Clayton, CA wildfire

[DAllenTCY]

I'm hoping that Bill and Mary didn't suffer any property damage. They have always been kind enough to post daily of their many World Cruises on CC. I'd like them to know that we are thinking of them.

David

[sail7seas]

Hopfully they and their property are safe.

[CruiserBruce]

Only a small radio outbuilding was damaged. No other buildings damaged. All evacuations have been lifted. Most, but not all of the land burned was State Park.

[OlsSalt]

SFGate can give you up to date reports - hopeful the fire will be contained this weekend: http://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/Shift-in-weather-helps-Mt-Diablo-fire-crews-4801020.php

[Typhoon1]

Being a frequent visitor to the West Coast, I've come to learn things are never as bad as the media makes them sound.

 

It's all about sensationalizing the news to attract more viewers.

[WCB]

Wow, it's sure nice to read about your concern for our safety and property.

 

We can say for a fact that being so close to a major firestorm is every bit as frightening as the news portrays. Busy at home when the fire began, we heard a series of explosions, perhaps a half mile up the road. That was followed by a gigantic plume of black smoke, something you might expect with a bomb drop. Almost instantly, the flames erupted with the already too dry digger pines and native oaks. Moments later, the fire was drawn straight up the canyons and the mountainsides, despite the numerous helicopters that were trying to douse the flames with water.

 

In fact, the response from the firefighters was incredibly impressive as we watched numerous engines and bulldozers rushing out from all directions to save the mountains and the resident's property. Luckily, we were not ordered to evacuate, but did expect it at any moment. The ash and embers rained constantly for two days and nights. All the homes on the smaller roads off our main road had been ordered out with all their livestock in tow. The heavy smoke freaked all of us out.

 

Monday evening brought a surprise, as we thought that the major portion of the fire was under control. You should never second guess the power of wind and ash. A canyon around the corner from us lit up suddenly, and roared out of control for a bit. We had been asleep, when a kind neighbor came knocking on our bedroom window to warn us. This was as close as the flames got as the trees burned right to the roadside. Thanks to a concentrated effort from the firefighters, they got it out fairly quick. Needless to say, we were up for most of that night, not knowing what else to expect.

 

Today, Wednesday, things are looking better, but the evidence of the damage was shocking to see. The smell of smoke is still strong, even though we kept the windows closed and never used air-conditioning. All of the roads finally opened, and the mail has resumed.

 

We all got lucky, and no one lost their homes or their lives. Hope to never ever see this happen again.

 

Thanks again for your kind thoughts. We are sure looking forward to going on the Hawaii/Tahiti cruise at the beginning of October. Those wonderful sea breezes will be a blessing.

 

Bill & Mary Ann

[DAllenTCY]

Good to hear that all is well. Thanks for posting. Oct. 4th sailing? You'll see a lot of new faces in San Diego.

David