Saturday afternoon into Saturday evening, continuing into Monday.

Anne

[BarbaraRose]

Such a tragic situation! Also the two fires in Malibu and north of LA are still raging. Two dead there so far. I could see smoke from here this afternoon and the setting sun was a big red ball from the smoke. Luckily, no fires down here so far. A couple small earthquakes north of here overnight but I didn't feel anything.

Several heroic stories coming out now. One couple with an RV rescued several people running from the fires near Paradise, including a 92 and 102 year old couple. Someone rescued an elderly man carrying his bedridden wife from their home.

[Cudedog]

Fire Update 7:46 a.m. 11/10/18

Lots of smoke here at my house this morning, with poor visibility. Visibility about 1/4 mile. Although I have double-paned windows, and have kept all of my windows shut, very strong smell of smoke inside my house, to the extent my eyes are burning. The sky is overcast with heavy smoke, with light ashfall. Thin layer of ash on my vehicles, sidewalks, etc.

This from Yubanet.com:

. . . Fire now at 100,000 acres, 20% contained.

. . . Two hydroelectric plants are currently threatened by the fire, with electricity out in 50% of Butte County.

. . . 53,394 people currently under an evacuation order.

. . . 6,000+ (six thousand) homes are estimated to have burned.

. . . Thermolito Power plant that connects the Table Mountain sub station is unstaffed and evacuated. This is a major water source for the area.

. . . Another strong northeast wind event is expected over the next couple days with very dry conditions, poor recovery, and strong winds over the Camp Fire. Northeast winds will increase this evening after 2000, with the peak of the wind even from midnight to around 7am Sunday morning. Lighter winds are expected Saturday afternoon, with increasing northeast winds once again Sunday night. Very dry conditions and poor humidity recovery continues through the weekend and into next week, although with lighter winds.

. . . The fire will continue to burn to the SW toward Big Bend, Berry Creek and threatening the City of Oroville. The expected strong NE wind event has the potential to drive fire across Lake Oroville threatening the City of Oroville. Extreme fire behavior with dangerous rates of spread are expected.

...

No rain is predicted in the immediate weather forecast. Oroville is a fairly large city just to the north of me. My Jayco trailer is stored at a storage place in Oroville. Received a text yesterday that the storage office has closed for the weekend, due to the fire.

Anne

[Colliemom]

Anne, I think you should evacuate. For health reasons if nothing else and that fire is unpredictable and even if you are not in the immediate area, the fact you are having ash is not good. Where there’s ash, how long before the embers start arriving on the winds. Sorry to hear you can’t get your trailer out, but hopefully it will be alright. Please don’t wait any longer, we don’t want you to Become a statistic. I’ve been in fire smoke before and I know the breathing, eye burning stuff. Not good.

[BarbaraRose]

I agree with Sue. If you don't have a good reason to stay there, you may as well head out to a safer place for awhile. Sorry you can't get to your trailer but you do have the van yet, right?

[monik7]

I wonder if Anne could still get her trailer from storage. My storage has an automatic gate to get in with a code so no office personnel needed. I presume that would only work if there is electricity. If possible Anne, maybe you should see if you can get the trailer and bring it home just in case conditions worsen and the fire heads closer to Oroville. That way the trailer will be safe and later if you need to leave your home, you’ll have it for you, Big Joe and your kitty.
Sandi

[OregonLuvr]

Anne just read an article online from the Sacramento Bee saying Oroville could be threatened Sat night. Due to 50 mph winds possible. Be safe gal. You can escape up here if need be, I have a spare room.

[JudyJB]

Anne, you need to add "several easy evacuation routes" to your list of things you want in a new home! There does not seem to be anyplace safe from fires in California or Oregon anymore.

Thanks for keeping us all informed. I am going to read some of the newspapers right now so I can catch up.

[OregonLuvr]

They are currently evacuating parts of Oroville, hope it isnt in Anne's area.

[monik7]

They are currently evacuating parts of Oroville, hope it isnt in Anne's area.

Anne said she’s closer to Marysville which would mean she’s about 25 miles south of Oroville so I’m thinking she’s OK for the moment. I’m sure she’s watching all reports and updates. Hope she leaves plenty of time to get out if that becomes necessary.
Sandi