These fires are horrifying. The nearest one is about 150 miles away and still the air has been thick with smoke for days and ash blankets our cars every morning. The sun has been eerily beautiful, a bright orange glowing through the smoke. Last year I experienced this same surreal eeriness in the air, however the fire came within 6 miles of me. Considering the distance, this one must be huge. In fact, rumor has it that it will surpass last year's fire as the worst fire disaster in California history.
I have lived in this state for 50 years. This is not normal. The past 2 years have seen such an increase in fires here that earthquakes are low on the list of top fears, and I was on the Bay Bridge 6 minutes before it collapsed back in 1989. Countless families are instantly homeless, their childrens' schools and their own businesses have disappeared overnight. They are camping along the side of the road in tents, their RVs and vehicles burned up. Over 100 people are still missing just from the one fire nearest me. Southern California similarly afflicted. My current housemate was displaced by last year's fires, which is how I came to share my home at all. She's from Texas and she is a great cook, so it worked out well. My heart is breaking for everyone who suddenly had their whole life plan disappear overnight. This clip has overly dramatic narration but does give an idea of what is going on in just one of the many fires going on at this moment.
Local News Coverage of Fires
