We've had a wildfire raging here since 7/15 in the AM...as of tonight it has consumed something like 13 homes and 6 businesses.
Anyone who has visited the Reno/Tahoe area knows how beautiful it is...and this is RIGHT where it is, on the mountain-side over Carson City, NV. Pine trees that go up like matchsticks.
As of the 11:00 news tonight it was 30% contained, thanks the the 800-1,000 firefighters that are battling it. We had really bad winds today, which didn't help, but it's looking like they've got a handle one it.
I was almost shocked to see our fire on NBC's Today Show this morning...but of course, it's charred over 10,000 acres and destroyed property.
Please think of those people that have lost their homes...this has been the worst fire we've had in a long time, and it looks like it might have been started by some teenagers.
But also...please think also about the firefighters, who have been coming from all over the country (we have about 1,000 of them now) to fight this fire. Along with the pilots of the tankers and helicopters that have been dumping borite and water ALL DAY!
Anyone who saw the coverage on the news - a news crew got fairly close, and I'm surprised they're still with us - Having BEEN a firefighter, I would have been terrified in that situation.
And Second -
My own prayer goes out to those in PA that were hit so hard yesterday by that tornado. That story followed ours on Thursday morning.
The forces of nature are so unpredictable...and can be so devastating
Just a couple weeks ago it looked as if my daughter and her husband would have to be evacuated from Fairbanks, AK due to fires there, so I know the worry you must have felt, giz.
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I heard about that fire in Alaska JR, and Mx2 had posted some about it cause she was pretty close to it too. I hope that your daughter and family were kept safe.
My dad lives in Carson City...although I generally make it a practice NOT to call him after 9pm, the night I heard how bad the fire had gotten I just HAD TO - at 10pm! Had to make sure they were ok.
And of course they are...the fire is west of them and MOVING west - however, on the news this morning they were talking that due to the winds today,the fire COULD move into Washoe Valley, which would put it closer. As long as it doesn't jump the highway (but we know how fires can jump the highway)
Believe me, we're all watching this one very closely, and hoping that things calm down soon. Many of the tankers and copters servicing this fire are "overnighting" at the airbase near my home, and subsequently, this morning, I was awakened by the noise of the various aircraft starting their day.
The local news this morning reported that we're now at about 22 homes and 6 businesses. My thoughts are with those people whose lives were changed within a day.
Yesterday...I came VERY close to driving to Carson City to volunteer my services. But logic and common sense prevailed - although I have fire training, I've never fought a wild fire, not to mention that with 1,000 firefighters here, I'm pretty sure they wouldn't have had extra gear. And I'm not certified in this state, and I'm sure that would have been an issue.
I am just watching and hoping that they get this fire out soon - I don't want to leave with the image of my beloved mountains as charred remains from a fire, since I don't know when I'll be back.
