As of this writing, the Station Fire of La Canada-Flintridge has consumed 20,102 acres. 1,804 fire fighters have been fighting a battle not seen in these parts for over 40 years. Mandatory Evacuations are in effect for over 10,000 homes. The fire is threatening the Mount Wilson Communications Facilities and Observatory.
The areas that are burning (or in danger of burning) are close to my heart. For this project, twenty one of my hikes have been done in the Angeles National Forest, some of them might be lost when this is all said and done. The flames can be seen from just outside my apartment’s front door here in Arcadia, but the mushroom-cloud of smoke can be seen from all across the Southland. I went on a hike in Malibu this morning and on the early morning drive to the trailhead, I could see the flames scorch the mountains just above Pasadena. At first, I was fascinated with photographing the wildfire, but in a way similar to the fascination of watching a train wreck or an accident scene on the side of the road.
When I got home this afternoon, I stopped watching the fire. I just simply can’t look at the fire anymore. I’m too emotionally attached to these mountains to watch them burn. Here are the photos I took of the last couple of days:
Friday at 12 noon from East Pasadena
BRUSH FIRE RTE 2 CLOSED TO ANGELES FOREST - Most of my hikes would begin on the Angeles Crest Highway.
Saturday 6:45am - View from Pasadena
Saturday 2pm - From Mid City
Saturday 2:15pm - From Downtown LA
Saturday 2:45pm - Silver Lake Reservoir
#1 by wilberfan on August 29, 2009 - 11:40 pm
Tragic and heartbreaking… At some point, though, do we need to remember that that ecosystem is designed to burn? It IS part of the Big Picture–but that doesn't make it any less sad to see…
#2 by Melanie on August 30, 2009 - 11:04 am
It's so smoky here in Studio City today, it's like standing next to a campfire. Kolby, I hope you're not hiking today! Bad air quality!
#3 by Robb on August 30, 2009 - 12:14 pm
So many peaks are getting burned up. It is a shame, but they'll grow back again. It'll be eerie hiking those trails soon.
#4 by Kolby on August 30, 2009 - 5:55 pm
Yes, I understand the natural process. However, I still grieve when a friend or family member dies – even though it's apart of the “natural process”. It will take a long time for these areas to heal. Not sure if it is easy to say it will be better because of the fires or not.
#5 by Kolby on August 30, 2009 - 5:57 pm
Yes, I've been keeping my eye on the AQMD website. Air quality really sucks right now in this area, so I've been trying to stay indoors. No hiking for me today. Hopefully the San Gorgonio Wilderness will be fine next weekend for my backpacking trip.
#6 by Kolby on August 30, 2009 - 5:58 pm
I'm anxious to get up there, Robb. To see what has been burned and hopefully find areas that haven't been touched. Maybe the fires haven't spread into the deep canyons like Switzer or Millard.
#7 by Melanie on August 30, 2009 - 6:04 pm
It's so smoky here in Studio City today, it's like standing next to a campfire. Kolby, I hope you're not hiking today! Bad air quality!
#8 by Robb on August 30, 2009 - 7:14 pm
So many peaks are getting burned up. It is a shame, but they'll grow back again. It'll be eerie hiking those trails soon.
#9 by Kolby on August 31, 2009 - 12:55 am
Yes, I understand the natural process. However, I still grieve when a friend or family member dies – even though it's apart of the “natural process”. It will take a long time for these areas to heal. Not sure if it is easy to say it will be better because of the fires or not.
#10 by Kolby on August 31, 2009 - 12:57 am
Yes, I've been keeping my eye on the AQMD website. Air quality really sucks right now in this area, so I've been trying to stay indoors. No hiking for me today. Hopefully the San Gorgonio Wilderness will be fine next weekend for my backpacking trip.
#11 by Kolby on August 31, 2009 - 12:58 am
I'm anxious to get up there, Robb. To see what has been burned and hopefully find areas that haven't been touched. Maybe the fires haven't spread into the deep canyons like Switzer or Millard.