The cautionary alerts regarding Fire Weather issued by the National Weather Service have proved to be prophetic. This afternoon at approximately three o'clock the second big fire in the Santa Cruz mountains this fire season roared to life, consuming over 50 acres in the 15 minutes it took for the first Cal Fire units to arrive on scene and give their initial report of conditions. The fire, dubbed the Martin Fire, joins it's consuming cousin the Indian Fire which is burning freely in the Ventana Wilderness in Monterey County. (The sat pic shows the plumes of both fires. The Indian Fire is to the south of the Martin Fire.)
The Indian Fire will burn until it goes out, or burns out of the wilderness. As wilderness, no mechanized equipment is permitted in the fire area. There is little to no human presence in the wilderness. The Martin Fire is bad news. This is burning in a heavily populated area known as Bonny Doon. Over 1,400 people have been evacuated at this writing. There are numerous homes and businesses like wineries in the area. I'm afraid this one won't go down easy.
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