California Apocalypse

[BarbaraRose]

The really sad and tragic thing about the fire that took Karen's home and so many others, is they believe it was arson.

[snowball]

I saw a picture today on FB that I shared someone who knows how to do it ought to put it on here
was a picture that was taken over the clouds at one of the fires unreal what it looks like
sheila

I went to get your picture and discovered it's not what it claims. Here's what a news station reported when checking on it:
"The picture was most likely taken from Hawaii and shows the glow of the sun illuminating the clouds.

Wildfires wouldn't produce clouds that look anything like this photo."

It's still a neat picture but not what they are saying.

hmmm that is me sucker though it's a cool picture
sheila

[Bethers]

Sheila, I believe it when I first saw it, also. But I just decided to research before sending it on.

[gypsyrose1126]

I hope everyone stays safe. The fires are just terrible, and to think I was in that area last year enjoying all the beautiful scenery and now it is gone. More storms heading for the gulf, a terrible year! Stay safe everyone!

[Cudedog]

One of our Forum members pointed out to me a difference in terminology regarding the winds we have here in California.

I appreciate the opportunity to clarify regarding California's annual winds:

There is a lot of conflicting information out there regarding California's annual wind cycle.

These winds are called (sometimes a bit interchangeably) "Santa Ana winds", "Diablo winds", "Sundowner winds", and are often given other less well-known names as well.

Some references describe Santa Ana and Diablo winds both as offshore winds. Other references state that Diablo winds are onshore, and Santa Ana winds are offshore.

Still other references suggest that the name "Diablo winds" is a name specific to the winds that blow off the Diablo mountain range, located in the San Francisco Bay Area, of which Mt. Diablo is one of the primary peaks. Other references suggest that the annual winds that occur in the entire Northern California area are often called "Diablo winds".

Other references state that the term "Santa Ana winds" was used generally for the entire state of California, until October 1991, when a fast moving fire in Oakland, Ca., burned 3,000 homes and killed 25 people. At that time the name for Bay Area winds was changed to "Diablo Wind" to differentiate Bay Area winds specifically from Santa Ana winds generally.

And, over time (since the 1991 fire, probably) the definition of where "Diablo winds" occur has changed and evolved, as well, as such things do. What once seemed to refer to the winds around the Diablo Range specifically, are evolving to refer more generally to a "Devil wind" ("Diablo" being Spanish for "Devil") in the northern part of the state.

Here is one reference (there are dozens, maybe hundreds, to be found on this topic):

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diablo_wind

Since most people, particularly in my area north of Sacramento, still use the term "Santa Ana" to describe our annual winds here I have kind of just stuck with that.

The correct term, of course, for these kinds of winds would be a Katabatic, or Catabatic wind.

"A katabatic wind (named from the Greek word katabasis, meaning "descending") is a drainage wind, a wind that carries high-density air from a higher elevation down a slope under the force of gravity. Such winds are sometimes also called fall winds; the spelling catabatic winds is also used."



As you can see from the above graphic (Note: I am in the "Central Valley", as shown in the graphic), both Santa Ana winds and Diablo winds (Diablo winds as currently defined) originate in the Great Basin.

It is an interesting topic, I think.

I confess that I grow a bit weary posting fire information, partly because (especially now) there are so many terrible fires burning up and down the west coast (with no end in sight), and partly because I grow depressed and weary with all that is going on - not just these fires.

I'm hoping that by posting this wind information it may help people to better understand what is going on here that don't live out here. I have often found that people really don't believe the high temperatures we have out here and the fact that our dry season can last from April to November. Those that live in areas of cooler temperatures and higher precipitation have a different weather experience.

My goal is to always provide accurate information on here, even when the fire news is bad .

Thank you for giving me the opportunity for clarification.

Best wishes,

Anne

[BarbaraRose]

Thank you Anne, that was very interesting! I wasn't sure what caused those winds. I haven't heard the term Diablo winds before either, but maybe because I am in the southern part of the state.

[Cudedog]

Thank you Anne, that was very interesting! I wasn't sure what caused those winds. I haven't heard the term Diablo winds before either, but maybe because I am in the southern part of the state.

You are very much welcome, Barbie. I am glad you enjoyed the post.

There is a bit more (bad) fire news just now regarding the 'West Zone' part of the North Complex fire (the fire nearest to me - about 25 miles):

"Firefighters brace for incoming winds that may kick up deadly West Zone fire in North Complex"

"The death toll in the wildfire raging in Butte County has risen to 12 and Cal Fire personnel battling the blaze are bracing for a change in winds that could lead to a return of extreme fire activity."

“Wind gusts could reach up to 35 mph that, coupled with low daytime humidity, has firefighters at the West Zone wary. The strongest winds will be present over the lower reaches of the Cascade mountain range, the northern Sierra Nevada and the surrounding foothills, which includes the West Zone."

https://www.sacbee.com/news/california/fires/article245701000.html

The North Fire was ignited mid-August, has burned 258,802 acres (over a quarter-million acres) thus far, and is currently estimated to have only 26% containment. If the 30 mph winds come, as predicted, there is the potential for massive spread of this fire.

There is an interactive map under the above link (the caption on the interactive map states "Bear Fire and the North Complex" - in point of fact, the Bear Fire has merged and become part of the North Complex, with the part previously known as the Bear Fire now re-named as the "West Zone" portion of the North Complex fire. Um. . . is that clear as mud? (Ya gotta laugh about something!)

Smoke here today at my home is especially bad - visibility about 1/8 of a mile, air currently quality currently listed as "Hazardous". Ashfall has moderated a bit over the last few days, likely it will increase with the coming winds as the fire flares up.

I will try to get a few ash photos posted later today.

There is a strong, unpleasant smoke smell inside my house, even with the HEPA filter running on high and new ac filters installed in my whole-house system. My eyes are burning.

I (and tens of thousands more besides) have been under constant smoke since mid-August.

When will all of this finally be over, and the smoke cleared out? When it rains - if it rains. Which might not be for another 6 - 8 weeks.

Please keep those in the fire zones in your prayers.

Thank you.

Anne

[Cudedog]

Thank you Anne, that was very interesting! I wasn't sure what caused those winds. I haven't heard the term Diablo winds before either, but maybe because I am in the southern part of the state.

You are very much welcome, Barbie. I am glad you enjoyed the post.

There is a bit more (bad) fire news just now regarding the 'West Zone' part of the North Complex fire (the fire nearest to me - about 25 miles):

"Firefighters brace for incoming winds that may kick up deadly West Zone fire in North Complex"

"The death toll in the wildfire raging in Butte County has risen to 12 and Cal Fire personnel battling the blaze are bracing for a change in winds that could lead to a return of extreme fire activity."

“Wind gusts could reach up to 35 mph that, coupled with low daytime humidity, has firefighters at the West Zone wary. The strongest winds will be present over the lower reaches of the Cascade mountain range, the northern Sierra Nevada and the surrounding foothills, which includes the West Zone.”

https://www.sacbee.com/news/california/fires/article245701000.html

The North Fire was ignited mid-August, has burned 258,802 acres (over a quarter-million acres) thus far, and is currently estimated to have only 26% containment. If the 30 mph winds come, as predicted, there is the potential for massive spread of this fire.

There is an interactive map under the above link (the caption on the interactive map states "Bear Fire and the North Complex" - in point of fact, the Bear Fire has merged and become part of the North Complex, with the part previously known as the Bear Fire now re-named as the "West Zone" portion of the North Complex fire. Um. . . is that clear as mud? (Ya gotta laugh about something!)

Smoke here today at my home is especially bad - visibility about 1/8 of a mile, air currently quality currently listed as "Hazardous". Ashfall has moderated a bit over the last few days, likely it will increase with the coming winds if the fire flares up.

I will try to get a few ash photos posted later today.

There is a strong, unpleasant smoke smell inside my house, even with the HEPA filter running on high and new ac filters installed in my whole-house system. My eyes are burning.

I (and tens of thousands more besides) have been under constant smoke since mid-August. Since mid-August, air quality at my home has ranged from "Very Unhealthy" to "Hazardous", again, as it is today.

When will all of this finally be over, and all of the smoke cleared out? Only when - and if - it rains. Which might not be for another 6 - 8 weeks.

Please keep those in the fire zones in your prayers.

Thank you.

Anne

[Cudedog]

Here are a few of photos of the ash that has been falling at my house.


This is the leaf of one of my cucumber plants. When the leaves get coated with this much ash, after a few days the leaves wilt and start to die. Ash also falls into the blooms, contaminating the flowers, so the plant is unable to set fruit.


This is ash on my front sidewalk. Have used a finger to draw a trail through it


This is just random ash on my front sidewalk again. Notice the quarter to get perspective


This photo was taken about three days ago, at about 2:00 p.m, in my front yard. Notice how dark it is, and the clouds in the sky. These are not rain clouds, is all just thick smoke.

Hope everyone out there is staying well; Karen I hope you have what you need, Martha I'm hoping that this current hurricane misses you.

Anne

[Bethers]

[BarbaraRose]

They are saying that the ash could destroy this years grape harvest at the wineries. It is all so overwhelmingly sad.

[JudyJB]

WOW! That ash is impressive. I hope the fire does not get any closer to you, Anne. I am in southeastern ID, and there was some smoke yesterday, but less today.

I have been keeping windows closed but taking a short walk each day to get out, and I am still having problems with sinuses draining and clearing my throat with the small amount of smoke around here. I can imagine how difficult it must be at your levels and the levels in most of Oregon.

And please keep up the posts with all the good information. We would not find that stuff without your help.

[MandysMom]

The death toll in the north complex fire rose tonight to 15 with one remaining unaccounted for. So sad. I came out today to a coating of ash on everything, including my car. It's not as heavy as Anne's , but she is much closer. The crew of the helicopter who went back over and over to rescue people from the Creek fire, we're each awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, by President Trump. They are CA National Guard and were told repeatedly they should not go back but made repeated trips, bringing people out, including the injured. Our air improved today from Hazardous to poor, but is expected to get bad again. A Low weather pattern lurks off shore and is expected to sink down, coming ashore with wind, but very slight chance of rain over fires , which we all pray for.
Velda

[Cudedog]

A long-ish update this morning on the California fires that are still actively burning.

1. Fires (many of which are still actively burning inside their "containment") are generally dropped off this list when 100% "containment" is reached.

2. Some of the fires still actively burning have had their names changed. For example, the "Bear Fire" which originally part of the "North Complex Fire" has had it's name changed to "North Complex West Fire". (I am paying particular attention to this fire because it is fairly near to me - about 25 miles. I am safe - except from the terrible smoke and ash fall - I live in a small Central Valley city, I do not live in the foothills where these fires are burning). Other parts of other fires in the state have also had their names changed. There are so many fires burning here in the state that it is difficult to keep up with all of them, including any name changes, so am just concentrating on the North Fire Complex in this post.

Some updated information about the North Complex Fire:

From Wikipedia (in quotes):
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/North_Complex_Fire#:~:text=At%20about%2010%3A00%20AM,20%2C000%20acres%20(8%2C100%20ha).

"On August 17, 2020, dry thunderstorms. . ." (dry thunderstorms, with dry lightning - dry lightning occurs in a thunderstorm that does not have rain) ". . . sparked 21 wildfires in the Plumas National Forest and Lassen National Forest, the largest of which were the Claremont and Bear Fires along the canyon of the Middle Fork Feather River."

"The North Complex Fire is a massive wildfire currently burning in Northern California in the counties of Plumas and Butte.[2] The fires were started by lightning on August 17, 2020; by September 5, all the individual fires had been put out with the exception of the Claremont and Bear Fires, which merged on that date. Starting on September 8, strong winds caused the Bear Fire to explode in size to the southwest. As of September 16, the complex fire has burned an estimated 284,437 acres"

". . .the unpopulated area between the Claremont and Bear fires was allowed to burn naturally with the help of backfiring operations, and the two fires merged on September 5, at a combined 39,779 acres. "

"On the early morning of September 9, evacuation warnings were issued for more areas around Lake Oroville, Concow and Paradise. In Plumas County a mandatory evacuation order was issued for Bucks Lake and an evacuation advisory for Meadow Valley. As predicted, high winds drove the fire rapidly downhill and southwest,traveling 20 miles to Lake Oroville in a few hours. By 8:35 AM, the fire was estimated at 150,000 acres (61,000 ha).[18] The entire town of Berry Creek was reportedly destroyed, with only 3 houses left standing in the town of 1,200, while homes were also burned in Feather Falls."

To recap: this fire ignited on August 17 in a fairly remote area of the Sierra Nevada. It is not projected to be "contained" until November 20. That is, barring any further wind event. IF this containment goal is reached, this will mean that this fire will have been actively burning for 3 months. Unfortunately, autumn is the time of year California's devastating annual winds begin to blow.

This fire smoldered in a remote area for a few weeks until the wind event mentioned above arrived September 8, which, overnight, pushed the fire 20 miles towards the city of Oroville. The towns of Berry Creek, Feather Falls, and others were taken almost completely unaware. When residents went to bed, the fire was 20 miles away. In many cases, when they awoke in the middle of the night their town was already on fire. It has been reported that some people awoke to find their homes already on fire.

This information can, and will (hopefully!!) change when (and if) the annual autumn rains arrive. There is a slight chance of rain predicted for tomorrow (Friday) but we Californians generally "believe it when we see it". We are all praying for rain out here.

It is quite windy here at my home this morning, I estimate gusts to 25 mph.

This also means wind blowing on the North Fire, although I have been unable to locate any updated fire information this morning, besides the fact, in looking at online maps, it appears that the fire may have jumped the canyon of the South Fork of the Feather River (where there are no records of fire in the past 100 years) and may now be threatening the foothill communities of Forbestown and Clipper Mills (I know these communites well, having lived in the foothills nearby these towns for 30 years).

The current death toll for the North Complex Fire stands at 15, with two remaining missing.

Finally, again, the information above applies to only the North Complex Fire, which is only ONE of the major fires still burning in California. News reported on many of the other fires here in California is equally grim.

Thanks for reading.

Sorry, Karen, that I am not including information on your fire, nor on the Oregon and Washington fires. My apologies.

Anne

[BarbaraRose]

We have a new fire down here in Palm Springs called the Snow Fire. That started late yesterday afternoon in the foothills of the San Jacinto mountains and is at 2500 acres with 0% containment this morning. With 5% humidity and windy conditions it is spreading quickly.

It is no threat to me since I am on the other side of the valley but the smoke will be an issue all across the valley from it. Luckily, the San Bernardino mountains right behind me are all rock and virtually no vegetation so not likely to have any significant fires starting on those.