Fire crews from all over the state and even neighboring states converged on Santa Barbara to help battle the blaze.

Everywhere you turn there are signs expressing deep appreciation for the firefighters, police and first responders whose heroic efforts saved many homes and many lives. Although something like 80 homes were lost, it was apparent to me that many hundreds more were saved. I often saw one house leveled to the ground with another standing 200 feet away without a hint of damage.

Today, I worked for 14 hours. That is nothing compared to this fire crew from Pasedena who has been on the scene for 5 days working around the clock. They informed me that the fire was well under control and that the weather was cooperating.

 
What you see here are the melted remains of the magnesium alloy wheels from this truck.

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Volunteers have left a pair of gloves and a sifting screen for the family. Can you imagine having your entire home reduced to ash that will pass through a 1/4 inch wire mesh?

 
The family that lived here lost everything. Their house, in the background, has burned to the ground and their truck is nothing but a carcass. It was very sobering to view this scene and I can only begin to imagine the total sense of loss they must feel. Fortunately, despite the massive destruction, no one lost their life to the fire.

 
Another monthly trip to Santa Barbara today. Wake up at 4:30am, in the air by day break, land in LA at 10:30am (Pacific Time), drive to Santa Barbara, and then start an 8 hour work day. Still plenty of energy and almost an hour of sunlight to head up into the foothills to see first hand the aftermath of the Jesusita wildfire. It does not take long before I encounter the first signs. The fire is now largely contained due to favorable weather conditions but fire crews remain on site in the event hot spots reignite.

 
Nico scored in his match today to help his team to a 4-2 win. He did complain of knee pain after the game so we will have to monitor this as the season progresses. Kyle’s team won all four of their matches aggregating 19 goals for with only 2 goals against. I am still sidelined while my knee recuperates. I leave for Santa Barbara tomorrow and will not post again for a few days.

 
Overcast skies and light rain made for interesting light and with my long lens already out I decided to do a little birding.

 
While waiting for Kyle’s soccer tournament to begin I happened upon this pair of turtles in a nearby pond. The boys played well and opened the first of 4 games this weekend with a decisive 5-0 win.

1 Tennis Ball = 1 Happy Dog + 1 Happy Girl

Mother and daughter enjoying nature in their own ways.

 
Maya left this note for her brother Kyle and I could not stop laughing when I came across it. She chooses a happy penguin motif, leads with a guilt trip and closes with a demand for restitution. Gotta admire her style. I will have to follow the story to see if and how her brother responds.

Over a dozen aircraft and 1500 firefighters have been deployed to battle the Jesusita wildfire. Santa Barbara, an otherwise idyllic setting is unfortunately subject to these fires and this is the second major one in the last 6 months. Everyone here is concerned over the welfare of our California colleauges.