The Grumpy Photographer

Friday, August 10, 2007

This Blog Has Moved

I have moved this blog to another site. Please visit.

zacafire.blogspot.com

Wednesday, August 8, 2007

Firebombers

I'm happy to post a few firebomber photos that my friend Phil L has sent me. Apparently, the firebombers are now based out of Santa Maria.

PCVFD Engine

Always nice to have this parked in the drive.

Brush Crews helping in the Neighborhood

Tuesday, August 7, 2007

Tuesday Meeting at the Firehouse

Sounds like things are going well, but anything could happen. We should all continue to prepare.

Sunny this morning in Painted Cave, but the marine layer lingered all day. Humidity high and temperatures low. No smoke visible to the north until about 4 PM when there was a big flare up and the brown cloud of smoke in the picture below developed. I understand fire crews are preparing at the Santa Ynez River. All-in-all, a slow day in the neighborhood. We have a community briefing at 6:30.

Big smoke cloud drifting south.

Tuesday from the overlook

Chipping

A crew chipping cutting on East Camino Cielo.

Monday, August 6, 2007

Monday Night Worries

I got a little nervous. The wind is blowing a good bit and I could smell smoke. Good news it is chilly, thermometer says 55F. So I took a ride down to the lookout where the Thursday night picture was taken, see the first posting. Here is a picture from the same spot. There is one little light on the ridge. Must be a truck or such. Sky is dark and the stars are out.

Monday Night

From the pull out on East Camino Cielo looking north.

Monday Evening Update

Local Fire Chief Kevin explains the map and possibilities to neighbors. Air is cool tonight, but the wind is picking up. Smoke can be seen, sort of, left center in sky. Weather may warm and winds change direction in days to come. CDF was not happy about width of our roads and lack of clearing. We are not out of the woods yet. Besides, it is only the beginning of August.

Kibitzing, Neighbors and Fire Personel

Monday Noon

Monday brought more cool weather. Although we could smell smoke Sunday night, ash did not fall and the sky was clear as I went to bed. Monday morning was quiet and the fog was back, cooler, and thicker. Even now at 2:15 PM, the marine layer persists here at The Cave. I haven't seen any dozers or brush cutting today. The column of smoke is lower, smaller. Crews and community are relaxed. I'd say the general belief is that the fire will be contained or pass us by.