The Hennessey Fire on Soda Canyon Road

from Shelle's house looking north from the end of SCR 8/18/20 3:40pm

Aug 19, 2020

LNU Lightning Complex Fire on 8/19/20
click map for latest
The Hennessey Fire began on at 6:40am on Aug 17, 2020 near the intersection of Hwy 128 and Hennessey RIdge Road, adjacent the reservoir that gave the fire its name. It merged with other fires started by the same lightning storm to become the (too generically-named) LNU (Lake-Napa Unit) Lightning Complex Fire. It should really be named for another body of water: The Barryessa Fire, the lake that the fires are slowly encircling, to become possibly the largest fire in Napa's history, consuming the edges of the city of Vacaville as it does so.

For the residents of Soda Canyon Road the fire is frighteningly familiar: though moving from north to south rather than the south-to-north of the 2017 Atlas fire, the hasty evacuation arrangements, the intense internet vigil and mobilization of the more capable residents to help the fire crews, is unfortunately a practiced effort.

Documents
Caltopo Fire Map (the best so far)
AlertWildfire Live North Bay Web Cams
Google Fire Perimether Map
NASA FIRMS FIre Map
County LNU Lightning Fire Page (with all evacuation orders, docs, maps)
Video of the start of the Hennessey Fire from the Atlas Peak web cam
Nixle Alert 8/19/20 1:04am: Fire Moving closer to Atlas Peak, Soda Canyon, Silverado Highlands
Nixle Alert:8/18/20 2:18pm Evacuation order for Soda Canyon Road from Loma Vista to the upper end.
Wikipedia: Hennessey Fire

Articles
NVR 9/2/20: Hennessey fire burned 33% of Napa County; plans for rebuilding begin
NVR 9/1/20: Cal Fire releases tally of destroyed Napa County homes
NVR 8/25/20: Update: Cal Fire gains ground on Napa wildfire; more evacuations lifted
NVR 8/24/20: Update: Cal Fire begins lifting some evacuation orders in Napa County
NVR 8/23/20: Update: Wildfires spread to 325,000 acres in Napa County and North Bay; lightning to heighten fire risk
SH Star 8/21/20: Where did the Hennessey Fire begin? This resident says on her property
NY Times 8/19/20: Wildfires Threaten 25,000 Structures
NVR 8/19/20: Additional evacuations ordered for Angwin, Deer Park, St. Helena Hospital
NVR 8/19/20: Photos from the fires burning in Napa County
NVR 8/19/20: Update: Napa County's wildfires destroy 105 structures, with number certain to grow
NVR 8/19/20; East Napa County rural residents bear brunt of wildfires


Click to enlarge. The entriety of the Atlas Peak ridge to the north and east of the Rector plateau burned, but was stopped at the base of the ridge with the loss of only one home.

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39 comments



The Fire on Monticello Road


Bill Hocker - Sep 3, 2020 5:24PM  Share #2153

Update 9/16/20
Lenore Wilson poem-to-the-editor: Dark Mountain

And without the ads:

Matter yearning to become spirit; white ash under the trees,

skid marks of the Lord’s breath.

So light where are you after all this --

my house in ruins, none of the past to rake, sift

none of it.

I raised my children here, young mother I was

all trial and error.

Dark mountain now and in the quiet hour

of dusk we left

slept next to the corral

in the sedan loaded with quilts,

bags of photos, memorabilia,

under the three hundred year old oak

that had watched the cattle

for a century

come and go,

and the cowboy that day of the fire

found every cow and calf

even the pair that huddled in the creek bed

as we had huddled in our seats, tried

to sleep

as the flames came nearer

and the next day that giant tree fell

right there after our departure.

Oh oil sheen black the pastures

where tar weed grew indelibly

each August, the golden cloth of it….

Raw-boned god,

you’ve traumatized your daughter--

wasn’t it enough

the friends I lost to suicide,

to cancer?

Do you listen, you there hardened

like the day moon,

twisted beauty of the madrone, the toyon,

short fuse of manzanita?


Leonore Wilson

Former Napa County Poet Laureate



Update 9/12/20
The Economist 9/12/20: Wildfires will be more common in a warming world

The Economist gives a shoutout to the fire preparedness of CIrcle Oaks (with a mention of Larry Carr and crew). Unfortunately the article is buried behind a paywall. In the Sept 12-18 2020 print edition the article is titled "Learning to live with it". (more here)

Update 9/3/20

Photo: Hardy Wilson
Dan Mufson forwards this article written and photographed by Hardy Wilson:

The Guardian 9/3/20: My family built our dream home in the woods. It was no match for wildfire


8/21/20 The Fire at Circle Oaks
Circle Oaks, the compact rural
community of 180 homes often at the forefront of conservation issues in the County, seems to have resisted the siege of the fire. It was very ominious, but as of the afternoon of 8/21/20 things are looking better.

The Final Caltopo map at Circle Oaks is here

Cindy Grupp - Aug 21, 2020 5:22PM

I just learned that Jim & Leonore Wilson lost their home on Monticello. The house had been in Leonore’s family for over 100 years. They are safe.


Lisa Hirayama - Aug 21, 2020 1:39PM

CO made it thru the night, but still not out of woods. Winds supposed to come up again and still lots of hot spots everywhere surrounding us. And the forecast Sun-Tues is more lightning storms and winds. We're in for it again....

Sadly, Jim and Leonore Wilson lost their house. I just talked to Jim and he's staying strong. Amazing.


Stay safe,
Lisa


Daniel Mufson - Aug 21, 2020 1:01PM

A tragic note from Leonore.

Begin forwarded message:

From: poet707@aol.com
Subject: Fire loss
Date: August 21, 2020 at 1:02:05 PM PDT

Reply-To: poet707@aol.com

Everything lost: our home, 100 YEAR OLD ranch except my mm's little house the cowboy sprayed down.

Sick here. My mom's childhood home, mine, my sons....

Thanks, Leonore p.s. We waited as long as we could, very little equipment ( we begged fire trucks to help us, but they said they had too many fires....) Pray for us please.


Lisa Hirayama - Aug 20, 2020 8:39PM

Hi Bill,

Larry stayed behind along with two other neighbor FF's, so I've got the best source ?. I just talked to him and he said we're surrounded by fire, but the fire breaks are working so far. A strike team arrived today which was a relief because this morning he told me he didn't believe any help was coming. They were sent out into the surrounding area to work the fire but they're supposed to come back if they're needed for structure protection

He said we should be fine tonight as long as the wind doesn't come up. There's no wind right now, but I dread a Vacaville scenario. Are u looking at maps and figuring CO is a goner? Or did someone say something?

I learned in 2017 that none of the maps are very accurate. People were freaking that CO was burning and it wasn't.

Keep your fingers and toes crossed for us tonight.

Lisa


The fire at the end of the road


Bill Hocker - Sep 1, 2020 8:20PM  Share #2167

A photo album of the damage that the Hennessey Fire caused to the last three properties on Soda Canyon Road at the base of Atlas Peak.

Bill Hocker - Aug 28, 2020 10:04AM  Share #2166

Update 8/28/20
PG&E has just emailed a notice:

Service has been restored!

Also a Napa County WIldfire Assistance Center is now open to support people affected by the fire. The notice is here

8/25/20
As of 8/25/20 the power at the end of Soda Canyon Road is still off. The PG&E map shows an outage cone spreading from a point on Atlas Peak Road which seems to imply that the 4 properties at the end of the gravel road, and perhaps more, get their power from Atlas peak road rather than Soda Canyon Road.

Access to the latest PG&E power outage map is here: https://m.pge.com/#outages Type in "3360 soda canyon road" under "Search and Report Outage". You can be sent an email when service is restored.

I went to the Manfree's on Monday. Amber and the rest of the family are there cleaning up trees that had toppled after the fires. The fire burned patches all around the house and burned up the pool house. Other structures, the water tank and solar collectors were untouched.







Atlas Peak behind their house looked like this:



The house next door to the north, tragically, was completely burned:


Bill Hocker - Aug 24, 2020 8:14AM  Share #2165


LNU Complex Fire 8/24/20
Evacuation Order reduced to Evacuation Warning on Soda Canyon Road

Last night's Red Flag Warning, at least on Soda Canyon Road, proved to be anticlimactic (and anticlimatic?). A couple of flashes in the far southwest early in the evening. No wind gusts, perfectly calm morning. Much better to be prepared than not, however. More fires will come.

The LNU Complex fire around Atlas Peak seems almost completely contained, but a change in the winds could reignite it at any time. Despite the benign look of the ridge during the day, four days after the passage of the fire, small fires, visible through the night, still burn in the trunks of trees.





Shelle Wolfe - Aug 22, 2020 9:53PM  Share #2162

And next up...hold on to your hats!

Click here for latest National Weather Service Red Flag Warning 8/23/20

Barbara Guggia - Aug 22, 2020 10:34PM

A reminder from your friendly Soda Canyon Fire Safe Council...

Thunderstorms are anticipated to develop Sunday, evening through Monday morning. Lightning will likely spark new fires across the region, including remote areas. Wildfires in remote regions may not become apparent until warmer and drier conditions allow them to grow. Erratic gusty outflow winds may result in dangerous and unpredictable fire behavior. Please remain vigilant and alert.

A Red Flag Warning means that weather conditions are occurring or will occur that can contribute to extreme fire behavior. Any fires that develop have potential to spread rapidly.

There are still no evacuation advisories in effect within the city limits of Calistoga. Stay tuned to Nixle for further information.

Stay safe. Stay alert. Wear your mask!

Further information may be obtained from the National Weather Service: https://www.weather.gov/mtr/

Do:
  1. Fuel up your car
  2. Point your car away from your home. Where are your keys??
  3. Unlock your gate, or open your gate
  4. Detach your garage door from the automatic control mechanism
  5. Cycle and test your generator
  6. Flush your water systems, (run the water), test hoses and make sure you have 100’ of hose available at your home
  7. Clear off deck and porch of flammable material; cushions and furniture
  8. Remove material up against your home, like brooms leaning on the wall or garbage bins
  9. Check gutters and roof for debris
  10. Pull barbeque and propane tank away from your home (30’) or more
  11. Close doors and windows
  12. Place your go-bag at your front door, or in your car. Attach evacuation tag to go-bag and place tag on your gate as you leave, if ordered to evacuate
  13. Charge your phone, and charge your spare battery source. LEAVE YOUR PHONE ON NEXT TO YOUR BED, PLUGGED IN, WITH RINGER ON!
  14. Have a ready to use and powerful LED flashlight with extra batteries
  15. Have a crank-up radio. Know how to tune in 1440 AM and 99.3 FM for emergency information. Pre-tune your car radio to these stations as well

DO NOT:
  1. Do not do yard work after 10AM
  2. Do not use metal blade power tools on grass
  3. Do not park your recently operated car over dry seasonal grass
  4. Do not open burn
  5. If you are pulling a trailer, check the equipment, chains and tires. Metal on pavement is a great source of sparks and we have several wildland fires that have started this way

Please be safe, wear your face covering, wash your hands and watch your physical distancing.

Thanks and Stay Safe!
Barbara


Melanie Whiteley - Aug 21, 2020 9:55PM  Share #2161

Napa Probation officers in White unmarked cars are driving through checking properties.
Looking for looters. Dont be alarmed. Be safe everyone!


Anthony Arger - Aug 21, 2020 1:08PM  Share #2157

Arger Report #4

Good Afternoon Everyone,

Good news to report: I had a very good conversation with station Captain Tony Martinez on Engine 25 out of the Monticello station this morning around 7:30am when he and his heroic 3-engine crew (led by an incredible battalion chief named Jake Mceown (sp?) who truly saved our bacon up here - I can explain more sometime later) were heading down the mountain to get a day of rest after more than 2 FULL days on duty up here. Tony informed me that the "plan" I described last night was a success!

That is, CalFire (1) successfully put in dozer lines all the way from Circle Oaks/121 to the southeast of Atlas Peak, through Foss Valley (existing vineyard/dirt roads/fire breaks excepted), and connected with additional dozer lines at Sage Canyon /Chappellet/Pritchard hill, and (2) "backfired" EVERYTHING (i.e., all of the remaining wildland) above/north of those lines. In short, it appears that they have the fire effectively contained up here. For those up here currently, yes, there are some pretty big flames still raging along the very northwestern edge of Stagecoach (i.e. the ridgeline that ties in with Chappellet/Pritchard Hill), but it is my understanding that that is part of the "backfire" plan and within the planned/dozed fire lines. And, while Tony and the other local fire crews are off today, there are other engines and some helicopters up here keeping an eye on things in case things go haywire. To that end, the winds, although calm now, could always change and the fire could get away from the crews. However, a great weight was lifted off my shoulders after speaking with Tony early this am and I feel pretty darn good about things up here at the moment. Lets keep our thoughts and prayers going that the news up here stays good, as there are a lot of other folks around northern California who are in much worse shape than we are and desperately need the resources that are still currently dedicated up here.

As a heads up, I am probably heading back to Reno later today/this evening to catch up on several pressing "work work" matters and to see my beautiful wife and kids, so I will not be able to personally report first hand/on site information. However, I will do my best to stay in touch with Tony and others up here and keep everyone informed as necessary.

Thank you everyone for your well wishes, hard work and dedication to this incredibly special place we have in Soda Canyon/Atlas Peak/Foss Valley. It was once again a team effort from all players: Evil Knievel, Glenn Salva, Paul Keyzers, Brian ??, Derns, Choppings, Debra Manfree, Todd Adams, Tarzan, of course our local SCR volunteer fire captain DOUG CHRISTIAN to whom we owe a HUGE thank you as he may well have saved the Perris lives by waking them up and evac-ing them in time on Wednesday morning.before the fire took their home, and others I am probably forgetting. I am so very proud to consider this home and hope everyone is able to get to their respective homes soon.

With that, lets hope the next time we all communicate is at a community event gathering to celebrate with the fires long behind us!

Sincerely,
Anthony

Anthony Arger - Aug 20, 2020 9:08PM  Share #2156

Arger Report #3

Hi Everyone,

My apologies for the long delay since the last update, but the day started early and took Smokey (me) and the Bandit (Nikko) all over Foss Valley to help put out smoldering flames/fires with Doug Christian, Glenn Salva, Evil Knievel, and Tarzan (Wayne) at Antica, the Manfrees, and the Perris.

Fire Updates:

Nikko and I started the day early by driving all the way out to Circle R ranch (east of Antica) to the end of Atlas Peak Road where CalFire crews (including Dozers) were planning their day. At that time, there were separate wildland crews working farther east (toward Atlas Peak Road) who were actively "backfiring" the entire hillsides to burn everything out. Per this morning's conversations, the plan was as follows:
Backfire everything that was remaining on the far far eastern side of Circle R Ranch, and then bulldoze a line all the way through Walt Ranch down to Circle Oaks in an effort to contain the fire north of Atlas Peak Road.

Once that was completed, transfer many/most of the CalFire crews from the top of Atlas Peak Road all the way to the far western side of Foss Valley to continue working the western edge of the fire out by Stagecoach. Apparently, the dozer crews last night did not complete the line from Stagecoach over to Chappellet/Pritchard hill, because there was already a dozer crew coming up from Chappellet/Pritchard Hill and the powers that be decided it would be best to get the dozers back to Atlas Peak Road to finish that line. As a result, the line from Stagecoach to Chappellet was not complete as of this morning, BUT the fire was just slowly working its way through the wildland areas above and north/northwest of Stagecoach. And, the plan (again, as of this morning) was to head back to Stagecoach sometime this afternoon and intentionally "backfire" everything that remained above and between Stagecoach and Chappellet so as to "tie the fire off" and essentially be done with all of Foss Valley and Atlas Peak.

What we have witnessed since this morning:

Most of the crews stayed at the top of Atlas Peak Road all morning to pursue the above plan;

Around 2:00pm, 2 helicopters began dropping water on the ridgeline above Stagecoach and Chappellet and continued that effort for several hours;
The fire on the far western side above Stagecoach has been slowly working its way closer to Rector Canyon (although it is still at least 1-2 miles away from the edge with additional vineyard breaks in between);

Around 5:00pm, what appeared to be many of the CalFire crews from Atlas Peak Road came rumbling down the gravel road and were presumably (we were out in our vineyards irrigating and thus did not have a chance to speak with CalFire) headed out to Stagecoach to keep with their plan of backfiring the remaining sections on the western-most edge of Stagecoach and "tie the fire off."

Current Assumptions/Observations:

The wind is virtually non-existent in Foss Valley at present, which is exactly what CalFire was predicting/hoping for this morning so that they could backfire Stagecoach this afternoon/evening;

The fact that they all headed back out to Stagecoach around 5:00pm tells me that they are satisfied with the conditions at the top of Atlas Peak Road and now want to get the remainder of the fire done at Stagecoach so they can move on from Foss Valley/Atlas Peak and go assist in other areas;

As of present, there are no visible smoke plumes or smoldering fires visible to the north from our house anywhere between the Perris and the eastern edge of the Choppings, which is FANTASTIC news. Barring a significant wind event and south/southwest shift, I am cautiously optimistic that everyone with property/homes in Foss Valley is in good shape;

Moreover, if CalFire is successful in carrying out their plan of keeping the fire from going down Atlas Peak Road and out of Rector Canyon, then hopefully (fingers and toes crossed) everyone on lower Soda Canyon Road will be in good shape as well.
As for Soda Canyon Road remaining closed, I have no information. That said, a possible reason they may be keeping people out still is because they are trying to close everything out up here before additional cars/traffic/vehicles are able to get up here and "poke around." This is pure speculation, but lets hope that (or something similar) is the reason, and not because of any immediate fire risk of which I am not aware.

In closing, we have a lot to be thankful for up here and lets all stay hopeful that the weather continues to cooperate and that CalFire can close out upper Soda Canyon in the next few days. Have a great evening everyone and I will provide another update at some point tomorrow.

Sincerely,
Anthony

Chris Frassett - Aug 20, 2020 8:35PM  Share #2154

5 fire trucks just arrived on that fire from the west. [The flareup on the north edge of the Stagecoach vineyard]

The fire looks like it won’t survive the night?

Shelle Wolfe - Aug 20, 2020 6:24PM  Share #2152

Hi All,

I just got a call from Neighbor Carol and she said that Jesselyn, whose husband is a firefighter, said that we are still under mandatory evacuation and the winds have picked up. There are now flames coming from that area to the north in the hills over Rector Canyon.

As Glenn mentioned this morning, the fire is a fluid moving object and I do see a lot of flames up there.

Stay safe and keep your eyes open!

[Road is apparently closed again even for residenst]

Cindy Grupp - Aug 20, 2020 2:43PM  Share #2151

They've opened the road to residents. [Identification Req'd.]

George Caloyannidis - Aug 20, 2020 1:01PM  Share #2150

Thought I would share this video that shows what happened the first 7 hours of the Hennessey Fire.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=57FJ4z7sfqY



Hennessey Fire from Atlas Peak

Chris Frassett - Aug 20, 2020 6:39AM  Share #2147

Beginning of Day 4 6:38am

1:58 am: The fire is still running free towards Rector but having a difficult time moving downhill with no wind. I took several rides to Antica and the fire has progressed past Glenn Silva’s office towards Atlas Peak Rd. The fire is moving very slowly and only on the east side of the winery. My concerns are that the fire get on the other side near there winery. My eye was tuned to that area as the fire in 17 came at my place from behind. More difficult to defend against. Another lesson learned.

Anthony Arger - Aug 19, 2020 11:33PM  Share #2146

Arger Report #2

Hi Everyone,

This afternoon/evening is/has gone far better than this morning. To our knowledge, no more structures on upper SCR have been lost. As of ~7pm, the Manfrees, Shepps, Choppings, and remaining structures at the Perris were not being threatened, primarily because most of the fuel has already burned around the properties. There is still some fuel between each of those respective properties that could light up if the winds shift south/southwest, but the winds are currently still calm and gently blowing (still ~5-10mph) northeast and away from Foss Valley. Three engine crews, including Tony Martinez and his fantastic team on Engine 25 from Monticello station, are staying up here tonight to monitor everything and make rounds as necessary.

The great news is that a Bulldozer crew consisting of a D5, D6, and D7 arrived mid-afternoon via Atlas Peak Road and have already cut a line from the northwestern border of Antica through the Choppings property and over to the Shepps property line. There is still active fire above (i.e. north) of that line, but it is all wildland and if all goes according to plan (i.e. winds do not shift to south/southwest), the fire should (fingers extra crossed) burn itself out back up to Atlas Peak and not push back south/southwest into Foss Valley.

After the Dozers cut that first line, they went "blades up" along the dirt road all the way out to the far western edge of Stagecoach and met up with another set of Dozers that cut/re-cut the same line along the northwestern edge of Foss Valley from the 2017 Atlas Fire that goes up and over the top toward Pritchard Hill/Chappellet/Sage Canyon. This is EXTREMELY important and good news, as by doing this, CalFire has effectively confined the fire (assuming no big wind events of course) to the remaining wildland areas on Atlas Peak and cut off access for the fire to get into Rector Canyon. The Dozers then tracked all the back across Foss Valley, back through Antica and, according to our convo with the current battalion chief for Upper SCR around 8pm, are heading back towards Atlas Peak Road in an effort to cut additional lines to try and prevent the fire from spreading down Atlas Peak Road, and thus, hopefully, from climbing up and over into Lower SCR. In short, they have a very good strategic plan in place to try and confine the fire to Atlas Peak (and out of Foss Valley), and thus far the plan seems to be working.

We are all very fortunate that many of the same "players" from CalFire from 2017 are up here again, know the area, and appreciate the extreme benefit of trying to keep the fire off of Atlas Peak Road and out of Rector Canyon, which is why they got the Dozers up here so quickly. To put it in perspective, in 2017, the fire started on Sunday night, and the Dozer crew did not arrive until Thursday or Friday. In 2020, the fire in Foss Valley effectively began this morning around 5am, and they had 3 bulldozers on the ground and cutting lines by mid-afternoon - that is really really good.

In closing, I am still heartbroken for the Perris, not to mention the dozens of other families in Vacaville, Fairfield, and other areas currently under siege, and send my sincerest condolences to them for the loss of their home, but I am also cautiously optimistic and hopeful that many more homes on SCR will be spared by the great efforts being put forth by CalFire.

I hope everyone is well and I will provide another update sometime in the morning.

Sincerely,
Anthony

Glenn Schreuder - Aug 20, 2020 12:40PM

Thanks Anthony, great recap!
I would like to re-emphasize your cautious optimism:

This fire is still a fluid situation.

Any unexpected change in the direction and intensity of the wind could quickly push the current situation on Soda Canyon Road back to square one.

I know people are anxious to get back home but I place my trust with Cal Fire and their judgment on this matter.

Things are looking encouraging but we are not out of the woods yet.

Both are true.
Please stay safe everyone! Glenn


Cindy Grupp - Aug 20, 2020 8:51AM

Anthony
Thank you so much for the information updates not to mention your fire fighting efforts. For those of us who can only watch from town and try to interpret the columns of smoke as to what’s burning and where exactly it’s burning your updates are greatly appreciated.
Stay safe


Bill Hocker - Aug 19, 2020 5:51PM  Share #2145


Debra Manfree on the front line
To The Heros

Greatful thanks from all of us to those brave residents who have remained on the mountain working to protect all of our homes. If you know of others to add to the list below, please let me know.

Todd Adams
Anthony Arger
Nikko Arger
Doug Christian
Fred Chopping
Chris Dern
Chris Frassette
Dave and Lauren Griffiths
Paul Kiser
Richard MacCabe
Deborah Manfree
Elizabeth Meier
Anne Palotas
Glenn Salva
Glenn Schreuder
Wayne, Casey, Devery



Barbara Guggia - Aug 19, 2020 5:04PM

So thankful to have caring and brave neighbors in our Soda Canyon community. Your help and updates are priceless. We appreciate all that you do- stay safe!


Melanie Whiteley - Aug 19, 2020 4:24PM

Thank you for all of the hard work, and the updates!


Shelle Wolfe - Aug 19, 2020 3:06PM

Thank you Anthony! Excellent reporting and great work!


Diane Shepp - Aug 19, 2020 3:05PM

THANK YOU for the information and ALL THE WORK!!! from the bottom of our hearts. ???Diane and Alan


Glenn Schreuder - Aug 19, 2020 3:03PM

Thank you all for protecting this special place we all call home and for keeping all of us in the loop! So sorry for the losses. We are all praying for everyone’s safety and hoping for no more losses!

Judy Schreuder


Chad McComber - Aug 19, 2020 4:49PM  Share #2142

New engine arriving 4:45 8/19
Just saw a fire engine going up Soda Canyon past Loma Vista.

Daniel Mufson - Aug 19, 2020 4:04PM  Share #2140

Bill Hocker - Aug 19, 2020 2:44PM  Share #2136

8/19/20 2:40pm -- This does not look good!


Nor does this!!


Richard P. MacCabe - Aug 19, 2020 2:27PM  Share #2135


There is also this to north on ridge across the canyon. [On the north edge of Stagecoach Vineyards]

Shelle Wolfe - Aug 19, 2020 1:24PM  Share #2134


Did I send this one? [At the western base of Atlas Peak] Debra (Amber’s mom) and a couple neighbors saved the Manfree homes. Our Heros!
Think a barn might have burned though.

Anthony Arger - Aug 19, 2020 1:17PM  Share #2133

Arger Report: #1

Hi Everyone,

I am very sorry to report that it was a bad night. As earlier emails from others indicate, the fire crested Atlas Peak around 4:00am and made a really fast run from the saddle out by Stagecoach (opposite Chappellet) and reached the Perri's home with little warning sometime around 5:00am. Thankfully, they were able to evacuate, but I am so sorry to report that the main home, along with a garage (a single truck inside) were completely lost. By the time Doug Christian and the local engines arrived, there was nothing that could be done. Again, I am so so sorry Mr. and Mrs. Perri. We have been checking on things there since and I can report that the small cottage by the pool, the generator/pump house, and the lower house are all intact and not currently threatened. We got on the roof of the cottage, cleared all the pine needles, fired up the trash/pool pump and wet the whole cottage and porch down in case there is another flare up (still some fuel in the vicinity, and things could obviously change quickly if winds pick up and push south/southwest).

As for the other adjacent homes, we spent almost the entire morning shuttling between the Perris, the Manfrees, the Shepps, and the Choppings. The Manfrees lost their pool/pump house, but so far no other structures. Main house and barn have good perimeter, sprinklers going on the roof, and we took our trash/pool pump there that is ready to go in case things turn south (both literally and figuratively). So far all structures at both Shepps and Choppings are still in place and although threatened, (hopefully) have a good chance of making it through, namely because of the engines on site. There are now two engines up here that are effectively doing what we are doing; that is, shuttling back and forth between the Perris, the Manfrees, the Shepps, and the Choppings, and, rumor has it that more resources are en route, but unknown how much and ETA.

Fortunately, the wind is calm (5-10 mph max) and pushing northeast, which means the fire is essentially push back into itself. The entire Atlas Peak ridge line (looking north out of Foss Valley) is "black" (i.e., burned), and slowly working its way east/northeast into itself. Air is surprisingly clear everywhere except immediately around the Perris/Manfrees/Shepps/Choppings.

We just got back from Hockers (Bill, I opened and left gate open and had CalFire "drop a pin" at your house so they could go there and get some perspective at some point) and there is no fire in Rector Canyon, and nothing (at this time) is any further into Foss Valley than what is (and has been) burning around the Perris, Manfrees, Shepps, and Choppings. In other words, everything further south into Foss Valley (Derns, Hockers, Challapallis/Dahans, Keyzers, Glorias, etc.) is all OK at this time.

I do not know the status of lower Soda Canyon, but heard chatter from CalFire guys that Atlas Peak Road may be having some problems, which, if true, could mean that a fire works over into lower Soda Canyon from Atlas Peak Road ridge line at some point. Again, that is NOT confirmed, based solely on CalFire chatter, and even they did not seem to have a good handle on that when we spoke (around 10am).

Internet is spotty, so not going to attach pictures at this time, but hopefully the above narrative provides everyone with some intel. Thank you and we will report back sometime later today/tonight.

Shelle Wolfe - Aug 19, 2020 1:16PM  Share #2132




Fire at base of Atlas Peak ridge.

Cynthia Sterling - Aug 19, 2020 11:49AM  Share #2130

Here is a very helpful site that includes access to cameras around the area as well as fire perimeter detail;

https://firemap.sdsc.edu/

click the stack in the upper right corner, and then click on “Fires” then click on “Active Perimeters” and the first two Satellite options.

Ernest Wilson - Aug 19, 2020 11:34AM  Share #2129

My folks, Jim and Leonore, are over the ridge from you in “Upper” Capell Valley. No fire there now. Fire seems to be behind them near Lake Curry. Monitoring western front (Atlas Peak), which could make its way East down the Walt Ranch towards our property.

Christopher Vandendriessche - Aug 19, 2020 11:33AM  Share #2128

This site is a great graphic of satellite fire siteings and wind directions. Also can be adjusted to show predicted wind up to +30 hours...

https://sartopo.com/map.html

Richard P. MacCabe - Aug 19, 2020 11:16AM  Share #2127




11:00am

1:50pm
Fire at base of Atlas Peak ridge.


Bill, your house totally in the clear.... [So far! Thank you Richard --Bill]



Patricia Damery - Aug 19, 2020 11:07AM  Share #2126

Cal fire update at 11 am in Calistoga. Think its televised..but I cannot find where.

Dan McFadden - Aug 19, 2020 9:57AM  Share #2123

Real time update: The fire has now moved down into Foss Valley at the top of our canyon, and our neighbors there are fighting the fire to try to save their homes. Our farm and immediate neighbors down the canyon are not in immediate danger, but embers from these fires can spread it explosively, so this is worrisome.

Shelle Wolfe - Aug 19, 2020 9:48AM  Share #2122


Shelle Wolfe - Aug 19, 2020 9:36AM  Share #2121







Fire dropping down from Atlas Peak ridge.

Anne Palotas - Aug 19, 2020 9:32AM  Share #2120

There is a lot of grey to white smoke in the valley. Can still see some fires burning and there are some dramatic flare ups on occasion. The true story may be obscured by the smoke.

We are not out of the woods yet. Better than before but still touch and go. Every time I see black smoke or a flare up my heart sinks.

Hopeful, but very guarded

Shelle Wolfe - Aug 19, 2020 9:17AM  Share #2119

I just came from there… Went to get my chickens. Yes, the fire is coming down the hill from many directions.

It was right above where the homes start. Not sure if it was ‘Amber‘s or the ships. But that general area.

However, as I was leaving, a lot of white smoke started coming up so hopefully they are up there fighting the fire. I think ANTHONY and Nicco are up there also.

I’m back in town now.

Shelle

Barbara Guggia - Aug 19, 2020 8:20AM  Share #2118

In case you don’t already have this app, You can follow cal fire on this. It’s a free app, just download and go to Napa County/ Calfire. You can follow in real time. We just learned the fire is coming over the northeast ridge of Soda Canyon and there are fire trucks present.
Barbara
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/5-0-radio-police-scanner/id356336433

Lauren Griffiths - Aug 19, 2020 7:50AM  Share #2124

Fire on Atlas Ridge from earlier this morning.

Anne Palotas - Aug 19, 2020 3:41AM  Share #2117

It’s breaking over the ridge

Elisabeth Meier - Aug 19, 2020 3:12AM  Share #2116

Wayne and I went into Antica to the Gate to the Ranch -- all good. Other verhicle was the fire dept. -- same result -- all good…. Its still behind the same ridge and we could not see anyting on the “antica” side at all -- nothing. E.

Anne Palotas - Aug 19, 2020 2:07AM  Share #2115

Fresh Nixle alert states the fire is still moving toward Soda Canyon and Atlas Peak. The fire is getting close to the Atlas Peak Camera. It has also crossed Sage creek and is working it’s way up the back side of the ridge. The flow has intensified. Smoke could obscure the true intensity.

Some vehicles have been going down the road quickly

This is just what I could find out.

Diane Shepp - Aug 18, 2020 12:40PM  Share #2131




Photos taken yesterday as we evacuated. [8/18/20 12:40pm]

Anthony Arger - Aug 18, 2020 12:10PM  Share #2114

Dear Soda Canyon Friends & Neighbors,

If you have not already heard, there is another fire in our midst, known as the Hennessey Fire (ABC NEWS: Hennessey Fire: Evacuations ordered in Vacaville as wildfire destroys dozens of homes). Attached to this email are a few pictures taken earlier this afternoon (around 5pm) and this evening from upper Soda Canyon. Below are a couple of maps:

Alertwildfire.org Map
Caltopo Map

Thanks to prompt communications about the fire from Glenn Salva, Glenn Schreuder (aka Evil Knievel), and Shelle Wolfe earlier today, Smokey (me, Anthony) and the Bandit (Nikko) were quickly alerted, brought out of an all-too-brief retirement from 2017 SCR fire duty, made haste to Napa, and got up the hill before the roadblocks were put in place.

Thankfully, the afternoon winds were not too strong (~5-10mph) and were blowing northeast and AWAY from Soda Canyon. As a result, I am very pleased to report that the fire has not yet crested Atlas Peak and we obviously hope it stays that way. In fact, the current winds are nonexistent and it was actually an incredibly calm and peaceful evening, albeit for the orange glow lighting up the northern Foss Valley sky...

We will do our best to keep everyone updated, but please know that we are at our house (3030 Soda Canyon) for the foreseeable future, and if you need anything, please do not hesitate to call/email/swing by and let us know how we can help.

Again, everything is quiet, and the power is still on up here, which is obviously a good sign. Rest easy and we hope to have more good news tomorrow.

Sincerely,
Anthony




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