Let’s see who takes the bait…
It would’ve been quite interesting if this was happening on April 1st…or April 20th would’ve been even better, but oh well.
My topic is actually true, but not for the reasons that you might hope. My brother just sent me this satelite photo where you can clearly see the smoke plume of the 7000 acre wildfire currently consuming the King Range National Conservation Area on the Humboldt County Northern California coast.
Start at the banana shaped cloud cover just off the coast, then look for the next perpendicular grey smear to the east, and that is the smoke plume, stretching south, well beyond the Bay Area.
My Mom has been watching the blaze as it consumed the mountain tops on the next ridge over since September 3rd, when thunderstorms brought a series of lightening strikes to the area. A couple of days ago, the wind sent the blaze rapidly down the far side of the King Range, down to the beach.
Thankfully, the 7000 acres burned so far have been uninhabited public lands (which should make for some very interesting backpacking for me next spring) but the coastal hamlet of Shelter Cover is currently on alert in case the winds continue to send this signifigant force their way. Also, thankfully, the flames don’t have anywhere to go to the west, thanks to the Pacific.
This is not the only fire in the area, many have been contained and extinguised in recent weeks, in more populated areas. Another continuing concern is the small plume that is visible just to the east, the Canoe fire. It went from 25 to 700 acres within a couple of days, and will put homes, ranches, timberland, and livestock at risk if it is not contained quickly.
Just had to share
If there are any dopers reading who are volunteer fire personel, or who work for CDF (California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection), you have my thanks and my prayers as you dance with the devil for the greater good.