Sam Shueh
Realty One Group
Campbell. CA
I have described about several major fires in Northern and Central California in August and recently.
There is another mountain fire broke out closer to Silicon Valley and it started on September 26 at 3 PM. I saw the smoke within 2 hours and it quickly moved from Loma Prieta (close to the famous 1987 earthquake) when the national news showed in front of our property a rescue helicopter parked and the famous San Francisco Bay Bridge collapse sections. I received several urgent calls to move out of California then.
This Loma Prieta fire broke out from a burning house in the mountain near a TV station and cell phone towers in a difficult to reach mountain ranges with barely fire lanes. About 200 fire fighters and multiple airplanes started dropping flame retardants. It charred over 1500 ac quickly and was just 10% contained on today (28 hours later). I hear airplanes many taking off from Hollister and other airports and return to continue the process. There are also helicopters and fire engines everywhere in joining the fire fighting.
102 Deg F, Rh=15% dry hot weather Sunset within 3 hours from igniting
Today, the ashes started raining on southern part of Santa Clara County a huge command post and tent city at Christmas Hill Park in Gilroy, known for garlic festival as I have blogged several times, where 900 firefighters are now being stationed.
The wind is blown south west and the plume mushroom cloud. I calculated it is now spanning over 50 miles. San Jose Mercury News has some speculative view and evacuation videos (LOMA PRIETA FIRE). Some of the flames are 100 feet high jumping from one valley to another. According to helicopter pilots fire can jump on you below from no where. The propellers will suck up the wind and fire together. It is noted there are many inmates who signed up in fire fighting chore as many residents and their animals have been ordered to evacuate. They do more basic labor chore leaving operation to the more skillful trained firemen.
I am about 1 mile from a church reserved for evacuation. Some guests I heard are live stock. With cooler weather coming we pray that the fire will not migrant to heavily populated centers as there are more estates and those want to live on top of the ridge homes for viewing. It remains to be seen how or when the conflagrations will be contained.
Channel 7-Kristan Sze South of IBM Silicon Valley Software Sol'n(west)
Further south there is another bigger fire which started July 23 near the Big Sur. It is officially called Soberanes Fire. That fire is just 81% contained after months burning 126,323 acres of vegetation. It started as an illegal fire. So far there are 2,110 firemen involving 144 fire engines, 21 helicopters. It is hopeful may be another 10 days or so to make it a 3 month long saga call it contained. Right now I am squeezed between two fire balls!
2016 Big Sur fire map
With cooler weather coming I pray that the fire will not migrant to heavily populated centers as there are more estates and those want to live on top of the ridge for viewing. It remains to be seen how or when it will be contained.
SOURCE:
SJ Hg News Santa Clara County is on multiple fires (Silicon Valley got several fires)
Shueh, Sam How is my Silicon Valley home worth? (Silicon Valley Home Values)
Silicon Valley Real Estate July 2016 (San Jose area real estate update)
Shueh, Sam (Real EstateBlogs)
Sam Shueh Realtor
I've called San Francisco South Bay home for over 30 years. We love this area and all it has to offer, and I enjoy sharing what I know about homes. I documented in several books about Silicon Valley history. I have much expertise in real estate...please give me a call. SamshuehRealtor@gmail.com
(Four-O-Eight) 425-1601
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