As some members may know, I live in Sonoma County and have been affected by this extreme wildfire. My 40 acre ranch is near the coast, about 30 miles from the fire, but in one of the zones under Mandatory Evacuation because the authorities feared the high winds could send the fire our way, very rapidly as happened in the 2017 Tubbs Fire. Fortunately, I have a 2nd residence in SF, and was already there when the evacuation order was issued. However, my three worker/tenants and my cherished dog Noonan were there, and were ordered to leave. I suggested they go to the nearby Goat Rock State Park (an ocean beach near Jenner) where they would be safe. Since the fire remained at a distance and did not turn west towards the the coast, I suggested they go back the next day as they found life in the parking lot very stressful. Power was shut off to the entire area, and still is. The Evacuation Order was lifted this afternoon, but power is not expected to be restored for several days, at best. In fact, high winds are forecast for the next several days, so all bets are off.My wife and I remain in SF where life is almost normal and won't return until power is restored. Meanwhile, my tenants will run the generator a few hours each day to keep the freezer/refrigerators cold. The internet is down, but there is at least a weak cell signal. I can keep watch from here and keep them informed should they need to evacuate again. There is a network of 37 Fire Cameras on various peaks all around the effected area, including Pole Mountain, a short distance from my ranch. A fascinating, constantly updated, live view:
http://www.alertwildfire.org/northbay/index.html
I've owned this land since 1972, but didn't build until 1991. In 1978 a severe wildfire destroyed my old growth forest of Douglas Fir and Redwoods. In 1993 we reforested with 35,000 seedlings which are now 50-60' tall; the forest is back, and I don't want to lose it a 2nd time. Ongoing work is the removal of brush and reduction of other ladder fuels, towards that goal.
http://www.alertwildfire.org/northbay/index.html
I've owned this land since 1972, but didn't build until 1991. In 1978 a severe wildfire destroyed my old growth forest of Douglas Fir and Redwoods. In 1993 we reforested with 35,000 seedlings which are now 50-60' tall; the forest is back, and I don't want to lose it a 2nd time. Ongoing work is the removal of brush and reduction of other ladder fuels, towards that goal.
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