Fires in Sonoma

Posted by: Florida Jim

Fires in Sonoma - 10-12-2017 15:14:11

10-12, 2:50pm PST:
I can only speak to Sonoma:
Sunday night, the winds were 50 mph and above and a fire started near Calistoga. The winds drove it toward Santa Rosa and it was funneled into Rincon Valley. The fire moved 16 Miles in 15 minutes. Funneled into to Rincon Valley it gained speed and came down the mountain, jumped US 101 and destroyed over 1,000 homes in a matter of minutes.
Several other fires started in the mountains between Napa Valley and Sonoma Valley, most likely by tree branches downing live power lines. They have spread rapidly throughout those mountains.
As of date and time above, there are mandatory evacuations for large areas of Sonoma Valley, and voluntary evacuations for most of it.
The winds have calmed but many of the disparate fires have joined making fighting them significantly harder.
Personally, our winery is safe but without power, our warehouse is safe with power but my house is in harm’s way and without power since Sunday night. Fortunately, Diane has been in NC this whole time visiting family and friends. I am living in Tiburon now and returning daily to Sonoma to check on house and friends.
Sonoma and the surrounding area is full of smoke and ash is falling like snow. Virtually everything is closed and most folks have left.
There are a large number of firefighters doing what they can but this will take weeks to resolve.
Over 2,000 structures burned to the ground. At last count, 25 dead but that number is expected to rise as many more are missing.
And Napa Valley has, from what I’m told, a similar tale of woe.
Wine country is a war zone.
Best, jim
Posted by: Bob Davis

Re: Fires in Sonoma - 10-12-2017 18:37:20

Thanks for the update Jim. I have been watching over on Berserkers. Stay safe.
Posted by: Brad Harrington

Re: Fires in Sonoma - 10-13-2017 17:46:26

such a tragedy. Been looking at pictures on Facebook and it just bums me out. It is going to be a huge setback for the region. I wish all the vineyard owners some kind of good luck and pray they all have great insurance.
Posted by: BEB

Re: Fires in Sonoma - 10-14-2017 03:25:05

Many thanks for the update, Jim.
the pictures are heartrending. I can't imagine actually witnessing it.
Posted by: Florida Jim

Re: Fires in Sonoma - 10-14-2017 18:37:20

The most difficult update:
So far 39 dead and 5,600 homes destroyed.
So far . . .
Posted by: BEB

Re: Fires in Sonoma - 10-15-2017 04:48:57

.... and 400 missing in the affected areas per news reports.
Posted by: fraser

Re: Fires in Sonoma - 10-20-2017 13:22:28

This was a very powerful video shot by the Berkeley FD. It's worth watching.


https://www.facebook.com/SFGate/videos/10159531467475594/

Fraser
Posted by: BEB

Re: Fires in Sonoma - 10-23-2017 06:45:19

Powerful indeed. Thanks for posting.