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smoke gets in your eyes
Oct. 27th, 2003 12:17 amI live less than 3 miles from the Claremont fire line. Last night I could see flames shooting into the sky from my apartment balcony. My friend K thinks she lost her cabin to that fire that I could see so clearly. The reports she's been getting from Baldy Village are inconsistent so there is still some hope that the cabin is standing unharmed. I hope it is, oh so much. It would be a tremendous loss for her -- many of her books and personal objects are there. That cabin is her Fortress of Solitude. I share her fear of loss, if on a slightly different scale. I lived in that cabin for 18 months a few years ago. I still visit it periodically for a day of solitude and reflection or to meet K for conversation and relaxation. It's a special place, full of memories for many people, K especially. I hope it's ok.
Here are some aerial photos of the region (thanks to Mark for the link). It's positively apocalyptic outside -- there is a thin sheen of ash and soot on everything. The sun is an obscene orange color and the world has a yellow hue to it. The air has a texture, I can feel the particles on my skin and in my nose as I walk to the car or the mail. It's 81 degrees outside (according to my balcony thermometer) and the wind is still for the moment. What is most disturbing is that someone -- some person -- set this fire that has taken such a great toll on this area. Homes, animals, trees, plants -- all destroyed by malice aforethought. It is moments like this when I most doubt the possible goodness of human beings and I don't have a load of hope about that possibility to begin with.
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destina is posting some information on the fire and the havoc it has caused in our area over the past few days. Though it's only been this weekend, the drama of the sky, air and view increase my feeling that it's never going to end. It's ghastly here. I feel for the relief workers and firefighters out there trying to make a difference. I hope they can. Tonight the flames are reduced to a dull orange glow. However, the Claremont fire has joined forces with another fire and the two are still moving through the San Bernardino Mountains. I wonder what tomorrow will bring.
Here are some aerial photos of the region (thanks to Mark for the link). It's positively apocalyptic outside -- there is a thin sheen of ash and soot on everything. The sun is an obscene orange color and the world has a yellow hue to it. The air has a texture, I can feel the particles on my skin and in my nose as I walk to the car or the mail. It's 81 degrees outside (according to my balcony thermometer) and the wind is still for the moment. What is most disturbing is that someone -- some person -- set this fire that has taken such a great toll on this area. Homes, animals, trees, plants -- all destroyed by malice aforethought. It is moments like this when I most doubt the possible goodness of human beings and I don't have a load of hope about that possibility to begin with.
destina is posting some information on the fire and the havoc it has caused in our area over the past few days. Though it's only been this weekend, the drama of the sky, air and view increase my feeling that it's never going to end. It's ghastly here. I feel for the relief workers and firefighters out there trying to make a difference. I hope they can. Tonight the flames are reduced to a dull orange glow. However, the Claremont fire has joined forces with another fire and the two are still moving through the San Bernardino Mountains. I wonder what tomorrow will bring.