California is on fire.

[toyvlle]

On our way home from the dog shows today we drove right into the forest fires in Auburn,
California this afternoon. The fire had been going about 30 minutes when we were forced to take a detour as they were closing Hwy 49. I opened the motor home window and took these shots while we were bouncing along.... I wasn't going to post anything, but I am still in amazement as to how fast these fires move, and how quickly they can change your life.

We passed beautiful homes that are probably gone now, the fire was headed that way.


Here they are trying to get the folks off of the streets and out of the stores.




A helicopter, one of 10 trying to fight the fire.


While these are sure not well focused or spot on photos, they were taken on a moments notice, these are the saddest photos I've ever taken, thats for sure.
My prayers go to all the folks of Auburn, So Cal and Yosemite whose lives are caught up
in these terrible fires and to the brave men and women fighting them.

[frg]

those fires can get pretty bad, we're getting pretty close to the start of bush fire season here in Australia as well... not a happy experience. thanks for sharing

[leonaashlee]

And California is still on fire...pray (those of you who do) for the fireman's families who lost their lives yesterday and for all those still in danger.
Shots like these are very sad indeed, but bring home to us the dangers that so many face.

[mymaison97]

So sad/tragic...we had a fire in our neighborhood a few weeks ago in the middle of the night. Everyone got out ok, thank goodness. I would have loved to get some night shots of the fire engines w/the moon in the background, but I just didn't feel right about taking pictures of someone else's tragedy. Although that is how history is preserved/remembered at times.

[jakethepig]

My prayers are with those families too and the men and women who are doing their best to contain them. I've just been watching this on our news here in England.

Dave.

[mstark70]

Sad that we have made the news in England! Not a good way to be in the news. I pray the winds die down so they can get a handle on these fires. The one in the Yosemite National Park was still just burning out of control yesterday, it was up to 4,000 acres burned. I do know this one started as a controlled burn. They only wanted to burn 90 acres, but the winds shifted and everything changed very quickly. The one in LA lost two firemen in a vehicle roll over accident, very sad. That fire has doubled and threatens 12,000 homes! The one in Auburn just happened so fast and so close to town. Very scary. I pray that no more lives are lost and for the families of the ones we did lose. I pray that they can get these under control and people can move on with healing and rebuilding.
I am glad you made it through safe and sound. I thank you for taking these and sharing them.

[gturner]

As the Senate pronounced when Julius Caesar crossed the Rubicon with his army - "THIS IS SCARY SH1T!"

Fires are terrifying. Big fires take on a life of their own and like hurricanes & earthquakes, they remind us how insignificant we are in the big roundabout of nature.
I hope the winds change and some moisture turns up on the scene ASAP because not much else can turn things around except the fires ability to burn itself out.

[sheldonc]

scary situation but great to see your images on the ground - awareness is everything

[fstopMike]

Images like yours from someone I'm familiar with on the forum really helps bring the reality closer. Thanks for sharing.

[beachcomber]

My prayers go to all the folks of Auburn, So Cal and Yosemite whose lives are caught up
in these terrible fires and to the brave men and women fighting them.

May I echo your words and share your concerns for the safety of all those concerned in these tragic events

Steve