First, I cannot believe the Ozmens and Millers homes survived, truly amazing; such good news during this difficult time!
Second, updates:
Nikko and I spent the entire day leading engines all around the plateau to station at homes (these crews are from all over the state and have no idea as to geography, etc. so it has been nice to be able to assist them and make sure they can get to the houses and hot spots), and as of this email, it is my understanding that all in Foss Valley are still intact and unharmed, including those closest to the flames: Perris, Manfrees, Shepps, Derns, MacCabes, and Hockers.
The fires are (and have been) burning (1) up and down the north side of Foss valley towards the Shepps, Manfrees and Perris, and (2) up Rector towards Hockers/Derns/MacCabes.
Fortunately, the winds they were predicting never materialized. I have not been to the north side since about 4pm, but at that time it appeared that most of the fuel had slowly burned around the Shepps and Manfrees (all the way up to the houses), and still had more to burn around the Perris. Trucks are at all those locations and are planning to spend the night.
We just got back from Hockers and were incredibly relieved to see that most everything has burned around the point and is burning up both sides towards Mike Russ and MPW. I say relieved because that means the fuel is getting chewed up and is doing so slowly and under control. Bill's deck caught fire, but the crew was able to put it out very quickly by ripping off a few boards. We opened the barn for the overnight crew at Hockers and took ground pads for them. They said they are not sure if they will sleep, but it is a good sign they are thinking about taking a snooze.
As with the last couple of days, things can change quickly, but as of now the slow burn is a good thing and I think/hope everyone can rest easy tonight.
Second, updates:
Nikko and I spent the entire day leading engines all around the plateau to station at homes (these crews are from all over the state and have no idea as to geography, etc. so it has been nice to be able to assist them and make sure they can get to the houses and hot spots), and as of this email, it is my understanding that all in Foss Valley are still intact and unharmed, including those closest to the flames: Perris, Manfrees, Shepps, Derns, MacCabes, and Hockers.
The fires are (and have been) burning (1) up and down the north side of Foss valley towards the Shepps, Manfrees and Perris, and (2) up Rector towards Hockers/Derns/MacCabes.
Fortunately, the winds they were predicting never materialized. I have not been to the north side since about 4pm, but at that time it appeared that most of the fuel had slowly burned around the Shepps and Manfrees (all the way up to the houses), and still had more to burn around the Perris. Trucks are at all those locations and are planning to spend the night.
We just got back from Hockers and were incredibly relieved to see that most everything has burned around the point and is burning up both sides towards Mike Russ and MPW. I say relieved because that means the fuel is getting chewed up and is doing so slowly and under control. Bill's deck caught fire, but the crew was able to put it out very quickly by ripping off a few boards. We opened the barn for the overnight crew at Hockers and took ground pads for them. They said they are not sure if they will sleep, but it is a good sign they are thinking about taking a snooze.
As with the last couple of days, things can change quickly, but as of now the slow burn is a good thing and I think/hope everyone can rest easy tonight.
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