California governor declares wildfire emergency

[Zomby Woof]

Source: AP

LOS ANGELES – Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has declared a state of emergency in Los Angeles and Monterey counties as wildfires burn large areas and threaten homes.

The order Friday comes as firefighters battle two blazes in the Angeles National Forest above Los Angeles' northeastern suburbs and mop up the remnants of an overnight fire on the Palos Verdes Peninsula that singed six houses. The fires have forced the evacuation of numerous homes.

In Monterey County, a wildfire near Soledad has reached 5,000 acres, or nearly 8 square miles. About 100 homes are under evacuation orders.


Read more: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090828/ap_on_re_us/us_california_wildfires_36

[pinto]

1. We are having "ideal" conditions for wildfires recently. High temps, low humidity, NE wind.

Pretty much all the way down to the coast.

[Zomby Woof]

2. Calif. firefighters wage fierce wildfire battles

Source: AP

LOS ANGELES – Firefighters beat back flames licking at ocean-view estates Friday, while another wildfire raged through a dry forest above Los Angeles' foothill suburbs. Residents nervously watched aircraft drop loads of water and retardant on nearby blazing slopes.

The dramatic success of an overnight air and ground battle against a swift-moving blaze on the Palos Verdes Peninsula was tempered by the threat from an out-of-control fire on the opposite side of Los Angeles in the steep San Gabriel Mountains above the city of La Canada Flintridge.

The blaze in Angeles National Forest had grown to nearly 8 square miles by Friday evening and was creeping east toward Los Angeles foothills suburbs, Forest Service spokeswoman Rachel Mailo said. It was 5 percent contained. Hundreds remained evacuated Friday evening and hundreds more were packed and ready to move on a moment's notice.

"We're boxed up and ready to go," said La Canada Flintridge resident Steve Buntich, watching helicopters line up to siphon water from a golf course reservoir. He said his wife and children had evacuated to a friend's house for several hours, but had since returned home.


Read more: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090829/ap_on_re_us/us_california_wildfires_45

[Hekate]

3. It's that season here again. May all beings be safe.

Pay attention to the weather; watch out for sundowners.

Hekate