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(This map is from the San Jose Mercury News. Be advised that they messed up their links to videos, so clicking on them will resize your browser window, but you can stretch it back out and see the video.)
Here is some info on the Summit Fire for anyone who might be interested (like those of you who aren't in the area ... or country). As of this posting, 3,840 acres have burned in the Santa Cruz Mountains west of Morgan Hill and there are a total of 3,089 people working to fight the wildfire which is 35% contained. The estimated cost of fighting the fire (damage is not included) is 5.9 million dollars so far.
We've had helicopters and planes flying overhead throughout the day (We're still in Morgan Hill). On his way home from work Friday, Glen watched a helicopter pick up more water from "Water Tenders" (several water trucks) just off of Santa Teresa Road on the North side of town. The sky has been very hazy and you can smell the smoke outside, but it didn't keep Glen from planting and mowing for a few hours on Saturday.
Due to the proximity of the fire to Mount Madonna, Tom and Anne (Aimee's parents) moved several things down to our apartment just in case they needed to evacuate. According to the Cal Fire maps, one end of the burned area (9 miles long) is about 3 miles from Tom and Anne's place as the bird flies, but Cal Fire says not to rely on their maps - the maps are approximate.
This is all over the news locally, so you'll find a myriad of articles if you do a Google News search for "Summit Fire." Many of the local news organizations have photos and video online. Below is video posted to YouTube of a report from Ch3 in Sacramento (There were other videos, but the quality and color were terrible.).
The official info is available at www.fire.ca.gov, there you'll find links to Google maps that show the fire perimeter and links to more information, including links to press releases.
Update May 26,2008: The latest press release from the California Department of Forestry and fire Protection says that the Summit Fire has burned 3,920 acres, but is 60 percent contained and is expected to be 100% contained on Tuesday May 27, 2008 around 6 p.m. The estimated cost of fire suppression is up to $8,160,000. The American Red Cross is taking donations to help those who have been affected by the fire.
American Red Cross - Santa Clara Valley Chapter
American Red Cross - Santa Cruz County Chapter
