and on the seventh day

🔥 Day 7 (Tuesday) - The weather cooperated the last couple of days, allowing containment to reach 17% by tonight's 6:00 press conference. Apparently there will be more controlled burns above our neighborhood, likely on Thursday when the weather is predicted to be *most* favorable. Even though the operative word is 'controlled,' I dread seeing the map light up again - it is so so stressful.

A damage assessment map (shown in the screenshot and found here 👉bit.ly/2QrK4al) was released late this afternoon. It's hard to comprehend how many homes have been destroyed in the last week. 350 or so confirmed and that number is supposed to rise significantly. The neighborhood above us is almost completely gone. Ours has so far been spared due to the heroism of firefighters. <3

creep

🔥 Day 6 (Monday) - I cannot explain what it feels like to watch the fire creep closer to our house, day by day. It seems impossible that it will be there in a week. I’ve vacillated between hope and despair and resignation today. I just wish so badly this was behind us.

songs about fire

🔥 Day 5 (Sunday) - A firebreak was cut down the 9 corridor from Boulder Creek to Felton today and a little moisture came to the area, allowing us some breathing room. 

That said, there is a red flag warning in effect for most of NorCal and that is supposed to bring dry lightning - the same weather that started the enormous fires all around us. 

Apparently there has been major damage to the water lines in SLV and who knows how long that may take to repair...once the fire is under control. It seems unlikely that this will be 'over' anytime soon. Mentally preparing for that is difficult.

the plague & the fire

🔥 Day 4 (Saturday) - As of a couple hours ago there is still power on Bigfoot Hill and a small group of neighbors there, working hard. They're keeping an eye out for fires and looters, as well as working on properties to make them more fire-proof. Webcams indicate that a crew is running chainsaws near Empire Ridge to clear more trees.

The spot where the is ❌ on the map (.3 miles from 🏡) flared up a few times yesterday and then again this morning. Rumor has it that the Felton volunteer fire department, with the heroic assistance of an inmate firefighters, has it under control again this afternoon. We also hear that CalFire may be doing a water drop with one of their helicopters. We're just hoping there's no more lightning tonight. 

I can't quite explain how these last few days have felt - it's alternately heart-wrenching and hopeful, and so so exhausting. Nights are hard because we know the wind picks up and social media quiets town.

yep, it's a fire

🔥 DAY 3 (Friday) - Update as of 10:30 AM: Our little farm appears to have made it through the night, thanks the the heroic efforts of firefighters from all over the state, and beyond. 

The map shows how close the fire is. Rumor has it, the line is (mostly) being held at Empire Grade which is about 1.5 miles from us, as the crow flies. The two red spots closer to the circle (our house) are spot fires that were rumored to have been suppressed during the night, 0.3 miles away from us. 

Yesterday afternoon I was able to connect with a neighbor (who we've never met) who has been incredibly kind and helpful. He pointed me in the direction of a couple of FB groups that are regularly updated by folks on Bigfoot Hill - some even with cameras that are still working. 

We continue to be safe, and exhausted, in Campbell.

so yeah, a fire

🔥DAY 2 (Thursday) update, we’ve gotten an evacuation notice.

2020, you’re an awful fucking lot. (we are safe in campbell.) 

🟥 = evacuated

 🟨 = pre-evacuated

 🔵 = our Felton home

the one where there's a fire

🔥 DAY 1 (Wednesday): Since so many folks are asking: we were supposed to take possession of our new home in Felton today. Needless to say, we haven't been able to. Our kids were supposed to (remotely) start school tomorrow in San Lorenzo Valley. That is on hold for now too. 

We have received a preliminary message of potential evacuation as of 2:00 today, for our Felton home. We haven't moved yet and are safe here in Campbell for the moment. Think good thoughts.